I have pretty mixed feelings about this book. The book was first published as a serial in Time magazine in 1999 and I am impressed with Carr's accurate forecasting of the internet's pervasive take over of our culture. The story kept me interested, but the characters never won my affection and the plot line seems a little childish to me. None the less I would recommend this book to you as an interesting read.
If this book is better than his Sherlock Holmes book, then I have no plans for that one. I liked "The Alienist" and had high hopes for this one. As was also written here, the characters were barely one dimensional. If it had been written as a satire of 1950's sci-fi, it would have fit in perfectly.
Great look at what happens when we believe everything we read on the Internet! Really enjoyed this more than Carr's attempt to write Sherlock Holmes.
The book was fast-paced and easy to read. I find it remarkable how accurate many of his predictions for the future of our society were, given it was written in the late 90's. Not all of course, but many. He is a great writer with an excellent vocabulary and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
First listen to this author. I'll have to try some others in order to make a viable assessment of his style. This one (being my first) was a little slower than what I am used to. This book grows on you, it doesn't reach out and grab you in the first chapter. Worth a listen however.
