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The Circle

Dave Eggers

Released: 2013-10-08

$9.99 0%

7.4 MB

$9.99 0%

7.4 MB

Released: 2013-10-08

Description

Now a Major Motion Picture starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks. A bestselling dystopian novel that tackles surveillance, privacy and the frightening intrusions of technology in our lives.

When Mae Holland is hired to work for the Circle, the world’s most powerful internet company, she feels she’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime. The Circle, run out of a sprawling California campus, links users’ personal emails, social media, banking, and purchasing with their universal operating system, resulting in one online identity and a new age of civility and transparency. As Mae tours the open-plan office spaces, the towering glass dining facilities, the cozy dorms for those who spend nights at work, she is thrilled with the company’s modernity and activity. There are parties that last through the night, there are famous musicians playing on the lawn, there are athletic activities and clubs and brunches, and even an aquarium of rare fish retrieved from the Marianas Trench by the CEO. Mae can’t believe her luck, her great fortune to work for the most influential company in the world—even as life beyond the campus grows distant, even as a strange encounter with a colleague leaves her shaken, even as her role at the Circle becomes increasingly public. What begins as the captivating story of one woman’s ambition and idealism soon becomes a heart-racing novel of suspense, raising questions about memory, history, privacy, democracy, and the limits of human knowledge.

Apple Books: Customer Ratings

Ratings & Reviews

4.0 of 5 (964 Ratings)

Apple Books: Customer Reviews

2017-06-16

Just Awful Writing

Concept: interesting. The rest of it? Couldn't even finish it. Wouldn't mind a refund. The characters are sophomoric, uninteresting. The movie didn't last long in my neck of the woods and I'm not surprised. Don't waste your money on this one. A real snore.

2017-05-30

Thought provoking and scary.

This all seemed as if it could actually happen in the future. I now worry for my nonexistent grandkids.

2017-05-21

Anticlimactic

It's a frustrating read because the core storyline has such potential. Delving into how technology has evolved and posing the question of "is technology going too far" is a promising theme, however this book hardly scratches the surface. Instead, the storyline focuses on 1 dimensional characters and their experiences. It's a huge let down.

2017-04-17

It just ended...

Great concept. The sexual scenes are unnecessary and no intelligent person could be as shallow or ignorant as Mae was. I hope the movie brings the book to completion because it just ended with no solution. I mean seriously, I searched for more pages or a sequel with no avail.

2017-04-05

Thought provoking idea adequately rendered

I found the concept thought provoking. It was adequately rendered.

2017-03-17

Well that was a waste of time.

The main character's development was so poor it was aggravating. To save you the read, this is how it went:

Side character: Mae, I don't like the idea of all my information being public.

Mae: It's a good thing! You'll never be alone.

Side character: Mae I don't want all of my information published.

Mae: I'm going to help you by publishing all of your personal information!

That was it. Over and over and over again. There was zero growth in her character, she was snide and self centered and the majority of the time I didn't understand why she made the decisions she did.

It's disappointing because this book began with so much potential! I was instantly intrigued and wanted to know how it ended. Now that I know, I wish I didn't waste my time or money with it.

2017-02-20

Fascinating, But Not Essential

The world-building is captivating, but this book drags on and ultimately peters out.

2017-01-29

Great book

It's scary to see that this could be our lives one day. The way social media can take over our lives. Great book! I look forward to the movie as well!!

2016-12-26

Awesome? Frown.

This was a challenging read for me. The binary nature of the question about Mae in Demoxie sums up my feelings about this book: when awesome becomes a yes or no question, everything not awesome becomes horrible.

This was a thought provoking book for me. The increasing integration of technology into our lives is often portrayed as an intrusion. The need for technology to achieve a transcendent completion is something often described in fiction. And the binary nature of the book's questions - if it's not awesome, it's terrible - makes it easy to not think too hard.

That's why I rated three stars. The questions are complex, and the answers are too pat. I think it's worth reading, and I will likely read again in a few months.

Some of the hardest sections to read are Mae's HR interviews. They are remarkably well written, the feeling of ants crawling around your head as the circular logic of the circle takes hold is really compelling.

The least appealing sections are the anti-capitalist message (really, a shark is a bit on the nose) and the premature nature of Francis. C'mon.

2015-12-19

1984?

A few other commenters compared this book to a modern 1984. I agree. When I first saw "Sharing is Caring" I was reminded of some of the phrases in Orwell's book.

And, like others I was quite disappointed in the ending. It was as if several pages were missing. I expected a sequel, but alas, haven't seen one (is there a sequel?).

So, decent, but disappointing.

2015-11-08

The circle is upon us?

The circle gives great insight on what the startling advance of technology can bring. How far down the rabbit hole of technology will we go. Well, if you want to know then you should check out the circle. The circle resembles a company like Facebook and Google combined and then added a whole bunch of steroids to that concoction. The book focuses on Mae and her journey while being in the circle. The twist and turns of this book are entertaining and insightful and it makes me feel paranoid on this roller coaster ride into our possible future.

2015-10-17

You won't look at social media the same

This story instills a sense of personal paranoia with its page turner writing style, and the disturbing transformation of a young employee who "drank the koolaid."

Too much if it has already come to pass, and it calls into question our right to privacy, and the extent to which we have relinquished it.

A very entertaining read.

2015-08-16

poorly predictable

I read this for a book club group. It had potential in the beginning, but the storyline became disappointedly predictable when plot twisters could have added more depth. There were mind numbing "filler" pages, so I skimmed through 25% of the book. I felt no connection to the main character nor the other ones. A very flat storyline.

2015-04-05

Circle by Dave Eggers

Boring times a million. Girl I went out with recommended. "Oh I just finished Circle, tata-tata, very interesting prospective". So much for reading books to have a common ground with people, whose opinion you don't hold in the highest esteem.

2014-12-25

Terrible book

Waste of money

Slow moving

Repetitive

Plot and character never come together

Really not ending that made sense

Story line could have been done in 150 pages

A waste of time save your money

2014-10-26

Almost great

The Circle is a company that draws from creative groundbreakers like Apple, Google, and Amazon, but breaks into areas of personal choice, privacy and government/politics.

Yes the characters are pretty two-dimesnional, but they felt like real people I know. Writing was simple, straight forward, and compelling.

Terrifying read if you fear "big brother".

2014-09-28

Just ok

Great overall concept for the story, but no character development. So much cliche and empty babbling that I found myself speed reading most of the book. I also rarely find books with dis-likable main characters interesting. Great message, but it could have been more skillfully delivered.

2014-08-22

Meh +

An enjoyable read. But pretty predictable. I preferred super sad true love story for its innovative delivery. Be sure to seek out a short story called "the machine stops" for a similar story that's almost 100 years old.

2014-08-16

Did I buy the right book?

After 100, then 200 pages I checked the title and author to make sure I was reading the "The Circle" I had intended to purchase. Suspense - no. Chilling - hardly. Engaging - barely. Basically, I was looking over the shoulder of a tech employee offering customer support. I assume the hook of this over-rated novel was unleashed about two-thirds into its content.

Stay with me here. Essentially, what we have is an amalgamation of Google, Amazon, Facebook and Twitter. Unlike these four independent operations, the "Circle" offers a one-stop-shopping conglomerate for all these needs. Oh yeah, it is privately owned by three "Wise Men" whose motivation is uncertain.

To no one's surprise, the reader discovers the Circle's true intention is global knowledge - ultimately leading to global control. Really Eggers? I saw that coming around page 30.

Nothing special about this book. It is well written, but the story is pedestrian and is unfulfilling.

2014-05-29

A socially scary concept...

Eggers sets the stage to examine our own culture as we use technology as the propaganda to control the masses and eliminate those that cannot assimilate to life "on the grid!"

Grand implications regarding how far to push society to be transparent...as I type this on my iPad with my location settings turned on...

Vastly different than "A Hologram for the King," I highly recommend this timely social commentary.

2014-05-15

First half slow, second half much better - kindle version seems better

Fwiw, it looks like the kindle version has proper chapter formatting while the iBooks version doesn't.

2014-01-26

Ugh

I'm 170 pages in & dreading the rest of the book. I really wanted to like this since I'm a fan of AHWofSG, but it's too slow and the character development is lacking. So far the only character bright enough to question anything is Mercer, yet he's depicted as fat & uneducated. Oy.

2014-01-24

philosophically important literary garbage

Let me be clear: The writing was weak. The characters were unsympathetic and largely unbelievable. The "big surprise" character twist was anticipated from the first time we meet the character. The plot was redundant. In short, it was not a well crafted book.

HOWEVER I do think the conversation this book repeatedly hits you over the head with is a critical one to consider. I was originally VERY disappointed in the ending of the book (like the other reviewers I kept waiting/hoping for the human redemption), but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it is the most important commentary Eggers offered: Young people embrace social media as the new way, the best way, the only way to live; for them it is normal and natural and complete. And because of this view, youth (who shape the future) embrace aspects that others may see as controversial, taking us all further down the rabbit hole.

Can this train be stopped? Eggers final warning appears to be 'no'.

2014-01-18

Just close enough to reality and the possible future to be gripping and unsettling

What an enthralling read, with concepts and challenges we will likely face in the near future. The advent of social media and these mega visionary companies that now have the money to invent their vision of the future is likely to bring us close to this future portrayed in The Circle. Can't wait to discuss with a few other friends who have the read the book, a must read!

2014-01-09

Missing Michael Crichton...

Great topic taken to dreksville. Long, unedited seemingly unedited sections to fill the page count.

2014-01-07

First & formost a classic American business novel

Quck read — don’t expect deep interior examinations of character — that is almost antithetical to the author’s intent. First two-thirds of the book is like a contemporary Sinclair Lewis examination of a business and cultural phenomenon. Then if forcefully recreates Orwell’s 1984 — not in homage, but I think intent to echo it and to underscore that we know how this narrative plays out and we’re part of the dellisuion to think otherwise. I would highly recommend a non-fiction book by a Silicon Valley insider as a follow up: Jaron Lanier, Who Owns the Future.

2014-01-03

Interesting speculation on a scary future

The Circle describes a world where privacy is steadily diminished by the constantly expanding, well intentioned, increases in use of technlogy for increasing social interaction.

As literature, it's weak on characters and the plotting is leaden, but it's a fascinating excursion into a technologically plausible future.

2014-01-03

The Circle

So the book is kind of slow, characters are shallow and you can pretty much predict everything that is going to happen. Normally I would give a book like this 3 stars. However, what I loved about this book is how it made me think of social media. It's pretty scary to think that we are nearly at the point of what this book is suggesting. Makes me think twice before I post anything anymore.

2013-12-27

The Circle

Do not waste your time and/or money on this book.

2013-12-24

Circle

Not worth any stars: not worth reading

2013-12-16

Ick.

Started off with a strong premise, then quickly got way off track. Not worth the money.

2013-12-14

Far fetched

A bit far fetched, who watches live streams of a customer experience newbie. The author had a great concept and the book is introduced beautifully but the turning point simply doesn't come through. The main character lacks any freedom of choice, she becomes boring as the book progresses. I'm disappointed he could have really done something great with this book. He still can license a sequel to another author who has better understanding of technology and character development.

2013-12-12

Unsubtle

This book is very heavy handed in it's condemnation of our social networking society. I believe the author is treating the story as an allegory... The prose and plot become tedious after a few hundred pages. The novel begins to read like the rankings of an older generation condemning novelty rather than an insightful perspective on the role of technology in our lives.

2013-12-11

Miserable.

I can't imagine more ridiculous dialogue. The way it's written makes you feel awkward.

2013-12-03

Terrible

Writing was dry and unnecessarily drawn out. The plot was thin and unbelievable. Good story concept, but the writer did not dig deep enough.

2013-11-23

Makes you think

I thought the writing was just ok and some of the plot was predictable, but overall it was a good read. It's scary to think that it really isn't too far fetched. The end could have been better. I was looking for more pages - as if he just decided to stop writing at that point.

2013-11-14

Creepy? Or just too real?

Wake up....this book is a reflection of what our future could be...forewarned is forearmed. Should be required reading for all ages.

2013-11-07

Makes you think...

About where it's all heading. Brilliant.

2013-11-07

Not so far fetched

Interesting, technology in attempt to bring all information to all people has no regard for privacy. Becomes creepy and is not all that far fetched I certainly think we have to guard ourselves against this. As I was reading it I recommended it to friends. Had I known the ending would fall so flat I don't think I would have recommended it.

2013-11-04

enjoyable but off putting

i almost enjoyed this book but found it a little too creepy to be enjoyed

2013-11-03

My take

The book was somewhat boring however it lends for great discussion topics and debate. I thought the main character's depiction was spot on for graduating college students these days. I think the author wanted to pontificate on what is happening in society today and his vision of the future that he missed out on what could have been a great story. Between gov't and businesses, it's a new world order that is at times distressing.

2013-10-30

Interesting

To me this book is the New Age "1984".

Everything on this book is more about the coming events in our collected future.. This explains how the world will become a one world government completely cause honestly speaking it already is 91% one world.. We are all Mae Holland to stuck in our own Mythos to see what's really happening and how the final 9 bars of our cage is being completed by US...

2013-10-26

Bleak and Depressing

This book is very bleak and depressing. The author uses it to explore the important concept of privacy in the digital world. He draws a very stark and bleak picture of a near term possible future with everyone hyper connected. Unfortunately this thesis is presented as a mystery thriller instead of a OpEd piece. The ending is aweful. You'll invest hours in what should be a magazine article with no payout at the end. The central character is s despicable human being with narcissist with no redeeming qualities.

2013-10-25

Disappointing

First of all it could have been 100 pages shorter. The main character was so uninteresting, and could not think for herself. The book moved slowly and not much happened, I was hoping for a climatic ending but even that sucked. Thumbs down.

2013-10-23

Predictable. Bland. Shallow.

This book was disappointing. The characters are one-dimensional, the plot is predictable, the writing style is flat, and the critique is heavy-handed. That is an understatement; even though I am sympathetic to the message, some subtlety would have made it easier to digest.

I forced myself to complete this book, but I have never skimmed paragraphs as quickly as with this book and yet not felt I might miss something. It was not worth the $12.

2013-10-23

Anti-climactic ending

I agree with Skigirl...I kept waiting for the turn around, the human redemption and it didn't happen. I thought the book had a great premise and could have been very good. I feel I suffered through 1000+ pages with all the build up and no release. Praying there's a sequel to rights the wrongs.

2013-10-22

One dimensional and weakly constructed

Very disappointing read. Character development was completely lacking. The speed of world conversion was lightening fast, but the characters were completely static. Confusing dichotomy. I never stop reading a book, however grueling, until I've read the last paragraph, so I slogged through the last 50 pages searching for the moment of human redemption. It didn't happen, which made the whole story pointless.

2013-10-17

Wish I hadn't read it

Normally I love Dave Eggers books this one did not grab me. The characters were single dimensional and the plot was redundant.

2013-10-17

Disappointed

Cartoonish dialogue and character "development." Regardless of what you think about the Google-like campus or culture, the writing just isn't good.

2013-10-13

Book

E-version? I don't buy hard copy books anymore.