Beautiful Shining People

Beautiful Shining People is a near-future speculative fiction novel set in 2040s Tokyo during a digital Cold War between the United States and China. The story centers on John, a 17-year-old American quantum coding expert who travels to Japan after Sony purchases his groundbreaking code. In Tokyo, John forms connections with cafe owner Goeido, a former sumo wrestler, and Neotnia, a waitress who catches his attention despite her mysterious seizures. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop where AI-generated deepfakes and technological warfare have become tools for global superpowers to manipulate public perception. The novel draws significant parallels between its futuristic setting and historical events, particularly the bombing of Hiroshima, while exploring the impact of emerging technologies on society. Through its blend of science fiction elements and human relationships, the book examines themes of connection, identity, and the search for authenticity in an increasingly artificial world.

Readers found the near-future premise compelling but noted some pacing issues. The novel's exploration of relationships and artificial intelligence resonated with many reviewers, though some felt the character development could have been deeper. Readers appreciated: - The unique Hong Kong setting and atmosphere - Complex moral questions about technology - Strong emotional core beneath the sci-fi elements Main criticisms: - Plot becomes meandering in the middle sections - Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped - A few readers found the ending unsatisfying Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (234 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (127 reviews) NetGalley: 3.9/5 (89 reviews) Representative review from Goodreads: "The relationship between Sarah and Tommy kept me invested, but I wanted more from the secondary characters. The AI concepts were thought-provoking even if the pacing dragged at times."

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🌸 Tokyo's population density is expected to decrease by 2040, making the novel's setting particularly poignant as it explores isolation in an emptying megalopolis 🤖 The term "deepfake" was first coined in 2017, just a few years before Grothaus began writing this novel, and has since become a major concern in cybersecurity 🎯 Michael Grothaus previously worked for Apple and VICE, experiences that likely informed his understanding of technology's impact on society ⚡ Quantum coding, central to the protagonist's story, is based on real quantum computing principles that experts predict will revolutionize cybersecurity by 2040 🍜 The novel's inclusion of a sumo wrestler-turned-cafe owner reflects a real trend in Japan where retired rikishi (sumo wrestlers) often open restaurants or cafes