The Shallows: November Discussion
AmberJo1984
Posts: 1,067 Member
I have been unable to find a copy of this book near me... but, I am still looking. However, I am unable to post anything on the topic this month.
This is, however, the official discussion thread. I would love to see what everyone thinks of the book.
Feel free to post any other topics, as well.
This is, however, the official discussion thread. I would love to see what everyone thinks of the book.
Feel free to post any other topics, as well.
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I'm only on page 54, so this opinion is based on an incomplete read of the book; but I'm not too impressed with the book so far. The author says he is a science writer, and he is able to convey technical information pretty clearly; however, even though he is well-documented, he tries to reach conclusions not based on the actual evidence. I'm a scientist and it irritates me when people take scientific data out of context and try to make it support their own opinion. Maybe the book will end up impressing me as I read on.0
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I'm only on page 54, so this opinion is based on an incomplete read of the book; but I'm not too impressed with the book so far. The author says he is a science writer, and he is able to convey technical information pretty clearly; however, even though he is well-documented, he tries to reach conclusions not based on the actual evidence. I'm a scientist and it irritates me when people take scientific data out of context and try to make it support their own opinion. Maybe the book will end up impressing me as I read on.
I am on chapter 5, about 90 pages into the book. So far I feel like the author is still covering a lot of background, which I find fascinating, without having yet tackled the central question of how the Internet may have altered our brains or thinking patterns.
I'm guessing this will all tie together at some point. I've found myself looking at the footnotes quite a bit, and have added a number of other books to my wish list.
I'm curious, what specific conclusions do you think have been made in contradiction to the evidence?0 -
I'm only on page 54, so this opinion is based on an incomplete read of the book; but I'm not too impressed with the book so far. The author says he is a science writer, and he is able to convey technical information pretty clearly; however, even though he is well-documented, he tries to reach conclusions not based on the actual evidence. I'm a scientist and it irritates me when people take scientific data out of context and try to make it support their own opinion. Maybe the book will end up impressing me as I read on.
I am on chapter 5, about 90 pages into the book. So far I feel like the author is still covering a lot of background, which I find fascinating, without having yet tackled the central question of how the Internet may have altered our brains or thinking patterns.
I'm guessing this will all tie together at some point. I've found myself looking at the footnotes quite a bit, and have added a number of other books to my wish list.
I'm curious, what specific conclusions do you think have been made in contradiction to the evidence?
I'm referring to his assertion, at the beginning of the book, that he thinks differently because of using the internet. I haven't seen his evidence yet; I, too, am assuming he will tie it together somehow but I'm getting impatient waiting for it. Typically, a person would put his best evidence forward in support of his thesis, so if what I am reading is his best evidence, I'm just not convinced. Maybe someone further on in the book can offer some insight.0 -
I'm only on page 54, so this opinion is based on an incomplete read of the book; but I'm not too impressed with the book so far. The author says he is a science writer, and he is able to convey technical information pretty clearly; however, even though he is well-documented, he tries to reach conclusions not based on the actual evidence. I'm a scientist and it irritates me when people take scientific data out of context and try to make it support their own opinion. Maybe the book will end up impressing me as I read on.
I am on chapter 5, about 90 pages into the book. So far I feel like the author is still covering a lot of background, which I find fascinating, without having yet tackled the central question of how the Internet may have altered our brains or thinking patterns.
I'm guessing this will all tie together at some point. I've found myself looking at the footnotes quite a bit, and have added a number of other books to my wish list.
I'm curious, what specific conclusions do you think have been made in contradiction to the evidence?
I'm referring to his assertion, at the beginning of the book, that he thinks differently because of using the internet. I haven't seen his evidence yet; I, too, am assuming he will tie it together somehow but I'm getting impatient waiting for it. Typically, a person would put his best evidence forward in support of his thesis, so if what I am reading is his best evidence, I'm just not convinced. Maybe someone further on in the book can offer some insight.
I've just started Chapter 7, The Juggler's Brain, and this seems to be where he tries to back up the assertions of Internet usage actually causing the brain to behave differently. A couple cited studies are intriguing. There is still a fair amount of conjecture, but for the moment it seems plausible enough.0 -
Good! I'm going to fast forward to chapter 7.0
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It has been rather quiet here lately. Is anyone else still reading?
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It has been rather quiet here lately. Is anyone else still reading?
Sure. What do you think so far?0 -
It has been rather quiet here lately. Is anyone else still reading?
Sure. What do you think so far?
I held off after starting Chapter 7. Wanted to see what other people were thinking. Guess I'll just plow ahead. I'm still liking it overall. If nothing else, the references seem to be a good source for further reading. Guess I'll just plow ahead.0 -
I've plowed through a few more chapters, but I'm not that enthralled by this topic, so I'm done with it. This author does a lot of research and his background is a good refresher. I really don't believe I experience this issue personally, probably because I read books a lot and I'm older and I do spend a great deal of time researching and writing papers myself. Writing, I believe, is an aide to maintaining focus. However, I am concerned that younger generations could have distraction problems if they do not receive good basic skills in school and from their families. I know people in their 20's and 30's that never pick up a book and I think that could be a huge problem if many people are taking that same route. I don't see how the nation as a whole can be encouraged to read because participating in a passive hobby is no longer encouraged. It seems there are many campaigns designed to get kids moving as an antidote to childhood obesity and you can't read and do jumping jacks at the same time. You can, however, do exercise and watch video games (Wii) and TV at the same time.0
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I am still reading, but not this book
Couldnt get into it at all. Tried many times but just couldnt do it. I am keeping track of everyones thoughts though!0 -
I could never find the book around here.... and couldn't afford (at this time) to buy it. But, I am keeping up with what everyone is saying.0
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:blushing: I agree with above comment of dawn. I have gone on to latest Richard Russo and Barbara Kingsolver. I look forward to next month.0
This discussion has been closed.