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.
ThoughtTraveler
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. π±π ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection.
Lady Fantastic
The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
Captain Peroxide
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life.
Intimidating Presence
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Roadblock
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air.
Muzish
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Gothic Gucci
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Wheels
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Overrun
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Soiled Dove
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Fire Queen
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Wiccan Trouble
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues!
Trick Baron
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Ladybird
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's design is user-centric. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§
Knock Out Star
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
Marbles
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
Jelly Camber
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ
Father Abbot
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Father Abbot
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ
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