This was a pretty interesting book. The first part did not grab me. I trudged through thinking that I just had to read it for book club, but the the second part opened up for me. The second part went into the history of new ways of communicating from writing to the blackberry and what different philosophers thought about the new tools. So basically, we have been here before. Every time a new communication tool came about there were the nay sayers and the overzealous. It takes a while, but humans generally find a balance and keep moving forward. Powers brings something new to the many books emerging today about finding a way to protect our minds and spirits from the constant onslaught the digital age presents. Turning to seven great thinkers from Seneca to Shakespeare to Thoreau and a few surprises along the way, he offers both interesting lessons about how previous advances in communication, including the end of the oral tradition and the birth of the printing press, inspired cultural change and desperation for secluded thought as well as insights into how those lessons can translate to our own lives today. Perhaps the highest compliment I can give this well-written and thoughtful book it is that almost everyone in a class of college freshmen with whom I read it said they had learned something from it -- that is, even these exemplary digital mavens found the book offering solace, ideas and encouragement for their own desires to unplug and be with their own thoughts occasionally.
Easy read, very insightful, led to good discussion in a group I participate with.
—Emaad
The argument was original; the writing was repetitive and juvenile.
—Kate
Great tips on how to disconnect and get back to living your life.
—Fleetfeet
Interesting, refreshing, inspiring!
—deb
Loved it. Also gave it as a gift.
—gee
