amzn.to/3Meo2Z1

"...Comforted by the sanctuary of filtered order in a world of sensory overload, we might unintentionally narrow our horizons, depriving ourselves of opportunities. Cherished values like community, free speech, and privacy could be diminished."

"..individual control can be pushed too far. Enthralled with the idea of taking power from politicians, media giants, and price-inflating middlemen, we may lose sight of the benefits of representative democracy and the need for intermediaries who bring us reliable news and high-quality...services."

Not where I would suggest someone to begin with Vance, but after struggling to get into Araminta Station the series started to loosen up for me. Where else can one find the dense lyrical prose and description, humorous cynicism, and world building better than a Vance book? (Rhetorical question).

... but the effort fades away as it envelops you with a level of depth and detail that is rare to come by. The faint must, delicate vellum, and beautiful illustrations all add to the experience. I love finding things in used books, like this Christmas note about Barb having scarlet fever.

Also putting off any summer trips to Maine.

Incidentally, I learned what 'grokking' was, perhaps in some kind of symmetry to reading Snow Crash. Also, I might be the man from Mars.