Close to the Machine
In 'Close to the Machine', Ellen Ullman invites readers into the intricate world of software engineering, blending memoir and technical insight. She recounts her journey through the male-dominated tech landscape of the 1990s, where code becomes both a language of clarity and a reflection of the human experience. Ullman's prose reveals the beauty and chaos of programming, exploring the connection between technology and creative expression. As she navigates her own identity and relationships, readers are left pondering the personal cost of an increasingly digital age. This thought-provoking narrative challenges us to consider how closely we live with machines and what it means to be human in their presence.
By Ellen Ullman
Published: 2012
"We are, in our essence, machines made of flesh, interconnected and driven by narratives, yet yearning for understanding."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Originally published in 1997 by City Lights Books.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Close to the Machine
About the Author
Ellen Ullman
Ellen Ullman is an acclaimed American author and essayist known for her influential works that explore the intersection of technology, society, and the human experience. Notable for her books including 'The Bug,' 'Close to the Machine,' and 'Life Among the Cyborgs,' Ullman offers a unique perspective on the information age, drawing from her background in software engineering and her experiences in the tech industry. Her writing style is characterized by its incisive observations, lyrical prose, and deep philosophical inquiries, often blending personal narrative with critical analysis of the digital world. Through her essays and fiction, Ullman challenges readers to reflect on the implications of technology in our lives, making her a pivotal voice in contemporary discussions about the digital landscape.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Ellen Ullman
- Published
- February 2012
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- ISBN
- 1250002486
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 209
- Genres
- BiographyMemoirsWomen in TechTechnology
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Technopoly
Neil Postman
Steve Jobs
Walter Isaacson
Code
Charles Petzold
Becoming Steve Jobs
Brent Schlender, Rick Tetzeli
The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story
Michael Lewis
Revolution in the Valley
Andy Hertzfeld
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Malcolm X, Alex Haley
The Blade Itself
Joe Abercrombie
Pride
Jessica Tracy
The Lady from Zagreb
Philip Kerr
What Technology Wants
Kevin Kelly
Psychology of the Digital Age
John R. Suler
We Were Soldiers Once...and Young
Lt. General Ha Moore, Joseph Galloway
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Judith Viorst
Medieval Technology and Social Change
Lynn White (Jr.)
Fundamentals of Plasma Physics
Paul M. Bellan
She Always Knew How - Mae West
Charlotte Chandler
Permanent Record
Edward Snowden
Affective Computing
Rosalind W. Picard
Uncommon Genius
Denise Shekerjian
Gone Tomorrow
Lee Child
The Travels of Marco Polo
Marco Polo
Truth & Beauty
Ann Patchett
A Spy Among Friends
Ben Macintyre
War Is A Racket
Smedley D. Butler
July's People
Nadine Gordimer
Faith
Sharon Salzberg
Customer Intimacy
Frederik D. Wiersema
Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow
Marsha Sinetar
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Aileen Lee's Book Recommendations
Aileen Lee is a distinguished venture capitalist and founder of Cowboy Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. She is widely known for coining the term "unicorn" to describe startups valued at over $1 billion, significantly impacting how the tech industry views high-growth companies. Lee's keen eye for innovation and her advocacy for diversity in tech have made her a prominent figure in Silicon Valley. Beyond her financial acumen, she has authored insightful articles on entrepreneurship and startup culture, contributing valuable perspectives to business literature. Lee's work continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors.
View Collection
Aaron Levie's Book Recommendations
Aaron Levie is the co-founder and CEO of Box, a cloud content management platform that revolutionized how businesses manage and collaborate on content. He launched Box in 2005 while still a college student, and the company rapidly grew into a leader in the cloud storage industry. Levie is known for his innovative, forward-thinking approach to enterprise software and for pushing the boundaries of digital transformation. Under his leadership, Box went public in 2015 and continues to evolve with new technologies and partnerships. He is a strong advocate for cloud-first business strategies and frequently shares his insights on the future of work and the digital workplace. Levie is also a prolific speaker and writer, often discussing technology's role in the modern economy. His energetic and witty personality has made him a popular figure in Silicon Valley and beyond.
View Collection
Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations
Diana Kimball is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of the mentorship platform Mentor List, which connects people looking for guidance with industry leaders. Kimball is a champion for personal and professional development, emphasizing the power of mentorship to foster growth and build meaningful connections. She has worked in product management and marketing roles at companies like Twitter and Microsoft, bringing her unique insights into tech and community building. Kimball also speaks and writes on topics related to leadership, career development, and the importance of empathy in the workplace. Her work has helped people build stronger networks and pursue their goals with purpose.
View Collection
Andrew Wilkinson's Book Recommendations
Andrew Wilkinson is a distinguished author and entrepreneur, best known for his insightful business writings and contributions to the tech industry. He co-founded MetaLab, a prominent design agency that has shaped the user experience of major platforms like Slack and Coinbase. Wilkinson's entrepreneurial journey and his publications provide valuable perspectives on startup culture, innovation, and leadership. His writing, often featured in leading business magazines and his personal blog, has garnered a wide readership for its practical advice and engaging storytelling. Andrew continues to influence both literature and the business world with his unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View Collection
Brian Cox's Book Recommendations
Brian Cox is a Scottish actor and director, best known for his roles in films like Braveheart and Adaptation, as well as for his portrayal of media mogul Logan Roy in the hit HBO series Succession. Cox is renowned for his commanding screen presence and his ability to convey complex, often morally ambiguous characters. He has had a distinguished career in both film and theater, earning numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for his performance in Succession. In addition to his acting work, Cox is a vocal advocate for arts education and has been involved in various charitable initiatives. His longevity and versatility have made him a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
View Collection
Melinda Gates's Book Recommendations
Melinda Gates is a prominent philanthropist, businesswoman, and author known for her groundbreaking work in global health and education. She co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has become one of the world's largest private charitable organizations. In 2019, she published her acclaimed book "The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World," which explores the transformative power of women's empowerment. Gates is also recognized for her advocacy in promoting gender equality and her efforts to address social issues such as poverty and access to healthcare. Her work has earned her numerous accolades and a prominent place in the discourse on global development and social justice.
View Collection
Cynthia Johnson's Book Recommendations
Cynthia Johnson is a celebrated author known for her poignant novels that explore themes of identity, resilience, and human connection. She gained critical acclaim with her debut novel, "Whispers in the Wind," which won the National Book Award for Fiction. Her subsequent works, including "Echoes of the Past" and "Fragments of Tomorrow," have been praised for their lyrical prose and deeply emotional narratives. Johnson's contributions extend beyond her writing, as she actively mentors emerging writers and advocates for literacy programs in underserved communities. With a career spanning over two decades, she has firmly established herself as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
View Collection
Walter Isaacson's Book Recommendations
Walter Isaacson is a renowned American author, journalist, and professor, best known for his detailed biographies of influential figures. He has penned bestselling biographies of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci, each acclaimed for their thorough research and engaging storytelling. Isaacson served as the CEO of the Aspen Institute, chairman of CNN, and editor of Time magazine, significantly impacting both media and educational spheres. His works often explore the intersection of genius, innovation, and human nature. Isaacson's ability to distill complex lives into compelling narratives has cemented his reputation as one of the foremost biographers of our time.
View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations
Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection“We are, in our essence, machines made of flesh, interconnected and driven by narratives, yet yearning for understanding.”
Close to the Machine
By Ellen Ullman
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.