Accidental Inventions that Changed Our World
50 True Stories of Mistakes that Actually Worked and Their Origins
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Accidental Inventions that Changed Our World
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Narrated by:
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KC Wayman
About this listen
Discover some of the world's most incredible inventions that were—surprisingly—made by accident.
Have you ever wondered how some of the most popular items that we see and use in our daily lives were made?
Would you be surprised to know that some of these inventions were made by mistake, only to become widely-used and beloved products?
When we think of accidents or mistakes, we automatically think of failure–that you need to throw everything out and start over from scratch, or maybe just give up.
Well, these inventors and creators proved that notion wrong!
In fact, they became the definition of “if you make a mistake, learn from it and adapt yourself to the new situation.”
It’s time to go on an adventure to discover the accidental origin stories behind some of the world’s most popular objects.
In this exciting discovery of accidents, you will discover:
- Fifty of the most popular inventions out there and the true stories behind how they were accidentally created
- A blast from the past–childhood toys that started out as serious objects before turning into the fun toys you remember so well
- The mishap at sea that led to the creation of the hole-centered donut
- Lifesaving medications that you might use every day that were created for totally different purposes
- How a failed invention for a strong adhesive eventually gave rise to this popular office supply
- Objects and appliances around your home that you wouldn’t believe were intended for other uses
- And much more.
These stories will show you that mistakes and failures don’t have to mean the end of your dream. In fact, they could just be the beginning.
Be inspired to turn your mistakes into successes and find the potential behind every accident.
When accidents happen, get curious, not furious: Scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now.
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 121
Like many people, Beth Terry didn't think an individual could have much impact on the environment. But while laid up after surgery, she read an article about the staggering amount of plastic polluting the oceans and decided then and there to kick her plastic habit. Now she wants to teach you how you can too.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great book!
- By JJ on 07-04-18
By: Beth Terry
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How to Invent Everything
- A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler
- By: Ryan North
- Narrated by: Ryan North
- Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 430
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 365
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 364
What would you do if a time machine hurled you thousands of years into the past...and then broke? How would you survive? With this book as your guide, you'll survive - and thrive - in any period in Earth's history. Best-selling author and time-travel enthusiast Ryan North tells you how to invent all the modern conveniences we take for granted - from first principles. This manual contains all the science, engineering, art, philosophy, facts, and figures required for even the most clueless time traveler to build a civilization from the ground up.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Get the book
- By Tim McNerney on 11-26-18
By: Ryan North
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Consider the Fork
- A History of How We Cook and Eat
- By: Bee Wilson
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,396
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,217
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,212
Since prehistory, humans have braved the business ends of knives, scrapers, and mashers, all in the name of creating something delicious - or at least edible. In Consider the Fork, award-winning food writer and historian Bee Wilson traces the ancient lineage of our modern culinary tools, revealing the startling history of objects we often take for granted. Charting the evolution of technologies from the knife and fork to the gas range and the sous-vide cooker, Wilson offers unprecedented insights.
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5 out of 5 stars
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For the foodie/science geek/history buff in you
- By Nothing really matters on 08-30-14
By: Bee Wilson
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Proof
- The Science of Booze
- By: Adam Rogers
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,568
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,385
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,378
In Proof, Adam Rogers reveals alcohol as a miracle of science, going deep into the pleasures of making and drinking booze—and the effects of the latter. The people who make and sell alcohol may talk about history and tradition, but alcohol production is really powered by physics, molecular biology, organic chemistry, and a bit of metallurgy—and our taste for those products is a melding of psychology and neurobiology.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Great listening to all about booze
- By Atila on 08-02-14
By: Adam Rogers
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Pandora's Lunchbox
- How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal
- By: Melanie Warner
- Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee
- Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 142
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 131
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 129
If a piece of individually wrapped cheese retains its shape, color, and texture for years, what does it say about the food we eat and feed our children? Former New York Times reporter and mother Melanie Warner decided to explore that question when she observed the phenomenon of the indestructible cheese. She began an investigative journey that takes her to research labs, food science departments, and factories around the country. What she discovered provides a rare, eye-opening - and sometimes disturbing - account of what we're really eating.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Interesting.
- By Dr. Jeff McCombs, DC on 10-01-13
By: Melanie Warner
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Zero Waste Home
- The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste
- By: Bea Johnson
- Narrated by: Henrietta Meire
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 260
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 225
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 223
In Zero Waste Home, Bea Johnson shares the story of how she simplified her life by reducing her waste. Today, Bea, her husband, Scott, and their two young sons produce just one quart of garbage a year, and their overall quality of life has changed for the better. They now have more time together, they've cut their annual spending by a remarkable 40 percent, and they are healthier than they've ever been.
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2 out of 5 stars
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Not so modest living.
- By Anonymous User on 10-02-18
By: Bea Johnson
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Short Course in Beer
- An Introduction to Tasting and Talking About the World's Most Civilized Beverage
- By: Lynn Hoffman
- Narrated by: Adam Verner
- Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 87
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 77
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Story3.5 out of 5 stars 77
Straightforward and opinionated, Short Course in Beer is designed to turn the novice beer lover into an expert imbiber and the casual drinker into an enthusiast. Readers will come to understand the beauty of beer and the sources of its flavor, as well as learn which beers are worth our time and which are not. With tongue in cheek, the author examines beer's historical connections to the Crusades, the Hundred Years' War, and modern-day soccer riots. He talks frankly (and joyfully) about the effects of alcohol on the body and brain, he defends beer from its enemies, and ushers it out of the frat house and into the dining room.
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3 out of 5 stars
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An Ok Beer Book
- By AppleCedAR on 10-21-13
By: Lynn Hoffman
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The Joy of Sweat
- The Strange Science of Perspiration
- By: Sarah Everts
- Narrated by: Sophie Amoss
- Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 94
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 80
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 80
Sweating may be one of our weirdest biological functions, but it’s also one of our most vital and least understood. In The Joy of Sweat, Sarah Everts delves into its role in the body - and in human history. Everts’ entertaining investigation takes listeners around the world - from Moscow, where she participates in a dating event in which people sniff sweat in search of love, to New Jersey, where companies hire trained armpit sniffers to assess the efficacy of their anti-sweat products. Along the way, Everts traces humanity’s long quest to control sweat.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Quirky topic, but engaging
- By K. Bachelor on 05-02-22
By: Sarah Everts
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A Woman's Guide to Cannabis
- Using Marijuana to Feel Better, Look Better, Sleep Better - and Get High Like a Lady
- By: Nikki Furrer
- Narrated by: Donna Postel
- Length: 4 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 392
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 334
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 332
Women of all ages are using cannabis to feel and look better. For rookies and experienced marijuana users alike, this lively, information-filled audiobook is just the supportive guide you need to find the right dose to relieve anxiety, depression, and inflammation, and mitigate the onset of dementia and other signs of aging. Plus boost moods, ease aches, even lose weight, and get restful sleep. And a dose just for fun? Well, that works, too!
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1 out of 5 stars
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DO NOT BUY
- By Amazon Customer on 06-28-21
By: Nikki Furrer
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Who Was Milton Hershey?
- Who Was...?
- By: James Buckley Jr.
- Narrated by: Vikas Adam
- Length: 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 45
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 32
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Story5 out of 5 stars 32
Discover the man behind the chocolate bar! Milton Hershey’s life was filled with invention and innovation. As a young man, he was not afraid to dream big and work hard. Eventually, he learned the secret to mass-producing milk chocolate and the recipe that gave it a longer, more stable shelf life. He founded a school for those who didn’t have access to a good education and an entire town for his employees. Both his chocolate empire and his great personal legacy live on today.
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4 out of 5 stars
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I like it
- By Beverly Tramble on 12-03-22
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The Radioactive Boy Scout
- The Frightening True Story of a Whiz Kid and His Homemade Nuclear Reactor
- By: Ken Silverstein
- Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 48
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 45
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Story4 out of 5 stars 45
Growing up in suburban Detroit, David Hahn was fascinated by science. While he was working on his Atomic Energy badge for the Boy Scouts, David's obsessive attention turned to nuclear energy. Throwing caution to the wind, he plunged into a new project: building a model nuclear reactor in his backyard garden shed. Posing as a physics professor, David solicited information on reactor design from the US government and from industry experts. Following blueprints he found in an outdated physics textbook, David cobbled together a crude device that threw off toxic levels of radiation.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting story
- By Kevin Gunter on 07-16-19
By: Ken Silverstein
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Unprocessed
- My City-Dwelling Year of Reclaiming Real Food
- By: Megan Kimble
- Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen
- Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 34
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 29
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Story5 out of 5 stars 29
In January of 2012, Megan Kimble was a 26-year-old living in a small apartment without even a garden plot to her name. But she cared about where food came from, how it was made, and what it did to her body: so she decided to go an entire year without eating processed foods. Unprocessed is the narrative of Megan's extraordinary year, in which she milled wheat, extracted salt from the sea, milked a goat, slaughtered a sheep, and more - all while earning an income that fell well below the federal poverty line.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Very insightful
- By Anonymous User on 01-10-21
By: Megan Kimble
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The Sawbones Book
- The Horrifying, Hilarious Road to Modern Medicine
- By: Justin McElroy, Dr. Sydnee McElroy
- Narrated by: Justin McElroy, Dr. Sydnee McElroy
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 1,863
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 1,684
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,672
Wondering whether eating powdered mummies might be just the thing to cure your ills? Tempted by those vintage ads suggesting you wear radioactive underpants for virility? Ever considered drilling a hole in your head to deal with those pesky headaches? Probably not. But for thousands of years, people have done things like this - and things that make radioactive underpants seem downright sensible! In their hit podcast, Sawbones, Sydnee and Justin McElroy breakdown the weird and wonderful way we got to modern healthcare. And some of the terrifying detours along the way.
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2 out of 5 stars
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Close but no cigar . . .
- By Amanda Buffkin on 12-22-18
By: Justin McElroy, and others
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Gulp
- Adventures on the Alimentary Canal
- By: Mary Roach
- Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
- Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 3,922
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3,464
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Story4 out of 5 stars 3,469
Best-selling author Mary Roach returns with a new adventure to the invisible realm we carry around inside. Roach takes us down the hatch on an unforgettable tour. The alimentary canal is classic Mary Roach terrain: The questions explored in Gulp are as taboo, in their way, as the cadavers in Stiff and every bit as surreal as the universe of zero gravity explored in Packing for Mars. Why is crunchy food so appealing? Why is it so hard to find words for flavors and smells? Why doesn’t the stomach digest itself? How much can you eat before your stomach bursts?
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3 out of 5 stars
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Funtastic Voyage
- By Mel on 04-05-13
By: Mary Roach
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The Second Book of General Ignorance
- Everything You Think You Know Is (Still) Wrong
- By: John Lloyd, John Mitchinson
- Narrated by: Julian Elfer
- Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 116
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 90
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 89
Just when you thought that it was safe to start showing off again, John Lloyd and John Mitchinson are back with another busload of mistakes and misunderstandings. Here is a new collection of simple, perfectly obvious questions you'll be quite certain you know the answers to. Whether it's history, science, sports, geography, literature, language, medicine, the classics, or common wisdom, you'll be astonished to discover that everything you thought you knew is still hopelessly wrong.
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5 out of 5 stars
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It's all stuff from QI
- By Bonnie Kennedy on 04-07-21
By: John Lloyd, and others
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Infused
- Adventures in Tea
- By: Henrietta Lovell
- Narrated by: Henrietta Lovell
- Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 58
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 52
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 52
Henrietta Lovell is on a mission to revolutionize the way we drink tea by replacing industrially produced teabags with the highest quality tea leaves. Infused invites us to discover these remarkable places, introducing us to the individual growers and household-name chefs Lovell has met along the way - and reveals the true pleasures of tea. The result is a delicious infusion of travel writing, memoir, and recipes, all written with Lovell's unique charm and wit.
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5 out of 5 stars
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I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite tea but this is definitely my favorite book on the topic of tea!
- By Mindful Tea Queen on 05-15-21
By: Henrietta Lovell
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Whiskey Distilled
- A Populist Guide to the Water of Life
- By: Heather Greene
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 175
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 157
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 156
In this lively and authoritative guide, Greene teaches listeners about whiskey and encourages them to make their own evaluations. Peppered with wry anecdotes drawn from her unusual life - and including recipes for delicious cocktails by some of today's most celebrated mixologists - Whiskey Distilled will be enthusiastically greeted by the whiskey curious as well as by journeymen whiskey drinkers thirsty to learn more about their beloved tipple.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Buy the hard copy, skip the audio!
- By P Boz on 08-20-15
By: Heather Greene
What listeners say about Accidental Inventions that Changed Our World
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- G Flickinger
- 03-06-24
Fun read!
"Accidental Inventions that Changed Our World" is a fantastic find for parents looking to teach their kids the value of mistakes. Filled with stories of accidental inventions that changed the world, it's a great way to show that not all errors are negative. It's become a favorite for car rides, sparking interesting conversations and helping us all see the potential in our blunders. An enlightening and enjoyable listen that has shifted our view on mistakes. Plus, it's packed with fun and surprising facts about inventions like chocolate chip cookies and popsicles, making it a delightful and educational experience.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Gerald
- 03-14-24
Cool Facts to Know
This book explores 50 true-to-life accidental inventions recorded in history. I found listening to this audiobook fascinating. I was left in awe by the little-known yet intriguing facts about some of the most useful inventions that were created by accident. This book made me realize that mistakes aren't always bad; they can lead to something useful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brooke Clegg
- 03-03-24
A fun look at mind blowing inventions that I took for granted
This was such fun read!!! It was education and surprisingly shocking all that was invented by accident. The world would not be the same without all these items. I loved the one about the chocolate chip cookie, who know that was an accident! Then come is made from an ingredient similar to cocaine! No wonder it's additive! The popsicle, petroleum jelly, the slinky, and much more! I had to keep listening it was so much fun.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- KelliG
- 03-04-24
Wow, such fun information
Wow, this book is an enlightening and enjoyable read that not only educates readers about the history of various inventions but also talks about important life lessons about adaptability, perseverance, and the hidden potential in what may initially appear as failure. Whether you're an aspiring inventor, a history enthusiast, or someone looking for a little inspiration to turn your own mistakes into successes, this book offers a wealth of insights and encouragement to find the opportunity in every accident.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 03-18-24
Great audiobook.
Wow, what a great and informative book full of knowledge and wows! I listened to this book, and believe me, I really enjoyed it. It covers the inventions of common things that we use in our daily lives but still don't know about. This book is not just for adults but for children too. Its engaging narrative and fascinating insights make it a perfect learning tool for young minds. I will recommend this to my niece and nephews so that they can gain more amazing knowledge and broaden their horizons.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- L Matuska
- 03-20-24
Innovative Mistakes
Prepare to be amazed by "Accidental Inventions that Changed Our World." This audiobook offers a compelling glimpse into the world of innovation, highlighting the role of serendipity and chance in shaping our modern lives. Through a series of captivating narratives, the author explores how some of the most revolutionary inventions of our time were born out of mistakes, mishaps, and unexpected discoveries. From the invention of the microwave oven to the creation of Coca-Cola, each story is a testament to the power of curiosity and perseverance. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply intrigued by the mysteries of invention, this audiobook is a must-listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kevin Almiron
- 04-11-24
Insane facts
Who would you tell that many of the inventions that we take for granted today were accidental or just straight up mistakes. Very good entertaining and interesting book that opens your high into a lot of things.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- brett comeau
- 02-27-24
The inventions that made the world, have crazy stories
When you look at our modern world have you ever stopped to think about how we got here? This book will show you the history of our modern world. There are some amazing stories.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- ItsMeMarco
- 02-29-24
Embrace the Unexpected, It Could Change the World
As a dad, I'm always looking for stories to inspire my kids that it's okay to mess up because it's all part of learning. This audiobook was a gold mine of such stories. Listening to tales of accidental inventions that shaped our world, I found the perfect examples to show my kids that not all mistakes are bad. Some can lead to amazing discoveries. It's become our car ride favorite, sparking endless "what if" conversations and teaching us all to see the potential in our blunders. A truly enlightening listen that has changed our perspective on mistakes.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Helen Williams
- 03-15-24
What a fun delight!
This short book shows the true stories of mistakes that actually worked and their origins. Each story is a testament to the unpredictable. Nature of innovation showing that mistakes aren’t just obstacles, but opportunities to learn and adapt. This is a must read for anyone who loves to discover the quirky and unexpected paths that lead to innovation.
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