Ridgewood Public Library discussion

Based on the Amanda Knox trial, this book manages to remove the sensationalism and really make you think about guilt and innocence, perception and reality, personal bias and fact.

Tartt really has created some memorable characters in telling this story. I can't remember the last time I rooted for a character as much as I found myself rooting for Theo, even when he kept disappointing me, just a little. And because Theo loved Boris and Hobie, I loved them too. My reaction to the book is an emotional one, based solely on Tartt's characters. My main response to the plot, the driver of all the characters' actions was less interested. In fact, as the plot was picking up steam, about 3/4 through, I found my mind wandering. I knew that the plot would have to resolve itself (a painting introduced in the first act is bound to "go off" by the third and all that) but I didn't much care how it resolved itself, just so long as Theo came out relatively unscathed. Was I disappointed on that front? (view spoiler)[No happy endings for Theo, not particularly satisfying, but still the ending was right. (hide spoiler)]

I feel uneasy even posting a review of this book. t has made me question every social media activity I have ever participated in, especially now that Amazon's influence has extended into Goodreads. The book just illustrates how very easily we can all be lulled into complacency by technological "progress", how privacy is a commodity like everything else, how easily we are willing to relinquish our privacy for the sake on convenience. I was edgy throughout the entire book. The mantra Privacy is Theft was frightening. How easily could people be convinced that privacy is something evil, something that deprives society of their right to know, their right to transparency? Pretty easily to hear Eggers tell it. Chilling.