Play Audiobook Sample
Brain Wave Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.01) - 747 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
From the multiple Hugo and Nebula award–winning author: "A panoramic story of what happens to a world gone super intelligent" (Astounding Science Fiction).
With "wonderfully logical detail . . . exciting storytelling and moving characterization" (Anthony Boucher), science fiction master Poul Anderson explores what happens when the next stage of evolution is thrust upon humanity and animals. As Earth passes out of a magnetic field that has suppressed intelligence for eons, the mental capacity for all mammals increases exponentially, radically changing the structures of society.
A mentally impaired farm worker finds himself capable of more delicate and intelligent thoughts than he ever dreamed. A young boy on holiday manages to discern the foundations of calculus before breakfast. Animals that were seen as livestock and pets can now communicate clearly with their owners and one another. And an already brilliant physics researcher now uses his boundless intellect to bring humankind to the stars—even as his wife plunges into an existential crisis. For all of them, the world will never be the same . . .
Download and start listening now!
"What if ... everyone suddenly became smarter?That's the question behind this book, and the answer is very interesting. I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick read, and even though it was written in the '50s, it didn't feel dated at all. "
— Athryn (5 out of 5 stars)
Brain Wave Listener Reviews
-
" Pipe-smoking intelligent and yet filled with sensational twists. Loved it. (And the edition is great too.) "
— Edgar, 11/29/2013 -
" The solar system passes through an area in space which increases the intelligence of all living creatures. "
— Frank, 10/12/2013 -
" So I read this dinosaur of sci fi because Terry had it kicking around. Interesting premise, really dated depictions of women. The ending was rushed. Not a book I'll reread. "
— Stephanie, 1/7/2013 -
" Interesting thought experiment about what would happen to society if suddenly everyone got a whole lot smarter "
— Molly, 12/4/2012 -
" The idea is very interesting. I got quickly into the story, only to be somewhat disappointed. I get the impression that the author was all enthusiastic in the beginning, and then lost interest and finished quickly. The end felt like a short story, with no real development. "
— Kajin, 2/17/2012 -
" I like the premise and would be interested in reading further treatments, but I couldn't get past the pessimistic direction, even after calmly setting aside the science. "
— Becky, 10/24/2011 -
" A very good book. It's pity, it didn't evolve into something bigger that would allow to explore more possibilities. "
— Genady, 8/28/2011 -
" Some interesting theories on the asymptotic limits of intelligence (advancing ourselves out of evolving), and on the inverse relationship between intelligence and happiness (man's quest for purpose, etc.). "
— Ladan, 6/6/2011 -
" this is an extremely unique piece science fiction, really is nothing else like it... it's also short and sweet something like 200 pages but well worth an afternoon to get through. "
— Lucas, 3/28/2010 -
" The idea is very interesting. I got quickly into the story, only to be somewhat disappointed. I get the impression that the author was all enthusiastic in the beginning, and then lost interest and finished quickly. The end felt like a short story, with no real development. <br/> <br/> "
— Kajin, 3/27/2010 -
" The solar system passes through an area in space which increases the intelligence of all living creatures. <br/> "
— Frank, 9/10/2009 -
" Interesting thought experiment about what would happen to society if suddenly everyone got a whole lot smarter "
— Molly, 5/26/2009
About Poul Anderson
Poul Anderson (1926–2001) was one of the most prolific and popular writers in science fiction. He won the Hugo Award seven times and the Nebula Award three times, as well as many other awards, including the Grand Master Award of the Science Fiction Writers of America for a lifetime of distinguished achievement. With a degree in physics and a wide knowledge of other fields of science, he was noted for building stories on a solid foundation of real science, as well as for being one of the most skilled creators of fast-paced adventure stories. He was author of over one hundred novels and story collections, several hundred short stories, and several mysteries and nonfiction books.
About Daniel May
Daniel Thomas May is a native of Atlanta. For 15 years May focused his work on stage, both in Atlanta and across the country, but in the past 2 years May has turned his talent to the screen, with roles on the Walking Dead, The Vampire Diaries, Drop Dead Diva, and a number of commercials and independent film projects.