Recently I picked up a copy of Katie Kacvinsky’s debut, AWAKEN. And holy BEJESUS I loved it. She created a world that really isn’t that different from how we live today. It’s chilling, and amazing.
My sister and I were discussing how strange it is to actually pick up the phone and call someone. Which made us incredibly SAD. When did texting, and g-chat, and IM, and email replace our basic human communications?
How did we not see it unraveling?
Our own mother was shocked to discover most of our communication is done via some electronic device. AND WE LIVE UNDER HER ROOF.
The digital times, they are a-changin’ and if you want to have your mind blown, I suggest adding AWAKEN to your reading pile. It’s an eye-opener. Here’s the blurb for good measure:
“Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether going to school or on a date, no one ever leaves home. There’s really no need. And, for the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life–until she meets Justin.
Justin likes being with people. He likes physical closeness and face-to-face conversations. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.
Maddie is beginning to believe him. Maybe there is a different, better way to live, and perhaps Justin will be the one to help her start living it.”
Overall I give it 4 out of 5 stars. The only thing that *almost* was overdone was Justin’s one-track preachy nature. BUT that’s kind of an accurate portrayal, since he’s been brainwashed into his own preferred (read: “programmed”) existence. Kacvinsky demonstrated holes in his belief system perfectly. (Even if they make you want to shake him sometimes!:))
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can’t WAIT to read the second one when it comes out next year. The author created a world so real, it doesn’t feel dystopian at all.
I only talk on the phone to… maybe two people. Haha.
Nice make-over on your blog, by the way!
OMG Alexis, I only talk to two people on the REAL phone TOO!!! I swear it’s the strangest thing…wait…make that three people. Does calling my mom count? lol. Otherwise it’s text text text text text.
And thanks so much for the blog make-over love. I’m a huge “font” nerd, so this layout really made my typography-obsessed self excited 😀
Hope you have a super fabulous weekend my <333
Yes, calling your mom counts. You officially use the phone more than I do. Although I guess I’ve talked to my mother-in-law on the phone in the last month… so… Hey, at least we save on minutes!
I love to text, too, and it’s just easier because I can do it when the baby is napping. And I’m into fonts, too. I really like the one you chose. It definitely says, “Kerri.” 🙂
And I plan to have a super fabulous weekend. You do the same!
Yesss! So if calling my mother counts, then so does calling your mother-in-law… so we are BOTH riding high at 3 real voice-to-voice contacts!
And YAY on being a font nerd with me–typography lovers FTW!