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Crosstalk

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Crosstalk

Written by: Connie Willis
Narrated by: Mia Barron
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$8.99/mo. after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends July 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.

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Part romantic comedy and part social satire, here one of science fiction's most lauded authors examines the consequences of having too much connectivity, and what happens in a world where, suddenly, nothing is private. One of science fiction's premiere humorists turns her eagle eye to the crushing societal implications of telepathy.

In a not-too-distant future, a simple outpatient procedure that has been promised to increase empathy between romantic partners has become all the rage. So when Briddey Flannigan's fiancé proposes that he and Briddey undergo the procedure, she is delighted! Only, the results aren't quite as expected. Instead of gaining an increased empathetic link with her fiancé, Briddey finds herself hearing the actual thoughts of one of the nerdiest techs in her office. And that's the least of her problems.

©2016 Connie Willis (P)2016 Recorded Books Contemporary Contemporary Romance Fantasy Fiction Genetic Engineering Romance Romantic Comedy Science Fiction Comedy Witty
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What the critics say

"An engaging and satirical look at relationships, technology, and connectivity in the digital age is expertly narrated by Mia Barron.... Barron does an outstanding job of distinguishing between the conversations in Briddey's head and those happening in real life as well as adding authenticity to each of the characters Briddey interacts with." ( AudioFile)
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I love this story and the warmth and humour it brought to my commute. I really enjoyed the narrator (Mia Barron), as well, enough that I have looked up other books that they have read just to hear them again.

Some parts were a bit predictable, but not unpleasantly so. I’m ok suspending my disbelief on the less believable science parts in what I consider an entertaining, light read. I looked forward to turning on the car every day before and after work so I could keep listening to this delightful romantic tale.

I love this story and the humour

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Like the title says. Connie Willis is normally brilliant but Crosstalk fell a bit short of expectations for me. Narration was okay.

Not Connie Willis’ best work

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The premise had so much potential. The characters, especially the main character are so simplistic and actually unrealistic to the point of being stupid. Also the fake Irish accents, stereotypes and tropes are insulting. The main character is a door mat for her boss and all her family members. It's kind of humorous that her family comes to her for advice since throughout the story she never makes a single good decision or helps a single person . lt could have been a really good story if it only came with realistic characters.

Waste of time. If it was free it would still be too expensive.

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The author seems to has little understanding how computers, electronics work. Many of the scenarios were incomprehensible, and also very unlikely to ever happen. Nine year old super hacker?!? Not gonna happen. Plus the child talks like someone who’s 13 or 15. The main character is an idiot. All she does is run on her emotions and nothing else. I don’t know how she became a manager or supervisor or whatever her job title be in a smart phone company, she doesn’t make any smart moves. She doesn’t use her head. It was incredibly frustrating. There was so many times I was thinking what is wrong with you you’re an idiot.

Unrealistic characters and simply unintelligent

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