"'All objections to progress,' writes Hans Blumenberg, 'could come down to the fact that it hasn't yet taken us far enough.' That's philosophy--and it's funny--but no one would ever level the same complaint at pain or laughter, this fine book's subjects and two phenomena that can take human beings great distances almost immediately. Absolutely modern--but never resolutely maudlin--Sommer Browning doesn't settle for making it new; rather, she lets it bleed and gets us there on time."--Graham Foust