Magic and Loss

The Internet as Art

By: Virginia Heffernan, Virginia Heffernan - introduction

Narrated by: Candace Thaxton

Virginia Heffernan “melds the personal with the increasingly universal in a highly informative analysis of what the Internet is—and can be. A thoroughly engrossing examination of the Internet’s past, present, and future” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from one of the best living writers of English prose.

This book makes a bold claim: The Internet is among mankind’s great masterpieces—a massive work of art. As an idea, it rivals monotheism. But its cultural potential and its societal impact often elude us. In this deep and thoughtful book, Virginia Heffernan reveals the logic and aesthetics behind the Internet, just as Susan Sontag did for photography and Marshall McLuhan did for television.

Life online, in the highly visual, social, portable, and global incarnation rewards certain virtues. The new medium favors speed, accuracy, wit, prolificacy, and versatility, and its form and functions are changing how we perceive, experience, and understand the world. In “sumptuous writing, saturated with observations that are simultaneously personal, cultural, and strikingly original” (The New Republic), Heffernan presents “a revealing look at how the Internet continues to reshape our lives emotionally, visually, and culturally” (The Smithsonian Magazine). “Magic and Loss is an illuminating guide to the Internet...it is impossible to come away from this book without sharing some of Heffernan’s awe for this brave new world” (The Wall Street Journal).

A surprisingly deep story

What made the experience of listening to Magic and Loss the most enjoyable?

I thought the story was to be only about the Internet but it turned in to a very personal and wonderful story about a woman's search and resolution. My focus became more intense as the book wound down.

What other book might you compare Magic and Loss to and why?

None come to mind.

What does Candace Thaxton and Virginia Heffernan - introduction bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Not sure.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As the story became a personal journal I became more involved.

Any additional comments?

No

Thought-provoking and amusing read.

This book shines a new light on the Internet and our increasingly digital world. By virtue of her intelligent analysis of the potential this inevitable frontier holds, Heffernan challenges us to make the most of our online life, celebrate the creative and collaborative opportunities it presents, and assuage our concerns about "too much screen time" by getting out more in the real world. The Audible version is nicely read - fun to listen too. I still plan to read my hard copy, too!

Over the head of this technologist

Would you try another book from Virginia Heffernan and/or Candace Thaxton and Virginia Heffernan - introduction ?

Ms. Thaxton is a wonderful narrator and wouldn't hesitate to listen to her again. Ms.Heffernan has an interesting perspective that I do not share so I disagreed with her around every corner. Her journalistic accuracy and reportage is excellent and to the point, I like her voice but not her vision. I would like to read her again but will be circumspect of the material.

Would you recommend Magic and Loss to your friends? Why or why not?

Sadly not, she has a unique vision that I do not share and in large part I cannot agree. I concur with much of her story but few of her conclusions. If you understand and agree with her perspective you'll love her book.

What does Candace Thaxton and Virginia Heffernan - introduction bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I watched an interview with Ms Heffernan and enjoyed her conversation so much I decided to read the book. I respect her vision but feel otherwise.

Was Magic and Loss worth the listening time?

Not for me...I just couldn't connect with the material.

Any additional comments?

I'm in my 60's and a technologist and lived through and experienced much of what Ms. Heffernan has but with a different perspective. My vision has more in common with Kevin Kelly and his new book. (Also on Audible)

original but a touch over my head

a mix of memoir and cultural and technological criticism that is unlike anything else I've read on the latter two subjects.

still a touch too philosophical (read: up its own ass) for my tastes and (at times) comprehension.

Title is misleading

Ends up being a description of the writers personal spiritual journey and relationship to God. Some interesting quotes and thoughts.