Books | m a n u s c r y p t s

The Master Switch

The books I really enjoy are the ones that capture and articulate a fundamental insight. This is one such. Tim Wu studies the history of information and communication empires, and illustrates a predictable path they follow – he calls it The Cycle. The biggest game changer we have seen in modern times is the internet, and the question he seeks to answer through this book is “which is mightier : the radicalism of the Internet or the inevitability of the Cycle?” An absolutely fascinating read.

Tales From Firozsha Baag

A literally ‘crappy’ beginning is actually a great indication of the author’s ability to make the mundane interesting! There are eleven intertwined stories which bring out a variety of subjects – the Parsi way of life, the clash of old and new mindsets, identity, the idea of home – all dealt with great skill by a sensitive chronicler.

Never Let Me Go

This is the second Ishiguro work I am reading, and much like “The Remains of the Day”, it left me with a feeling of sadness. There are a couple of other parallels in both books too. But this is set in a dystopian future where humans are cloned for organ harvesting, and the clones are not considered to have feelings or emotions, though they actually do. I felt that there was an allegory I was missing, but I could be wrong. A wonderful read nevertheless.

Against Empathy

‘Empathy’ is like the hero whom no one can hate. But the reading I have done in the past, and my own thoughts and experiences have led me to believe that empathy isn’t really the best guide for decision making of the moral or even day to day kind! While the book preaches to that choir very well, it doesn’t really make the case for rational compassion well enough.

Freedom

The sequel to Daemon, this book picks up right after its predecessor and sets a scorching pace. It manages to bring up several contemporary themes like extreme capitalism, mass unemployment, neo-feudalism, cyber communities and such. The author continues to make it all seem plausible, and that’s what makes it a good read.