Book description
A panoramic revisionist portrait of the nineteenth-century invention that is transforming the twenty-first-century world "Excellent . . . calls to mind Bill Bryson, John McPhee, Rebecca Solnit."--The New York Times Book Review (Editors' Choice) ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker The bicycle is a vestige of the Victorian era, seemingly at odds with our age of smartphones and ride-sharing apps and driverless cars. Yet we live on a bicycle planet. Across the world, more people travel by bicycle than any other form of transportation. Almost anyone can learn to ride a bike--and nearly everyone does. In Two Wheels Good, journalist and critic Jody Rosen reshapes our understanding of this ubiquitous machine, an ever-present force in humanity's life and dream life--and a flash point in culture wars--for more than two hundred years. Combining history, reportage, travelogue, and memoir, Rosen's book sweeps across centuries and around the globe, unfolding the bicycle's saga from its invention in 1817 to its present-day renaissance as a "green machine," an emblem of sustainability in a world afflicted by pandemic and climate change. Readers meet unforgettable characters: feminist rebels who steered bikes to the barricades in the 1890s, a prospector who pedaled across the frozen Yukon to join the Klondike gold rush, a Bhutanese king who races mountain bikes in the Himalayas, a cycle-rickshaw driver who navigates the seething streets of the world's fastest-growing megacity, astronauts who ride a floating bicycle in zero gravity aboard the International Space Station. Two Wheels Good examines the bicycle's past and peers into its future, challenging myths and clichés while uncovering cycling's connection to colonial conquest and the gentrification of cities. But the book is also a love letter: a reflection on the sensual and spiritual pleasures of bike riding and an ode to an engineering marvel--a wondrous vehicle whose passenger is also its engine.
VPR
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Midnight Rambler
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
Cabbie
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Apple Nola
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
RawSkills
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise.
Campfire Mama
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. 📚👌 ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Gentle Avenger
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze.
Snow Pharaoh
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Flakes
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine.
Racy Babe
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Knock Out Star
ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Mental
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Manly Reno
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Referee
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
Sexual Chocolate
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Shadow Bishop
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone.
Fuzzy Rainbow
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖
Sherm
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Vagabond Warrior
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Liquid Death
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧 Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. 🎉🎧 The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
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