Reading: Lexicon
Lexicon, by Max Barry
I can't call it a review, since I have no interest in doing so. But I will give it my thoughts.
I picked this one up while browsing through the Nook online store, hoping to get into a new book. I did. I read this in one sitting. Since I have a strong bent in this sort of thing (for someone without a degree), I might have a had a clearer idea of what this book is talking about, specifically, as opposed to generally. Also, I'd use this to help explain some parts of Quantum Thief that I didn't have the words for - as to why personalized privacy protections would make journalism illegal.
If any book, however, came with a warning label, I would give it to this book (and a whole bunch others, but this one for a different reason). This one I would be afraid to suggest to some people because they would be strongly bowled over by some of the events and suggestions in the book. As if we needed to jump at shadows... well, I can't say I disagree with the book, but still, suggestion terrifies people. Then they do stupid stuff because they can't think beyond terror properly.
As far as writing goes, I like the way it was constructed. It gives enough information to make you want to know more, but on the other hand, enough to misconstrue what you know. The conspiracy theory is a nice touch, although adding real examples or real-like examples is probably hitting too close to home for many. The link jump in the e-book was disconcerting on a different level because I didn't know it wouldn't let me go /back/.
Overall, it'd be interesting to know who read the book, but not their thoughts on it. I'm not up to hearing them when I'm somewhat vulnerable and impressed in a different way.
I can't call it a review, since I have no interest in doing so. But I will give it my thoughts.
I picked this one up while browsing through the Nook online store, hoping to get into a new book. I did. I read this in one sitting. Since I have a strong bent in this sort of thing (for someone without a degree), I might have a had a clearer idea of what this book is talking about, specifically, as opposed to generally. Also, I'd use this to help explain some parts of Quantum Thief that I didn't have the words for - as to why personalized privacy protections would make journalism illegal.
If any book, however, came with a warning label, I would give it to this book (and a whole bunch others, but this one for a different reason). This one I would be afraid to suggest to some people because they would be strongly bowled over by some of the events and suggestions in the book. As if we needed to jump at shadows... well, I can't say I disagree with the book, but still, suggestion terrifies people. Then they do stupid stuff because they can't think beyond terror properly.
As far as writing goes, I like the way it was constructed. It gives enough information to make you want to know more, but on the other hand, enough to misconstrue what you know. The conspiracy theory is a nice touch, although adding real examples or real-like examples is probably hitting too close to home for many. The link jump in the e-book was disconcerting on a different level because I didn't know it wouldn't let me go /back/.
Overall, it'd be interesting to know who read the book, but not their thoughts on it. I'm not up to hearing them when I'm somewhat vulnerable and impressed in a different way.