20B20W - 20th Book, Faster by James Gleick

Phew!

Yet another book I started reading before I left India, but had to leave behind. Thanks to a public library, decided to continue in Magnus Magnusson tradition of finishing what I had started*

I had picked the book mostly on the recommendation of a friend and also since the other books by Gleick that I have read (Chaos and Isaac Newton were both excellent books). This one written in 2000 is written with the rather exasperated tone of someone who has turned cynical with the modern human's apparent quest for speed in everything also termed "hurry sickness." This is characterized by the indelible images of the worn out "Door Close" buttons on elevators or by the fact that some people press 88 on the microwave since pressing 90 would take more time. The author presents various such cases while alluding to the work of various researchers including one which shows that we spend roughly the same amount on sex as we do on paperwork daily! By some incredible coincidence it happens to be about 4 minutes, each.

While Gleick writes well, the book overall fails to keep the reader enthralled and conveys the impression of having an ad hominem being read out, albeit at a fast pace.

Read it and let me know what you think.

* By that token, Unseen Academicals shall also be despatched soon.