TL;DR
'Book of Numbers' by Joshua Cohen is a complex novel blending tech exposé, memoir, thriller, and biblical allegory to explore human identity in the digital age.
What is Book of Numbers about
'Book of Numbers' is a multifaceted novel by Joshua Cohen that intertwines the story of a failed novelist named Josh Cohen, who is hired to ghostwrite the memoirs of Principal, the enigmatic founder of Tetration, a powerful tech company. The book delves into themes of privacy, technology, and humanity, revealing the rise of Tetration and its impacts on society. The narrative captures the essence of contemporary life, both online and offline, offering a profound meditation on what it means to be human in the age of digital surveillance.
Book of Numbers 5 Key Takeaways
Principal hires Josh Cohen
Principal, the founder of Tetration, hires Josh Cohen, a failed novelist, to ghostwrite his memoirs. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the history and operations of Tetration.
Exploration of Tetration's rise
Principal takes Josh on a global journey, revealing the company's rise from revolutionizing search engines to dominating smartphones, computers, and surveillance technologies.
Secret pretext of the memoir
As the project progresses, Josh learns about the hidden motives behind the autobiography and the life-or-death stakes involved in its publication.
Revelations and confrontations
Josh confronts numerous revelations about the digital world and his own life, leading to a deeper understanding of the intrusive nature of modern technology.
Climax and resolution
The story builds to a climax as Josh grapples with the moral and ethical implications of his work, ultimately leading to a resolution that underscores the novel's central themes.
Top Book of Numbers Quotes
- 'There are moments in it that seem to transcend our impasse.'
- 'A wheeling meditation on the wired life, on privacy, on what being human in the age of binary code might mean.'
Who should read Book of Numbers?
'Book of Numbers' is ideal for readers interested in the intersection of technology, privacy, and human identity. It appeals to those who enjoy complex narratives that blend different genres, including tech exposés, thrillers, and literary fiction.
Book of Numbers Best Reviews
- 'The Great American Internet Novel is here. . . . Book of Numbers is a fascinating look at the dark heart of the Web. . . . A page-turner about life under the veil of digital surveillance . . . one of the best novels ever written about the Internet.'—Rolling Stone
- 'Remarkable . . . dazzling . . . Cohen’s literary gifts . . . suggest that something is possible, that something still might be done to safeguard whatever it is that makes us human.'—Francine Prose, The New York Review of Books
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Book of Numbers FAQs
What is 'Book of Numbers' mainly about?
'Book of Numbers' is about a failed novelist hired by the founder of a powerful tech company to ghostwrite his memoirs, exploring themes of privacy, technology, and human identity.
Who wrote 'Book of Numbers'?
'Book of Numbers' was written by Joshua Cohen, an acclaimed American novelist known for his exploration of contemporary issues.
What is the main theme of 'Book of Numbers'?
The main theme of 'Book of Numbers' is the exploration of human identity and privacy in the digital age, examining the impact of technology on modern life.