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.
Pixie Soldier
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Esquire
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
Master Jetson
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable.
Widow Curio
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π
Flint Cast-Iron
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Lincoln Rider
Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π
Impulsive Flower
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel.
Pexxious
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ«
RealmRanger
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Jelly Camber
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Swedish Pixie
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨
Osprey
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Athens Fire
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem.
Racy Lion
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Pinball Esq
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
Scrapper
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
Double Eerie
ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Plegasus
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Bowie
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation.
Jungle King
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces.
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