Over the past few years I’ve had an uncomfortable sense that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain, remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming the memory. My mind isn’t going—so far as I can tell—but it’s changing. I’m not thinking the way I used to think.
--from Nicholas Carr's article in the Atlantic Monthly
The September gathering to discuss Feed, by M.T. Anderson has been rescheduled to avoid Rosh Hashanah. We will meet at the Hooks Davis's on September 15. It's been a long time to read a short book, so, in addition to the article cited above, here are some other suggestions for supplemental "reading":The Shallows, by Nicholas Carr
Digital Overload, on NPRs Fresh Air
Multitasking Teens, more NPR
Interview with Nicholas Carr
something by Sherry Turkle, like maybe this interview
Here's what some Barnes & Noble reader/reviewers had to say about Feed:
- The book in general is directed towards teens and a youthful age group. In other words, for those who can understand the humor and withstand the language. The novel is far from horrendous and far from a must-read.
- Many of the phrases and scenarios described in the reading are NOT for easily offended church goers.
- I loved the writing style of this book. The dialoge was very similar to ours but for the fact that they said words like mal and unit. Anderson's style of writing made tha book very interesting and a page-turner. I truly believe that you should read this inticing book about the future and the technology of it. It takes you on a ride of confusion and intensity.
- Overall I didn't really like the book because it had strange text or I should the way the author wrote how the characters talk was strange. In the beginning of the book it really threw me off because it described how they were all on the moon and had lesions and some guy was hacking into everyone's feed. I didn't get that at all.
- I'm pretty sure we all won't have feeds in our heads telling us what to wear or what's popular and what isn't and lesions randomly appearing on our bodies. All we have to do is watch t.v. or go online and get updated on the new trends and fashions.
- I enjoyed having dialogue with my teenager after we both read this book, determining the relativity to her personal reality in high school and the main characters. It is an eye-opening look into a future we all say we don't want while we merrily IM and text and surf for a better tomorrow.
