Book description
# A Beautiful Exploration of Belonging and Identity
A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers delivers something truly special in science fiction - a story that's both intimate and expansive, focusing on what it means to find your place in the universe.
## Finding Yourself in a Synthetic Shell
Lovelace's journey from ship AI to embodied being creates one of the most thoughtful explorations of consciousness and identity I've encountered. Chambers doesn't just tell us Lovelace is learning to be human - she shows us through small, perfect details that make the transformation feel authentic and deeply moving.
What struck me most was how the author handles the illegal status of AIs like Lovelace. Rather than turning this into a heavy dystopian narrative, Chambers focuses on the quiet resilience required to exist when the world says you shouldn't. It's science fiction that uses its premise to examine very real feelings of otherness and belonging.
## Unexpected Friendship as Anchor
The relationship between Lovelace and Pepper becomes the emotional heart of this audiobook. Their connection never feels forced or overly sentimental. Instead, Chambers builds something genuine - two characters helping each other figure out how to be who they're meant to be.
Pepper's own backstory of starting over adds layers to their friendship that feel earned rather than convenient. Together, they navigate questions that resonate far beyond their fictional circumstances.
## Why This Audiobook Works
The audiobook format serves Chambers' gentle, contemplative prose perfectly. There's something about hearing these character-driven moments unfold that makes Lovelace's journey feel even more personal and immediate.
This isn't a story that rushes toward explosive conclusions. It's science fiction that trusts its characters and trusts its readers to find meaning in quieter moments - making it perfect for listeners who appreciate thoughtful, emotionally rich storytelling.
For anyone who's ever wondered where they fit in the grand scheme of things, A Closed and Common Orbit offers gentle wisdom wrapped in a compelling sci-fi package.
Vermilion
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Dream Killer
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
Wolf Tribune
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled.
MysticMingle
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Hella Fella
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McDreamy
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Drugstore Cowboy
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Geneva Cuffs
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Devil Blade
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Fire Feline
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Manly
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience.
Black Hole Necromancer
ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Spit Turanga
Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Sokol
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§ Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Shady Prairie
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Crash Test
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Lunar Treat
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Capital F
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Tin Mutt
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Nice Gnome
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
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