Bandwidth

A lobbyist for fossil fuel companies in a near-future world finds himself caught in a web of manipulation involving climate change and social media. The technology of this era allows people to filter and curate their online information streams through brain-computer interfaces called "feeds." A mysterious woman and a powerful organization draw the protagonist into a complex plot involving the manipulation of these feeds at a global scale. His investigation leads him through San Francisco's corridors of power and into the heart of a scheme that could reshape public perception and policy worldwide. The story explores the intersection of technology and human psychology, examining how our consumption of information shapes our reality and decisions. It raises questions about climate change, corporate influence, and the nature of truth in an age where reality itself can be algorithmically filtered.

Readers note the book's focus on technology's impact on democracy and privacy resonates with current events. Multiple reviews highlight the realistic near-future premise and fast-paced plot. Readers appreciated: - Complex moral questions about manipulation and power - Character development of protagonist Dag Calhoun - Technical accuracy without overwhelming jargon - Integration of climate change themes Common criticisms: - Plot becomes convoluted in second half - Some side characters lack depth - Ending feels rushed to some readers - Romance subplot seems forced Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (230+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "A thriller that actually made me think about my own digital habits" -Goodreads reviewer "Strong start but loses momentum" -Amazon reviewer "The tech concepts feel eerily plausible" -LibraryThing review The book maintains positive overall ratings while generating discussion about surveillance and influence in the digital age.

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🌐 Author Eliot Peper consulted with tech executives, investors, and entrepreneurs while writing Bandwidth to ensure the near-future technology depicted was plausible 🌍 The book explores "cognitive hijacking" - the manipulation of what people see online to influence their decisions - which mirrors real-world concerns about social media algorithms 🏢 The story's setting includes a powerful entity called "the Feed," which parallels actual tech platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that filter users' views of reality 🎓 Before becoming a novelist, Peper worked in Silicon Valley as a startup founder and strategic advisor, lending authenticity to the book's tech industry elements 🔄 Bandwidth is part of an interconnected trilogy called the Analog Series, though each book stands alone with different protagonists and storylines