In 'Pattern Recognition,' Cayce Pollard, a cool-hunting marketing consultant, is haunted by her hypersensitivity to symbols and logos in a post-9/11 world. As she investigates a mysterious series of online films that captivate a cult following, she is drawn into a web of conspiracy and seduction that blurs the lines between reality and the digital age. With her life at stake, Cayce navigates the shadowy intersections of art, technology, and commerce. Gibson's exploration of identity and perception challenges readers to ponder how deeply technology influences our lives. Can she decode the patterns before they consume her? Dive into this cyberpunk thriller to unravel the truth.
By William Gibson
Published: 2004
"The future is already here — it's just not very evenly distributed."
“Pattern Recognition is William Gibson’s best book since he rewrote all the rules in Neuromancer.”—Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods “One of the first authentic and vital novels of the 21st century.”—The Washington Post Book World The accolades and acclaim are endless for William Gibson's coast-to-coast bestseller. Set in the post-9/11 present, Pattern Recognition is the story of one woman's never-ending search for the now... Cayce Pollard is a new kind of prophet—a world-renowned “coolhunter” who predicts the hottest trends. While in London to evaluate the redesign of a famous corporate logo, she’s offered a different assignment: find the creator of the obscure, enigmatic video clips being uploaded to the internet—footage that is generating massive underground buzz worldwide. Still haunted by the memory of her missing father—a Cold War security guru who disappeared in downtown Manhattan on the morning of September 11, 2001—Cayce is soon traveling through parallel universes of marketing, globalization, and terror, heading always for the still point where the three converge. From London to Tokyo to Moscow, she follows the implications of a secret as disturbing—and compelling—as the twenty-first century promises to be...
Showing 8 of 29 similar books
Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.
Neil Gaiman is a bestselling British author known for his fantasy, horror, and science fiction works, including American Gods, Coraline, and The Sandman graphic novel series. His stories often blend mythology, folklore, and the supernatural, creating dark yet imaginative worlds. Gaiman’s work has been adapted into films, television shows, and radio plays, further cementing his influence in popular culture. He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards. Gaiman continues to be a beloved figure in both literature and pop culture, known for his storytelling prowess and unique voice.
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
David Deutsch is a British physicist and philosopher, widely known for his contributions to quantum mechanics, particularly in the area of quantum computation. He is the author of The Fabric of Reality and The Beginning of Infinity, where he explores the nature of knowledge, progress, and the future of human civilization. Deutsch’s work in quantum computing laid the groundwork for the development of quantum algorithms, positioning him as a pioneer in this emerging field. He is a proponent of the multiverse theory and has offered profound insights into the nature of reality, science, and human potential. Deutsch’s philosophical work emphasizes the power of reason and creativity in solving problems and expanding human understanding. His ideas have had a significant impact on the fields of theoretical physics and epistemology, making him a leading thinker on the future of science and technology. He continues to inspire both scientists and lay readers with his optimistic vision of a world shaped by knowledge and innovation.
Casey Neistat is a renowned American filmmaker, vlogger, and co-founder of the multimedia company Beme, which was later acquired by CNN. He gained widespread recognition for his innovative and highly influential YouTube vlogs, which have garnered millions of subscribers and views. Neistat's storytelling prowess and creative filming techniques have earned him a Shorty Award for Best YouTube Star and several Streamy Awards. Beyond his digital presence, he has contributed to literature through essays and thought pieces on creativity and the impact of social media. Neistat's work continues to inspire a new generation of content creators and filmmakers.
Austen Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.
Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.
Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.
“The future is already here — it's just not very evenly distributed.”
Pattern Recognition
By William Gibson
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
William Gibson is a renowned American-Canadian author and one of the pioneers of the science fiction genre known as cyberpunk. He is best known for his seminal works, including 'Neuromancer', 'Count Zero', and 'Mona Lisa Overdrive', which collectively form the Sprawl trilogy. Gibson's writing is characterized by its rich descriptions, intricate plots, and exploration of themes such as technology, cyberspace, and the implications of a digitized world. His unique style blends sharp prose with a visionary perspective, influencing countless authors and shaping the landscape of modern science fiction.
Key information about the book.
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow," Yuval Noah Harari explores the future possibilities for humanity as we evolve beyond our current limitations. Delving into themes of artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and the quest for immortality, he provokes thought about what may come after Homo sapiens. As society increasingly turns to technology for solutions, he questions the implications of our pursuit of happiness and god-like powers. Will we augment our bodies and minds, or lose our humanity in the process? This provocative journey invites readers to ponder the exhilarating—and terrifying—potential of our own evolution.
In 'Future Shock,' Alvin Toffler explores the profound psychological and social impacts of rapid technological change on society. He introduces the concept of 'future shock'—the anxiety and disorientation individuals feel when they are unable to keep pace with the velocity of modern life. Through compelling examples, Toffler illustrates how advancements in technology and information can lead to a disconnection from traditional values and realities. His predictions about the accelerating pace of change feel eerily relevant in today's world. As we stand on the brink of unprecedented innovations, are we prepared for the future he foresaw?
In 'Island' by Aldous Huxley, the idyllic society of Pala is threatened by external forces that seek to exploit its unique culture and philosophy. The protagonist, Will Farnaby, washes ashore and discovers a way of life that harmoniously blends spirituality, science, and personal freedom. As he learns about the island's practices, he grapples with the contrasting values of the modern world. Will he protect this utopia or succumb to the pressures of civilization? Huxley’s thought-provoking narrative challenges readers to reflect on the essence of happiness and the meaning of progress.
'The Book of Jewish Food' by Claudia Roden is a culinary journey that explores the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage through its diverse and captivating cuisine. With over 800 recipes, Roden unveils traditional dishes passed down through generations, reflecting the unique cultural influences from around the world. Each recipe is accompanied by personal anecdotes, revealing the significance of food in Jewish identity and celebration. This book is not just a collection of recipes; it is a heartfelt homage to the stories and history that shape Jewish life. Dive into the flavors and traditions that define Jewish culture and discover the secrets behind the dishes that bring families together.
In "What Technology Wants," Kevin Kelly delves into the deep interplay between humanity and technology, suggesting that technology is an extension of life itself. He argues that just like biological evolution, technology has its own agenda and desires, shaping our future in profound ways. Through a blend of philosophical insights and real-world examples, Kelly reveals how technological advancements reflect our aspirations and fears. As he explores the notion of 'the technium'—a vast, interconnected web of technology—readers are invited to reconsider their relationship with the tools they create. This thought-provoking journey challenges us to embrace technology as a living entity that influences and drives our evolution.
In 'Abundance', Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler explore the exhilarating possibilities of innovation and technology in overcoming global challenges. The authors argue that we are on the brink of a new era where exponential advancements can provide solutions to issues like hunger, scarcity, and disease. Through compelling case studies, they highlight visionary thinkers and entrepreneurs who are harnessing these resources to create a better future. This book not only challenges the prevailing narrative of scarcity but ignites a sense of hope and action. Dive in to discover how we can collectively shape a world of abundance!
In 'The Starfish and the Spider', Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom explore the power of decentralized organizations through an intriguing metaphor. Unlike a spider, which dies when its head is cut off, a starfish can regenerate even when parts are removed, symbolizing resilient systems. The authors illustrate how this model applies to modern businesses, social movements, and technology, revealing the strengths of leaderless organizations. With compelling real-world examples, they challenge conventional thinking about control and hierarchy. Prepare to rethink your perspective on power, creativity, and collaboration in the 21st century!
In 'Recursion' by Blake Crouch, a groundbreaking technology allows people to relive and alter their memories, leading to devastating consequences. As a determined detective and a brilliant neuroscientist grapple with the implications of this invasive platform, they uncover a reality-altering secret that could change humanity forever. Time itself begins to unravel as individuals confront their pasts, dreams, and the shadowy organization behind the technology. Blurring the lines between memory and reality, the story poses thought-provoking questions about identity and choice. Crouch's gripping narrative keeps readers on the edge, pondering the extent of human consciousness and the price of its manipulation.
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
