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Little Brother
Little Brother

Chapter XIV

Chapter 14 of Little Brother is here in full — 366 sentences across 74 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Little Brother
Context Illustration Reading 1/73 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
[[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.
The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.
This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.
In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]
[[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Little Brother

Chapter XIV

Chapter 14 of Little Brother is here in full — 366 sentences across 74 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/73 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
[[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.
Line 2
The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.
Line 3
This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.
Line 4
In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]
Line 5
[[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Clarion verb US /ˈkleriən/

blow the clarion

From this reading “The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.”

fans noun US /fænz/

plural of “fan” — a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces

From this reading “This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.”

Galaxy noun US /ˈɡæləksi/

a splendid assemblage (especially of famous people)

From this reading “[[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.”

http noun US /ˌeɪtʃtiːtiːˈpiː/

a protocol (utilizing TCP) to transfer hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers

From this reading “[[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.”

Mesa noun US /ˈmeɪsə/

flat tableland with steep edges

From this reading “[[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.”

recommendations noun US /ˌrekəmənˈdeɪʃənz/

plural of “recommendation” — something (as a course of action) that is recommended as advisable

From this reading “This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.”

rollicking adjective US /ˈrɑːlɪkɪŋ/

given to merry frolicking

From this reading “In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]”

usa noun US /ˌjuːeˈseɪ/

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading “[[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

in the middle preposition + article + noun counted as “in … middle”

In this reading “[[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.”

All words in this reading · 118

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

2007

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

268

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

302

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

4747

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

7051

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

858

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

92111

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

9780765319852

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

awesomely

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

basedadjectiveUS /beɪst/

having a base

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

Blvd

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

booknounUS /bʊk/

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

booksense

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

CAnounUS /kʌ/

a white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust; an important component of most plants and animals

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

CalifornianounUS /ˌkæləˈfɔːrnjə/

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

chapternounUS /ˈtʃæptər/

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

Clairemont

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

ClarionverbUS /ˈkleriən/

blow the clarion

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

classnounUS /klæs/

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

com

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

conferencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfərəns/

a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

dedicatedadjectiveUS /ˈdedəkeɪtəd/

devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

die-hardadjective

tradition-bound and obstinately opinionated

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

Diego

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

fansnounUS /fænz/

plural of “fan” — a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

folksnounUS /foʊks/

your parents

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

funnounUS /fʌn/

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

GalaxynounUS /ˈɡæləksi/

a splendid assemblage (especially of famous people)

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

HarryverbUS /ˈheri/

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

httpnounUS /ˌeɪtʃtiːtiːˈpiː/

a protocol (utilizing TCP) to transfer hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

I've

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

ideasnounUS /aɪˈdiːəz/

plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

incomparableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkɑːmpərəbəl/

such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

isbn

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

Jolla

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

LanounUS /lɑː/

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

launchverbUS /lɔːntʃ/

set up or found

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

loyaladjectiveUS /ˈlɔɪəl/

steadfast in allegiance or duty

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

MesanounUS /ˈmeɪsə/

flat tableland with steep edges

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

middlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

midnightnounUS /ˈmɪdnaɪt/

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

MysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/

of an obscure nature

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

mysteriousgalaxy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

NASApp

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

nearbyadjectiveUS /ˈnɪrˈbaɪ/

close at hand

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

packverbUS /pæk/

arrange in a container

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/

an organization to gain political power

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

PotterverbUS /ˈpɑːtər/

do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

ProductnounUS /ˈprɑːdəkt/

commodities offered for sale

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

recommendationsnounUS /ˌrekəmənˈdeɪʃənz/

plural of “recommendation” — something (as a course of action) that is recommended as advisable

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

rollickingadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːlɪkɪŋ/

given to merry frolicking

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

snounUS /es/

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

San

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

schoolnounUS /skuːl/

an educational institution

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

school-day

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

showverbUS /ʃoʊ/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

showproduct

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

signnounUS /saɪn/

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

storenounUS /stɔːr/

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

SuitenounUS /swiːt/

a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

summernounUS /ˈsʌmər/

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

teachverbUS /tiːtʃ/

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

they'll

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading [[This chapter is dedicated to the incomparable Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

UC

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

USAnounUS /ˌjuːeˈseɪ/

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

wasn't

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading This is a store with a loyal following of die-hard fans who know that they'll always be able to get great recommendations and great ideas at the store.

WorkshopnounUS /ˈwɜːrkʃɑːp/

small workplace where handcrafts or manufacturing are done

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

WritersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading The Mysterious Galaxy folks have had me in to sign books every time I've been in San Diego for a conference or to teach (the Clarion Writers' Workshop is based at UC San Diego in nearby La Jolla, CA), and every time I show up, they pack the house.

writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/

the act of creating written works

From this reading In summer 2007, I took my writing class from Clarion down to the store for the midnight launch of the final Harry Potter book and I've never seen such a rollicking, awesomely fun party at a store.]]

Xnet

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [[Mysterious Galaxy http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s= showproduct&isbn=9780765319852 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302 San Diego, CA USA 92111 +1 858 268 4747]] The Xnet wasn't much fun in the middle of the school-day, when all the people who used it were in school.

Chapter 14 of Little Brother by Cory Doctorow holds 366 sentences, grouped into 74 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 14 of Little Brother contain?

Chapter 14 holds 366 sentences of Little Brother, unabridged, divided into 74 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 14 of Little Brother by Cory Doctorow exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 366 sentences, grouped into 74 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 14 of Little Brother?

Work through the 74 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 74 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 14 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 14 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Little Brother

Common questions about reading Little Brother by Cory Doctorow on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Little Brother?

Yes. All 8822 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #30142 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Little Brother is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #30142, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Little Brother take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1765 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Little Brother section by section

How to work through Little Brother section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 21 chapters of Little Brother to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Little Brother

Words and structures a reader meets early in Little Brother, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Brother; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Dedicated
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Brother; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Bakkaphoenix
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Brother; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Books
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Brother; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.