Speculative Fiction: Feed

[Edwardsville Public Library]

This discussion will be moderated by Alana T. and will begin March 11th.

[Edwardsville Public Library]

It seems timely to reread this book in March since the book begins during Springbreak.

I thought the author did a good job capturing the boisterous, but easily bored psyche of many teens. The description of how easily the feed popped into the kid's minds was a bit scary - mostly because I don't think any of them realized it. I was very much reminded of many people today who are closely attached to their phones.

Does anyone think the concern about digital entanglement is a generational issue? I admit to being well over 40 and not needing or wanting constant social/business/entertainment updates. Does this book "read" differently for a younger vs older audience? Any thoughts?

[Edwardsville Public Library]

One aspect of the relationship of the FEED to characters in the novel is its ability to suggest ideas and potential actions. This is a useful function and has parallels in technology today. At what point would you be concerned about overuse? Or would you be concerned at all? Does it make a difference how old the person using the technology is?

[Katherine]

I too am in an older age bracket, so I'm not sure how, or if, the book resonates with a younger audience. I definitely saw parallels to what is going on with technology today and the FEED in the book. I can imagine a future in which our technology progresses and we end up with companies having that much power.

I really enjoyed the section in the book where the kids' FEED gets disconnected and they aren't sure what to do with themselves. I loved that they were still able to goof off and have a good time.