This book was inflicted on me by my college prof--ok, so I'll admit some of it was worth reading; Sven's got a bit of a point about technology taking over our lives and he writes quite eloquently about the joys of reading. Also, the last few essays about specific writers were somewhat enjoyable. But on the whole, it's stuff I've heard before in a more accessible and enjoyable fashion. Sometimes it led to some mildly interesting conversations, but basically, I feel it was a waste of my time. Sven needs to get a grip--technology isn't going away. Also, I had to chuckle when I read him boast about the fact that he is "in no sense online." Well, that might have been true when the essay was first published but his journal sure is online now! At any rate, if freaking out about technology taking over our lives and our society going to hell in a handbasket is your thing, you might like this book. I didn't.