Well, that was something else.
I started listening to this book on the way back from Fujiyoshida (富士吉田) thinking. The book is about someone’s experience at Facebook, social media, policy… just the type of stories that I enjoy and make my 7 and 9 year old go to sleep.
I had to stop at the request of everyone in the car as she was relating vomiting coagulated blood clots into a cup while being at home, in pain, at home, ignored by her parents who had been told she would be “a little dramatic” that night after almost being bitten and almost drowned by a shark…
The author is a great story teller, and she should really consider writing horror stories. The shark episode is not the only life-and-death anecdote.
That said, I liked the book. I was a little confused on what it was – a expose about Facebook, a personal journey, or rant… I guess the book combines it all. (Ah, I just saw the “A memoir” not on the cover!)
As someone who works in digital advertising I feel responsible to use tools like Facebook, the source of much good but so much harm, in a responsible way. Books like this gives me pause, and really shines light on all the harm social media in general is causing. But
This book relates the most credible rendition of what I think really happens with these tools. There is no mastermind evil doer exploiting the latest psychological maneuvers to make people addicts. Instead, it sounds like Facebook was the results of great ideas that started working beyond anyone’s expectations, being lead by people who don’t really care about the greater good.
Unexpectedly, the book makes me turn against everyone, including the author. Perhaps its the way she tells the story, but she really keeps doing unreasonable work tasks at the expense of her family. Want an example? Just one on of many: emailing work as she was in labour, pushing to deliver her first daughter – what?!
The doctor and husband were, understandably furious, but she did it anyway.
Recommended? Yes. Just keep in mind that, while most of the stories are interesting, at some points I can’t help to shake the feeling that I’m listening to gossip.
I listened to the audiobook, which she relates herself.
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