THE CIRCLE
By Dave Eggers
Full Disclosure: This is the first Dave Eggers book I’ve ever read, so that fact that it is essentially a beach read is probably weird.
The book opens with protagonist Mae Holland heading to The Circle for her first day at a new job. She is thrilled because this is the most important and respected company in the country, and probably the world. They have made their name and fortune by consolidating and subsuming many of the services and sites on the internet as we know it today. All Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon accounts are now in one place, saving you time and ensuring that no one can steal your identity. The safety comes from the fact that nothing is anonymous any more, everything is linked to this account which is verified by your true identity. It has led to a decrease in trolls and identity theft. And now The Circle is working on ways their technology can decrease crime, racism and dishonesty in politics.
Sounds pretty great right? But if you have ever read a utopian novel (remember The Giver?) you know everything is not as perfect as it seems. One of the interesting stylistic choices Eggers makes however, is that his protagonist buys in 110%. She basically becomes the spokesperson of The Circle, and it is left to the reader to question what is right.
The Circle is an incredibly fun and fast read; I inhaled it in two days over Canadian Thanksgiving. Some of the ideas seem like they could be scarily imminent, and there is just enough mystery and romance to make the characters more than just company automatons. If you are looking for a vacation book, and don’t mind a little light contemplation of the downfall of our society, this one is perfect! (Lily)
