First book I've read by Dave Eggers. It clipped along at a steady pace, and it evoked more <negative, but in a good way> emotion in me than anything I've read in some time. It was our book discussion title for the month and we had a heated and opinionated discussion.
The story revolves around Mae, who has gotten a job at a company called the Circle, thanks to her friend Annie, who is a top employee there. Basically, this is a story about technology and the Internet growing to be an all-encompassing force more powerful than the government. It quickly works to be a part of every single thing people do, and it also gains control of every aspect of people's lives. It has all your information and is constantly monitoring you, suggesting things for you, but more importantly, watching you. If everyone is always being watched, there is complete accountability. No more crime, etc. etc. etc. The peak of this idea is transparency, where an individual chooses to have a camera attached to their person almost 24/7. It can only be turned off in the bathroom (and then only the sound) and after 10pm.
This book was scary because we are already heading so much in this direction with Google and the like. The character of Mae was such a weak and spineless female, willing to do any and everything to keep her job. They realize this and use her as an example to teach with and eventually, essentially as their pawn. There were so many points in this story where I wanted Mae to just stand up and scream, "Enough is enough!" but it never happened. This was exactly what kept the story moving along, however.
An intense and emotional read, that will have you wanting to rip your hair out at parts. If things ever get to where this book goes, I hope that I will have the resolve to resist. I hope you will too.
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