Rating:  Summary: Read This Book Review: Some Amazon reviewers have argued that "Geeks" is simply about two disenfranchised kids and that their geek-ness is only incidental to the story. I couldn't disagree more. The story of Jesse and Eric, while profoundly moving, is only illustrative of the larger movement about which Katz is writing. Geeks are in the ascendance in our culture -- despite the fact that that culture looks down upon them and makes many of their lives nearly unbearable. That is the interesting central theme of the book. Their exile from the mainstream world has helped spur their technological savvy, which the rest of the world now needs to survive. It is the ultimate revenge of the nerds. "Geeks" describes the nascent changing of the guard that can be seen everywhere (with differing results): in the bellies of American corporations; in American high schools; in the Dow Jones; at the University of Chicago; and in journalism. Usually, one can only write intelligently about such an event after it has long past; Katz is writing about it now. Thanks.
Rating:  Summary: Interesting, but not a must read... Review: I am a big Slashdot fan and was looking forward to this book. I think that Mr. Katz spent too much time telling and explaining and not enough time telling the story. I don't need the point of a book spoon-fed to me.
Rating:  Summary: Pin in my heart. Review: I've never read a book where the Introduction hit me so hard, and so very close to the mark.Bravo Mr. Katz, thank you for a book that might substitute for therapy.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent Review: I couldn't believe how much this story applied to me. Although Jon Katz is pretty clearly not technologically fluent himself, he does an excellent job of telling the story and it flows. He goes deep into the mind of a geek and puts on paper what many people already think or do but just don't realize. I really will recommend this book to all my good friends, geek or not.
Rating:  Summary: wow Review: this book changed my life. there's not a single person in the country who SHOULDN'T read it.
Rating:  Summary: funny, moving, real Review: When a friend recommended this, I was worried that "Geeks" might be a computer book, for people who know what DOS and "byte" mean. But it isn't: it's a very human story of two kids stuck in a dreary little town who use their brains, hearts and computer skills to break free. Anyone who's ever felt like an outsider will understand and root for them (and there's a nice little surprise towards the end), whether you are technologically savvy or not. Katz really gets into their lives and minds, and he helps us understand a generation of kids who are ready to rule the world, even if they still can't get a date.
Rating:  Summary: Extraordinary Review: You don't have to know a thing about geeks to realize that Katz's account of Jesse and Eric, in specific, and of Geek Ascendancy, in general, is a stunning testament to one man's understanding of the human condition. Katz writes like an angel; his perceptions are astute; his empathy and humor are the stuff of the real thing. Reading "Geeks" is an amazingly moving and unforgettable experience. Bravo, Jon Katz.
Rating:  Summary: awesome Review: Katz has a great grasp on the culture and a great writing style . . . the book is moving without being sappy, easy to read yet intelligent, and very thought provoking . . . highly, highly recommended to anyone, whether they consider themselves geeks or not. there is somethig here for everyone.
Rating:  Summary: A must-read for all Geeks and their parents Review: The book "Geeks" arrived in the mail at 2:30 this afternoon. It is now 5:45. The last page has been turned, and I'm sitting here trying to get a grip on my emotions. The story of Jesse and Eric is resonating within me like no other ever has. I confess that I pretty much broke down when I turned to page 184 (I won't spoil what happens). In many ways my life has been an almost exact parallel with Jesse's and Eric's, and it was a powerfully moving and personal experience to read their story. I strongly recommend this book to other Geeks, and also their parents. I'm an older geek (32) who came to terms with the alienation and isolation common to our ilk many years ago. I think the thing that helped me hang on during the darkest days of my childhood was a letter I received from Carl Sagan when I was about 12 or 13. A family friend had written to him with a description of me and my plight. The letter of encouragment and understanding I received from him showed me that I was not alone. The tragedy at Columbine hit especially close to home for me, since Columbine is literally a couple of miles from where I live. While what they did was horrific and tragic I can understand in some way what those two had gone through. This book has given me the urge to reach out to young geeks in an effort to show them that there are others who understand. I'm not quite sure how to go about this yet, but I have some ideas.
Rating:  Summary: A Terrific Story Review: An inspiration to anybody who has ever felt like an outcast because no one understood/respected them. Also, a really interesting book, even though Jon Katz is clearly not that well versed in technology.
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