Audiobook The Observable Universe by Heather McCalden in the ListenBook app
Want to listen to the audiobook The Observable Universe written by Heather McCalden
ListenBook is here to help!
In ListenBook you can listen The Observable Universe and any other audiobooks you download from the internet.
ListenBook is the easiest and most convenient app for listening to audiobooks
in MP3, MP4, OPUS, OGG, FLAC, AWB, M4B, M4A, WMA, AAC formats
on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad!
Book description
Are we ever truly lost in the internet age? The Observable Universe is a moving, genre-defying memoir of a woman reckoning with the loss of her parents, the virus that took them, and what it means to search for meaning in a hyperconnected world. When she was a child, Heather McCalden lost her parents to AIDS. She was seven when her father died and ten when she lost her mother. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 1990s, her personal devastation was mirrored by a city that was ground zero for the virus and its destruction. Years later, after becoming a writer and an artist, she begins to research the mysterious parallels between the histories of AIDS and the internet. She questions what it means to 'go viral' in an era of explosive biological and virtual contagion and simultaneously finds her own past seeping into her investigation. While connecting her disparate strands of research - images, fragments of scientific thought, musings on Raymond Chandler and late-night Netflix binges - she makes an unexpected discovery about what happened to her family and who her parents might have been. Entwining an intensely personal search with a history of viral culture and an ode to Los Angeles, The Observable Universe is a prismatic account of loss calibrated precisely to our existence in a post-pandemic, post-internet life.'A gifted writer's brilliantly innovative approach to autobiographical non-fiction, syncing a narrative of profoundly personal emotion with the invention and evolution of today's cyberspace.'- William Gibson, author of Neuromancer'Part meditation on loss, AIDS, and viral transmission, part howl of grief and fury, The Observable Universe spells out better than anything else I've read the transformative power of the internet. It felt like Maggie Nelson's The Red Parts meets Jia Tolentino's Trick Mirror, and is easily the equal of both.'- Gavin Francis, author of Adventures in Human Being'It isn't pain itself that inspires great art; it's the frenzied avoidance of pain that pushes an artist to do something, anything, other than feel pain. This book is what arises from that practice: the artifact of one writer's solitary, complicated grief. With every carefully, thoughtfully written page, one feels the unwritten grief thudding behind it, beautiful and monstrous. And in the end there's no true story, no solution to the mystery, no final coherence. But there is this marvelous book.'- Sarah Manguso, author of 300 Arguments'An extraordinarily intimate record of grief in connected times, The Observable Universe is poetic and precise, tracing the spiralling connections, but also the empty spaces, the mysteries and emotional complexities the past leaves behind. This book is haunted, and will haunt its reader, too.'- Roisin Kiberd, author of The Disconnect'How is it possible to fit the whole universe in a book? Heather McCalden has miraculously combined far-flung ideas and stories to show the interconnectedness of all things. Bodies and technologies, selves and societies, histories and futures, memories and speculations - McCalden reaches far and wide, and brings it all home. This book is brave and unique.'- Elvia Wilk, author of Death By Landscape'Heather McCalden's The Observable Universe exquisitely undoes our concepts of illness, attachment, and entanglement. This book is not about HIV/AIDS, or about loss: it is born of them both, and so made of them. McCalden asks: if a virus is part of us, is it separate from us? When people die, are they still inside us? Strands of obsession, contagion, and radical inquiry braid together into lyrical meaning, without ever settling into moralistic conclusions or assessments. This book is explosive and profound, unusual and timeless. I believe deeply in the beautiful work it's doing.'- Cyrus Dunham, author of A Year Without a Name'The Observable Universe both soars and tunnels, a feat of kaleidoscopically structured thought that moves with the glowing force of McCalden's voice. It flew me around the world, drove me through my favorite city. It is a smart, supple, nuanced companion through the twinnings of grief and growth, and the ways we forge our lives not despite these, but because of them.'- Johanna Hedva, author of Your Love Is Not Good'Heather McCalden has constructed a masterful debut - it is a work of confident craft, razorwire wit, and unflinching courage. This meditation on virality (in the body and on the internet) as the central metaphor of our time is canny cultural analysis all mixed up with devastating personal investigation. Mixed-up is its central formal feature, in the best way: The Observable Universe is a mixed tape, a photo album, an archive of what's lost and what's left and the fragmented work of sifting through it all for a story we can live with. May this be the first of many books by McCalden.'- Jordan Kisner, author of Thin Places'A remarkable book.'- Noreen Masud, author of A Flat Place'What does it mean to lose two parents to AIDS, to inherit a load of heartbreak? What forms can we invent to write unruly, keening, immoderate subjects? This book is catchy, a contagion of feeling, transmitting in all directions from McCalden's taut and ghost-ridden mind. Its effects are sly and accretive. Beautifully researched and achingly tender, The Observable Universe filled me with awe.'- Kyo Maclear, author of Unearthing'Last night I dreamt I was Heather McCalden again. Which is nothing to be wondered at, when she has written a book which, just like the phenomena it seeks to record - viruses, grief, the internet - has the power to stealthily spread through and reconfigure perception and sensation, shape our experience. But is also very much to be wondered at, because I'm not sure how she does it: like the photo album that The Observable Universe is modelled on, the effect is immersive and cumulative, and seems to defy any sweeping understanding. It strips us of intellectual hubris, returns us to a place of awed humility. Maybe the only thing we can, and should, observe is that this book is like no other.'- Polly Barton, author of Porn: An Oral History
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. 🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! 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.
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift.
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features.
ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
💡 Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine – this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 📱📖 Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience.
This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. 🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. 📚🔥 Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move.
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings.
⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧 Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive.
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Trusted by over 100,000 users across the globe
What is ListenBook?
Why ListenBook?
How does it work?
1
Download audiobooks from any site in any of the supported formats.
2
Add audiobooks to the app using any of the many download methods available.
3
Listen to audiobooks by controlling playback from your phone, headphones, Apple Watch or CarPlay.
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
App for those who love audiobooks
ListenBook has the features you need no matter what you are listening to
Listening to fiction
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
Listening to audio lectures
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
Every day, thousands of people download ListenBook to listen to audiobooks.
Now it's your turn to listen to audiobooks without distraction!
