Now For Then: How to Face the Digital Future Without Fear [Kindle Edition]

I think it is testament to the author's passion and ability to communicate that this 400 page exploration of current and future impacts of technology is so very readable and engaging. It helps that the book is broken down into 64 short chapters, but it is no mean feat that in taking this approach it still manages to maintain a coherent sense if whole read cover-to-cover. Key themes are developed and returned to throughout (e.g. Moore's Law, collaborative development, the constantly provisional nature of technology developments, etc.). This helps ensure the text does not run the risk of being 'bitty' and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable, if occasionally sobering, guide to our expanding digital world.

Just finished reading "64 Things You Need To Know Now For Then" by Ben Hammersley, a book which considers the many ways that technology underpins and infuses daily life.
64 of those ways, in fact.
Short, snappy chapters contrast the lengthy title, each one pondering a facet of the digital age - with topics ranging from hacktivism to information overload. Crucially, the writing is accessible enough for normal people to engage with, but it's never dumb - I'm far from being a digital novice, yet there was plenty in there to surprise and intrigue me.
I love it when books make me think - when they fire my imagination - and when a non-fiction book does so, it's doubly satisfying. Ben Hammersley has created an engrossing look at our evolving digital world...
...and he's done it all from behind a truly magnificent moustache.

Now lets see here...I've read quite a few books in the futurology department, most of which are extremely similar, in fact you can find little difference in all of them, it's almost as if once you read one, you've read them all" Most of them speak either of Renewable energy or the earth's depleting water sources. But this book is allot different, I learnt a great deal of things from this. It covers multiple areas, such as technology, politics, society. I found myself taking time to digest the though provoking topics and thinking for at least 10 minutes after reading just 3 pages sometimes. I really got to say, this book was good times. Definitely an enjoyable Read!

While i have very few problems with this book, i'll take this paragraph to address them. For one this book is in the business section, but not all the topics seem to have a serious implication on businesses in the future. And I think it would've been allot more suiting if Ben made an effort to put a concluding paragraph on each topic stating what these things may mean for business across the world. But hey, I guess one has to think for themselves here. Secondly not all of these things seem to be definitely comming, some of them are in infant stages and chances for many of them devloping further may be slim. And thirdly some of these topics are to closely correlated, someitmes it felt like i was reading an extension of a previous chapter. But perhaps that was his intent. But overall please do not let that discourage you. I think this would make an excellent book for your night-stand, you may find that not all of these things are news to you, but still worth a read for the few little things you do learn

The Verdict:
Very good futurology, in terms of being different, this book was very refreshing. And as with all books there are slight problems. but nothing too serious. Am sure glad i picked it up

Physical Quality:
The book is published by Hodder & Stoughton. I bought the hardcover version, The hardback is strong but the quality of the jacket could be imrpoved. The text is of decent standard.

Hoped my review was of some help, email me if you'd like a chat "Moneymavericks92@Gmail.com"
Ken James
Lodnon Based Capitalist