Jan. 09. 2024: The Book Review of The Time Machine by H. G. Wells.

This is the first book I tried listening to rather than reading.

It’s not difficult and short enough, however, I couldn’t follow the reader well until I could concentrate on myself while I was walking around after dinner.

There is a word “camphor” I didn’t know but I guessed it right. Sometimes I could follow the story well when it turns to the comments of the future society.

I feel so sad about Weena‘s loss. I can’t help thinking about it rather than humankind’s future or the crab beach scenery.

Jan. 18. 2024: The Book Review of Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford.

I just finished reading the book: Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford.

By day 28, things get interesting but sticky, I was thinking about why Jeff didn’t fight Rakin off and I got the answer… I might not share this book with some of my teen friends for these sexualized details. But the tone is also funny and true, and I love how the author approached it.

I wanted to write a long book review but many details slipped from memory, except Sadie.

I feel so sad about Sadie, and I don’t know why she was gone in the notes. It’s like a good relationship between Jeff and Sadie stopped for no reason, and how about Sadie’s secret?

I love the days in this psychiatric ward, a simple world where no one was gone. The real world is far more complicated. What if the story ended up and Jeff gets together with Sadie? The last week is hard for me but it comes to an end abruptly.

I am glad Jeff chose to keep him alive but I still wonder about some signs that Sadie’s gone. It’s heartbreaking.

It is hard to come out as gay, as well as it also needs courage for cyber relationships. While someone might think gays are fags, cyber nerds are losers.

I have my best friends online, but I dare not say.

PS: I laughed really hard when I saw the poem “Ten Little Soldier Boys Went Out to Dine…”

Jan. 20. 2024: The Book Review of iGen (I abandoned this book when I reached approximately 70%)

In the ever-shifting terrain of generational dynamics, the discourse on the distinctiveness of Generation Z, or iGen, takes center stage. While some argue for inherent differences in the younger generation, I align with the perspective attributing these disparities to the swift evolution of technology and societal norms. It’s crucial to acknowledge that transformative changes extend beyond iGen, influencing the global societal fabric.

Cell phones’ ubiquity has permeated every facet of daily life, and social media is reshaping sleep patterns and redefining social interactions and entertainment. The pursuit of online influence and the consequential economic activities shift are not confined to a specific generation but echo broader societal trends.

The pervasive influence of technology has left an indelible mark on mental health across generations. The constant connectivity, information overload, the pressures associated with perfectionism, unrealistic expectations and high achievement contribute to heightened stress levels. Mental health challenges, once considered isolated to certain generations, now resonate universally, transcending age brackets. It becomes evident that the technological paradigm shift is a shared burden, impacting the well-being of individuals across the generational spectrum.

Furthermore, technology’s influence extends to communication and politics. Online platforms act as catalysts for political engagement, empowering not only the younger generation but everyone in society to voice opinions and mobilize for social change. This exposure fosters an open-minded approach, challenging traditional views and promoting diversity acceptance. The shift in political attitudes mirrors the broader societal trend toward participatory governance facilitated by technological advancements.

As I attempted to engage with this book, its relevance dwindled, highlighting the rapid pace of societal evolution. Published in 2017, it briefly encapsulated the generational disparity between today’s teenagers and their parents. However, the swiftly changing societal landscape, driven by technology, renders its insights a mere snapshot, labeling the young generation. Essentially, distinctions attributed to iGen reflect a society in perpetual flux, where adaptability is a shared trait rather than a divisive generational factor.