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.
ThoughtTracer
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Irish Dze
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
RedFisher
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³
Bones
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively.
Swerve
π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey.
Little Drunk Girl
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Saturnalia
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives.
Dr. WMD
I'm hooked on this app β it's like Netflix for book lovers! The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π
Master Jetson
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true winner.
Apple Nola
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app.
The Belgian
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ
TeederSmartie
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have!
Swedish Twizz
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Wooden Man
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
Wrangler Jim
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality.
Celtic Charger
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver!
FearLeSS
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Doll Champagne
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Most Wanted
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings.
NightWonka
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts.
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