Book description
Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us - A Fresh Lens on Healing
Susan Magsamen's new book, co-authored with Ivy Ross, turns a familiar idea on its head: that art is simply a form of entertainment. Instead, it argues-and backs that claim with solid science-that engaging in creative activities can lower stress hormones, boost learning and creativity, extend our lives, and even curb loneliness. The premise feels almost too good to be true, but the evidence is compelling.
What makes this read so accessible is the way Magsamen and Ross weave research findings into everyday life. They cite studies showing that a 45-minute art session can cut cortisol levels by half, while just one artistic encounter each month might add a decade to your lifespan. The book also explores how music sharpens cognitive skills, how tuning forks can calm us with sound waves, and how virtual reality offers new therapeutic possibilities. Even the suggestion that doctors prescribe museum visits for loneliness or dementia feels almost inevitable once you see the data.
The narrative is enriched by conversations with well-known artists-David Byrne, Renée Fleming-and a touch of evolutionary biology from E.O. Wilson. These voices add color without detracting from the book's core message: art is not a luxury; it's a vital part of human health and community resilience.
What I find most intriguing is the call for a cultural shift. Magsamen and Ross suggest that if we treat the arts as essential infrastructure-like schools, parks, or hospitals-we can transform public wellness on a massive scale. The book feels like a manifesto for a healthier, more connected society.
For anyone who has ever wondered whether painting or dancing really matters beyond "just having fun," this book offers an eye-opening answer. It's not only a science-backed guide but also an invitation to reimagine how we heal and thrive in everyday life.
Cross Thread
🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Winded On Friday
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Eerie
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Riff Raff
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Badger the Burglar
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Dance Bloom
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Fire Fish
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Parallax Sugar
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Toe
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
2nd Hand Joe
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. 🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚
Jetta Talent
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. 🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚
Fatsy Bear
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Homerun Diva
ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Venom Charms
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Grinch Cheese
The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Mud Finger
👀📚 Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page – this app is a bedtime dream! 😴🎧 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Pepper Prada
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
Zorkle Sporkle
ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Old Man Winter
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Highlander Monk
Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱
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