MAGIC AND LOSS The Internet as Art

Heffernan explores the internet as if it were a literary novel, accentuating the ways in which new meaning and ways of life are represented while also critiquing some of the changes it has wrought. Though Heffernan's narration of the introduction is enjoyable, the audiobook is much better as delivered by Candace Thaxton. Heffernan's delivery is too languid and tepid. Thaxton, on the other hand, balances the right amounts of fascination and reflection through the deft use of tone, emphasis, and deliberation. She communicates the work in a way that would have listeners believe she understands it better than the author. Her confidence and energy allow listeners to trust in this curious romp through apps, games, ebooks, and the many other digital phenomena of our lives. L.E. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2016]