Book description
The instant New York Times bestseller A Washington Post Notable Book One of NPR's Best Books of the Year "Expert storytelling . . . [Pollan] masterfully elevates a series of big questions about drugs, plants and humans that are likely to leave readers thinking in new ways." --New York Times Book Review From #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan, a radical challenge to how we think about drugs, and an exploration into the powerful human attraction to psychoactive plants--and the equally powerful taboos. Of all the things humans rely on plants for--sustenance, beauty, medicine, fragrance, flavor, fiber--surely the most curious is our use of them to change consciousness: to stimulate or calm, fiddle with or completely alter, the qualities of our mental experience. Take coffee and tea: People around the world rely on caffeine to sharpen their minds. But we do not usually think of caffeine as a drug, or our daily use as an addiction, because it is legal and socially acceptable. So, then, what is a "drug"? And why, for example, is making tea from the leaves of a tea plant acceptable, but making tea from a seed head of an opium poppy a federal crime? In This Is Your Mind on Plants, Michael Pollan dives deep into three plant drugs--opium, caffeine, and mescaline--and throws the fundamental strangeness, and arbitrariness, of our thinking about them into sharp relief. Exploring and participating in the cultures that have grown up around these drugs while consuming (or, in the case of caffeine, trying not to consume) them, Pollan reckons with the powerful human attraction to psychoactive plants. Why do we go to such great lengths to seek these shifts in consciousness, and then why do we fence that universal desire with laws and customs and fraught feelings? In this unique blend of history, science, and memoir, as well as participatory journalism, Pollan examines and experiences these plants from several very different angles and contexts, and shines a fresh light on a subject that is all too often treated reductively--as a drug, whether licit or illicit. But that is one of the least interesting things you can say about these plants, Pollan shows, for when we take them into our bodies and let them change our minds, we are engaging with nature in one of the most profound ways we can. Based in part on an essay published almost twenty-five years ago, this groundbreaking and singular consideration of psychoactive plants, and our attraction to them through time, holds up a mirror to our fundamental human needs and aspirations, the operations of our minds, and our entanglement with the natural world.
NecroBull
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Unseen
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Freesia
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Whip Chu
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits.
PixelPioneer
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
ByteBard
π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story.
Teeder
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Tall Honey
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Hex Panther
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Speedwell
π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Shadow Chaser
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
Twin Blaze
I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Fire Feline
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Flash Protein
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Dove Dolce
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π
Stealth
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
TulipCake
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Winter Underdog
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine.
Daisy Stick
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
ManMaker
Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience