darbar's review against another edition
I gave this 25% and the plot had yet to get moving. Also, the authors whole rant was our dependency on digital devices and a "word flu" where people are forgetting normal words, but then the author goes out of her way to use overly complicated and obscure words. I had to use my distionary at least 20 times in that 25% (and I consider myself relatively intelligent with an English degree and over 100 books per year read, usually.), While enduring the mockery of the author for having to use the dictionary. Not for me.
jen_nicole's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
abeth_parker's review against another edition
2.0
Nope. Any fiction book that has a footnote every other page is not for me.
pbobrit's review against another edition
5.0
This is about as good a debut novel as they come.
I would hate to be accused of hyperbole, but I think in a very short time this book could rank in importance alongside books such as Orwell's '1984', Huxley's 'A Brave New World'. The author, as all good authors, do uses the text discuss the bigger issues facing us right now. The differences between information and knowledge. How we obtain said knowledge. The purpose and use of language. The loss of the the skill of memorization through over reliance on technology. The ways we communicate and their effects on communication.
Clearly the author does have a manifesto, but doesn't ram it down the reader's throat and personally it is one that as I get older and learn more, I am increasingly starting to think she has right. As well being a great exploration of all these thing, it is a really good read, a page turner, but one I want to come back to at some point savour the small details and ponder more deeply the questions raised.
I would really recommend this book for anyone, if you enjoy science-fiction you might additionally enjoy it as it is set in a not too distant future. I look forward to seeing if she can repeat her success with future books.
I would hate to be accused of hyperbole, but I think in a very short time this book could rank in importance alongside books such as Orwell's '1984', Huxley's 'A Brave New World'. The author, as all good authors, do uses the text discuss the bigger issues facing us right now. The differences between information and knowledge. How we obtain said knowledge. The purpose and use of language. The loss of the the skill of memorization through over reliance on technology. The ways we communicate and their effects on communication.
Clearly the author does have a manifesto, but doesn't ram it down the reader's throat and personally it is one that as I get older and learn more, I am increasingly starting to think she has right. As well being a great exploration of all these thing, it is a really good read, a page turner, but one I want to come back to at some point savour the small details and ponder more deeply the questions raised.
I would really recommend this book for anyone, if you enjoy science-fiction you might additionally enjoy it as it is set in a not too distant future. I look forward to seeing if she can repeat her success with future books.
eweidl's review against another edition
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
cake0hh's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I’m glad y’all got through this book, because I sure couldn’t.
triciareader2's review against another edition
5.0
I Loved this book. As someone who loves words, and etymologies this was Great. As someone who lives with a depression which can take my words, it was frighteningly real.
We've all heard the pundits bemoaning technology's deleterious effects on language. Graedon jumps in with both feet. What if computer bug (malware) could infect people? How important are words, and the way we use them? Speculative fiction written as if it happens tomorrow, unless it's already begun ...
The Word Exchange has a dystopian feel, but isn't; dystopian requires a fall prior, and here we are witness to the disintegration. There is a love story with words obviously, but also multiple relationships for the romance fan. There are mysterious societies/shadowy companies to appeal to a mystery fan. And the human computer interaction will be intriguing for computer and some sci fi geeks.
The Word Exchange is not the big flashy summer blockbuster; it is a more lasting, subtle, but get under your skin-chillingly close to existing tech.
We've all heard the pundits bemoaning technology's deleterious effects on language. Graedon jumps in with both feet. What if computer bug (malware) could infect people? How important are words, and the way we use them? Speculative fiction written as if it happens tomorrow, unless it's already begun ...
The Word Exchange has a dystopian feel, but isn't; dystopian requires a fall prior, and here we are witness to the disintegration. There is a love story with words obviously, but also multiple relationships for the romance fan. There are mysterious societies/shadowy companies to appeal to a mystery fan. And the human computer interaction will be intriguing for computer and some sci fi geeks.
The Word Exchange is not the big flashy summer blockbuster; it is a more lasting, subtle, but get under your skin-chillingly close to existing tech.
countingstarsbycandlelight's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. It was part dystopian/disease of the future and part Jasper Fforde. Some of the mystery surrounding the main character's father was a little overblown and drawn out, but does not discredit the book in any way. If you are a linguaphile don't miss it!
jerseygrrrl's review against another edition
Not for me. The first few chapters felt like being forced to listen to an extreme extrovert. DNF.
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
5.0
"The Word Exchange'' is a wonderfully imagined novel about what would happen if our personal devices actually became biologically connected to us and ultimately infected language in a way that causes severe “word flu” in the device users. This word flu is really no accident either, but a horrifying result of a business cabal trying to take a monopolistic control of individuals’ personal use of and purchases on their devices. The plan goes terribly awry, and it is up to the two main characters, Anana and Bart, who tell their stories in alternating chapters, to see a solution through to the end…at great personal peril. This book is clever, elegant and robust in a literary sense, with the addition of an exciting and dangerous adventure that our main characters must get through.
--Reviewed by Susie
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sword%20exchange%20graedon__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=pearl
--Reviewed by Susie
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sword%20exchange%20graedon__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=pearl