Title: The Future of Us
Author: Jay Asher, Carolyn Mackler
Published: November 21st 2011 by Razorbill
 

Why do I have this feeling that this review is not about the book?

In 1996, I’m just this little kid who thought that television was the greatest invention ever. Yes, I do know then that computer exist, I even vaguely remember that we have basic computer subject and was fascinated with Mario game on it that helps me with my typing skills. Sadly, I didn’t do well.

Just a few days ago (prior to reading this) my dad and I have this conversation about how rapid technological progress is. Projects for me back then was 90% effort, 5% cramming and 5% luck. I went to great effort to finish my projects. Not going to the specifics, my point is, being student where everything was a bit laid back was hard work. Not that I’m saying now is not. You guys have lots of resources *coughs*internet*coughs*, I and kids my age have limited resources (and in the interest of some, I’m on my twenties). But look, from 15 years to the present, everything is so high tech. Touch screen phones, internet on the go and instant popularity. Everyone can be a celebrity these days, thanks to the internet.

Now fast forward to 2011. I really don’t know what gotten into me why I decided to read this book. Saw this one on the bookstore, my initial reaction was “hmm, facebook in 1996…” Skimmed a few pages and I was sort of sucked in. But the thing is I’m not a facebook user. Yeah, shocking I know. And nope, I am not internet noob. I’m just not feeling the facebook fad. I’m more of a twitter person. But still, I was interested to the book’s presentation of what-if scenario of people from ’96 and their reaction to future’s craze to social media sites.

Now, to the real review (see, I knew it’s not gonna be entirely about the book, took me three paragraphs of worthless crap for an introduction). Anyway, if you’re like me who thought that this is going to be highly techish book (and thought they’re gonna be friends with Mark Zuckerberg in the future), sorry to disappoint you, the book is not. That’s why they’re not the geeky kids I was expecting (like those one hell of computer programmer for their age). It’s more on the kids’ story and how they’ll use the information about their “future.” Will they let it decided their fates or will they still call the shots and not let it ruin for them? Those sorts of stories.

I do get the message. I guess I was banking more on the sci-fi which is obviously was not. Overall, it was really ok.

ETA: Things I also didn’t predict 15 years ago.

Josh Templeton: Poor Pluto! 🙁

I flinch. “What the hell happens to Pluto?”
Emma shrugs. “That, I’m guessing, wasn’t our fault.”

Who could’ve thought Pluto will no longer considered a planet. Yep, poor pluto.