November 8, 2019
Space oddity isn’t just a David Bowie song
Faithful Weekly Sound Off readers will recall we’ve marveled over interstellar water bears and a Martian phenomenon that could be best described asspace farts,but new findings from the latest Voyager 2 expedition have us 🤯. To quote the headline on a National Geographic article reporting on the mission’s findings: space is
even weirderthan we thought. The language of the report requires at least a college-level understanding of physics and astronomy (
heliopauses,anyone?), but suffice to say Voyager 2 has led to more questions than answers.
Back here on earth...
Also in the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction category this week, an 11-year-old girl in Zimbabwe turned into a combination of Arya Stark and Hermione Granger as she rescued her friend from a crocodile by jumping on it and gouging at its eyes. Yes, she dug her fingers into a crocodile’s eyes until it let go of her friend. That act of heroism might have gotten her a chat with the Crocodile Hunter but definitely should earn her a place among the pantheon of rebel girls. #girlpowerThe generational divide at its pithiest
The phraseOK, boomerhit the radar of even the more aged among us recently, when the New York Times reported on Gen Z’s default retort to older generations who just don’t get it. But for those still wondering how to use it in context, a 25-year-old New Zealand politician gamely stepped up to the mic—silencing a heckler with a devastating deployment of the viral insult. As for us, we’re diving back into Gretchen McCulloch’s Because Internet to turn our hurt feelings into optimism about how linguistic creativity is flourishing in the digital age.
....and at its most time-crunched
We had a lively debate the other day about a new plan from Senator Kamala Harris that tackles the schoolday/workday discrepancy by lengthening school hours to match common business hours. While many of us see the merit of the plan—which would especially benefit lower-income families whose heads of household often work long or erratic hours—Editor Katie wondered if the better idea would be to flip it and match the workday to the school day. After all, Microsoft recently tested a 4-day work week in Japan and saw a 40% increase in productivity. Maybe there's no need to be as extreme as Tim Ferriss, whose 4-hour workweek has been inspiring slackers for more than a decade, but we have no doubt that some adjustments could be broadly beneficial to all people (including parents!).Other notable clickables:
One Audible editor—and self-professed true crime obsessive—chatted with some heavy hitters about the difference betweenbadand
goodtrue crime...Bill Gates wants every new hire to read (or listen to!) these two books...Since Lucasfilm was acquired by Disney, it has made movies exclusively about Star Wars and Indiana Jones. That’s all about to change with Children of Blood and Bone...We might be biased since Audible HQ is just a few doors down, but isn’t it awesome that Philip Roth left $2 million to the Newark Public Library??...When Zora asked
why hasn’t Harriet Wilson, the first black female novelist, been given her due?,we added this to our TBLT lists stat...The great 20th century novelist Ernest Gaines has passed away in Louisiana at 86 years old. )
Titles in This Edition
-
A Game of Thrones
- A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1
- By: George R.R. Martin
- Narrated by: Roy Dotrice
- Length: 33 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse - unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances....
-
-
Terrible editing, though...
- By Kristie on 05-09-13
-
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Jim Dale
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
-
-
A great reading of the wrong book
- By P on 11-24-15
-
The Last Crocodile Hunter
- By: Bob Irwin, Amanda French
- Narrated by: David Tredinnick
- Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bob Irwin's extraordinary life as a wildlife pioneer, father to wildlife warrior Steve and founder of Australia Zoo, told in his own words. Bob Irwin grew up in the Dandenong Ranges, where his passion for wildlife was born. A near-death experience while working as a plumber made Bob realise he needed to follow his dreams, so he and his wife, Lyn, moved their young family to Queensland, where they opened a wildlife park on the Sunshine Coast. The Irwin children grew up in around the Beerwah Reptile and Wildlife Park....
-
-
Great story!
- By Amazon Customer on 01-06-22
-
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
- By: Elena Favilli, Francesca Cavallo
- Narrated by: Alicia Keys, Ashley Judd, Danai Gurira, and others
- Length: 3 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The beloved New York Times best sellers and Kickstarter crowdfunding sensations are available on audio for the first time, read by a star-studded fierce female cast including Alicia Keys, Ashley Judd, Danai Gurira, Esperanza Spalding, Janeane Garofalo, Mozhan Marnò Grave, Phillipa Soo, Rowan Blanchard, and Samira Wiley!
-
-
Bravo!!!
- By Account Holder on 08-07-18
-
Pale Blue Dot
- A Vision of the Human Future in Space
- By: Carl Sagan
- Narrated by: Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Cosmos, the late astronomer Carl Sagan cast his gaze over the magnificent mystery of the Universe and made it accessible to millions of people around the world. Now in this stunning sequel, Carl Sagan completes his revolutionary journey through space and time.
-
-
Audio Quality Choices
- By JR on 05-30-17
-
Because Internet
- Understanding the New Rules of Language
- By: Gretchen McCulloch
- Narrated by: Gretchen McCulloch
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Because Internet is for anyone who's ever puzzled over how to punctuate a text message or wondered where memes come from. It's the perfect book for understanding how the internet is changing the English language, why that's a good thing, and what our online interactions reveal about who we are.
-
-
Why Do Authors Insist on Reading Their Own Books?
- By Ross Bennett on 08-20-19
-
The Truths We Hold
- An American Journey
- By: Kamala Harris
- Narrated by: Kamala Harris
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The daughter of immigrants and civil rights activists, Vice President Kamala Harris was raised in an Oakland, California, community that cared deeply about social justice. As she rose to prominence as one of the political leaders of our time, her experiences would become her guiding light as she grappled with an array of complex issues and learned to bring a voice to the voiceless. In The Truths We Hold, she reckons with the big challenges we face together.
-
-
Great content, read if possible
- By TCamp72 on 03-07-19
-
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich (Expanded and Updated)
- By: Timothy Ferriss
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 13 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This expanded edition includes dozens of practical tips and case studies from readers who have doubled their income, overcome common sticking points, and reinvented themselves using the original book. Also included are templates for eliminating email and negotiating with bosses and clients, how to apply lifestyle principles in unpredictable economic times, and the latest tools, tricks, and shortcuts for living like a diplomat or millionaire without being either.
-
-
Read with discernment
- By onlineshoppinggeek on 07-11-11
-
The Starless Sea
- A Novel
- By: Erin Morgenstern
- Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman, full cast
- Length: 18 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues - a bee, a key, and a sword.
-
-
Just couldn't make it
- By Richard E. on 11-23-19
-
A Game of Thrones
- A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1
- By: George R.R. Martin
- Narrated by: Roy Dotrice
- Length: 33 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse - unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances....
-
-
Terrible editing, though...
- By Kristie on 05-09-13
-
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Jim Dale
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
-
-
A great reading of the wrong book
- By P on 11-24-15
-
The Last Crocodile Hunter
- By: Bob Irwin, Amanda French
- Narrated by: David Tredinnick
- Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bob Irwin's extraordinary life as a wildlife pioneer, father to wildlife warrior Steve and founder of Australia Zoo, told in his own words. Bob Irwin grew up in the Dandenong Ranges, where his passion for wildlife was born. A near-death experience while working as a plumber made Bob realise he needed to follow his dreams, so he and his wife, Lyn, moved their young family to Queensland, where they opened a wildlife park on the Sunshine Coast. The Irwin children grew up in around the Beerwah Reptile and Wildlife Park....
-
-
Great story!
- By Amazon Customer on 01-06-22
-
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
- By: Elena Favilli, Francesca Cavallo
- Narrated by: Alicia Keys, Ashley Judd, Danai Gurira, and others
- Length: 3 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The beloved New York Times best sellers and Kickstarter crowdfunding sensations are available on audio for the first time, read by a star-studded fierce female cast including Alicia Keys, Ashley Judd, Danai Gurira, Esperanza Spalding, Janeane Garofalo, Mozhan Marnò Grave, Phillipa Soo, Rowan Blanchard, and Samira Wiley!
-
-
Bravo!!!
- By Account Holder on 08-07-18
-
Pale Blue Dot
- A Vision of the Human Future in Space
- By: Carl Sagan
- Narrated by: Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Cosmos, the late astronomer Carl Sagan cast his gaze over the magnificent mystery of the Universe and made it accessible to millions of people around the world. Now in this stunning sequel, Carl Sagan completes his revolutionary journey through space and time.
-
-
Audio Quality Choices
- By JR on 05-30-17
-
Because Internet
- Understanding the New Rules of Language
- By: Gretchen McCulloch
- Narrated by: Gretchen McCulloch
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Because Internet is for anyone who's ever puzzled over how to punctuate a text message or wondered where memes come from. It's the perfect book for understanding how the internet is changing the English language, why that's a good thing, and what our online interactions reveal about who we are.
-
-
Why Do Authors Insist on Reading Their Own Books?
- By Ross Bennett on 08-20-19
-
The Truths We Hold
- An American Journey
- By: Kamala Harris
- Narrated by: Kamala Harris
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The daughter of immigrants and civil rights activists, Vice President Kamala Harris was raised in an Oakland, California, community that cared deeply about social justice. As she rose to prominence as one of the political leaders of our time, her experiences would become her guiding light as she grappled with an array of complex issues and learned to bring a voice to the voiceless. In The Truths We Hold, she reckons with the big challenges we face together.
-
-
Great content, read if possible
- By TCamp72 on 03-07-19
-
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich (Expanded and Updated)
- By: Timothy Ferriss
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 13 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This expanded edition includes dozens of practical tips and case studies from readers who have doubled their income, overcome common sticking points, and reinvented themselves using the original book. Also included are templates for eliminating email and negotiating with bosses and clients, how to apply lifestyle principles in unpredictable economic times, and the latest tools, tricks, and shortcuts for living like a diplomat or millionaire without being either.
-
-
Read with discernment
- By onlineshoppinggeek on 07-11-11
-
The Starless Sea
- A Novel
- By: Erin Morgenstern
- Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman, full cast
- Length: 18 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues - a bee, a key, and a sword.
-
-
Just couldn't make it
- By Richard E. on 11-23-19