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.
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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