Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.
Title: Magic and Loss
Subtitle: The Internet as Art
Author: Virginia Heffernan
Narrator: Candace Thaxton, Virginia Heffernan - introduction
Format: Unabridged
Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
Language: English
Release date: 06-07-16
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 45 votes
Genres: Science & Technology, Technology
Publisher's Summary:
Just as Susan Sontag did for photography and Marshall McLuhan did for television, Virginia Heffernan (called one of the "best living writers of English prose") reveals the logic and aesthetics behind the Internet.
Since its inception, the Internet has morphed from merely an extension of traditional media into its own full-fledged civilization. It is among mankind's great masterpieces - a massive work of art. As an idea, it rivals monotheism. We all inhabit this fascinating place. But its deep logic, its cultural potential, and its societal impact often elude us.
In this deep and thoughtful book, Virginia Heffernan presents an original and far-reaching analysis of what the Internet is and does. Life online, in the highly visual, social, portable, and global incarnation, rewards certain virtues. The new medium favors speed, accuracy, wit, prolificacy, and versatility, and its form and functions are changing how we perceive, experience, and understand the world.
Members Reviews:
Thought-provoking and amusing read.
This book shines a new light on the Internet and our increasingly digital world. By virtue of her intelligent analysis of the potential this inevitable frontier holds, Heffernan challenges us to make the most of our online life, celebrate the creative and collaborative opportunities it presents, and assuage our concerns about "too much screen time" by getting out more in the real world. The Audible version is nicely read - fun to listen too. I still plan to read my hard copy, too!
A surprisingly deep story
What made the experience of listening to Magic and Loss the most enjoyable?
I thought the story was to be only about the Internet but it turned in to a very personal and wonderful story about a woman's search and resolution. My focus became more intense as the book wound down.
What other book might you compare Magic and Loss to and why?
None come to mind.
What does Candace Thaxton and Virginia Heffernan - introduction bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?
Not sure.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
As the story became a personal journal I became more involved.
Any additional comments?
No
Over the head of this technologist
Would you try another book from Virginia Heffernan and/or Candace Thaxton and Virginia Heffernan - introduction ?
Ms. Thaxton is a wonderful narrator and wouldn't hesitate to listen to her again. Ms.Heffernan has an interesting perspective that I do not share so I disagreed with her around every corner. Her journalistic accuracy and reportage is excellent and to the point, I like her voice but not her vision. I would like to read her again but will be circumspect of the material.
Would you recommend Magic and Loss to your friends? Why or why not?
Sadly not, she has a unique vision that I do not share and in large part I cannot agree. I concur with much of her story but few of her conclusions. If you understand and agree with her perspective you'll love her book.
What does Candace Thaxton and Virginia Heffernan - introduction bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?
I watched an interview with Ms Heffernan and enjoyed her conversation so much I decided to read the book.
