Jordan Colley

This is a hard book to describe. It's the first book by Gibson that I've read; I haven't read the more well-known Neuromancer. I've tried several times to describe it to my wife, but it always comes out as a weird amalgam of plot details.

Cayce Pollard suffers from an allergy to certain brands that makes her indispensable in the advertising world as a taste-maker and advisor. In her personal life, she is obsessed with snippets of online video that have become a viral sensation on message boards. This is early 2000s internet, and the book reflects the sort of optimistic and trusting environment that permeated online. The book delves into her search for the creator of the footage and plays out like a mystery/spy novel, where everyone has an angle and Cayce is trying to sort out the truth.

Gibson's writing style is frenetic at times, using lots of commas and poetic descriptions interweaved with dialogue. It works well for the sleep-deprived main character caught in a whirlwind. I'm curious to read one of his other books to see if this is indicative of his writing style or particular to this book.

The book moves at a pretty quick pace, and I would say that it's more of a plot-driven book than a character-driven one. It is interesting to see how Cayce's brand allergy and trend spotting give her a unique lens to see the world. That being said, I wouldn't say there is a lot of emotional depth or growth for the characters.

The themes explored are the interesting part. Gibson mentions numerous brands in descriptions throughout the book, calling out how inundated we are by advertising in our daily lives. The book explores art and its commodification, the search for truth, privacy and wild online fandom.

I enjoyed the book, but wouldn't recommend it to everyone. If any of those ideas perk up your ears, you might really enjoy it. I'm intrigued enough to read something else of his. Maybe I'll dig into Neuromancer at some point.

I have a curious ritual lately when I start a new book. I have a tray of bookmarks, nothing fancy, just the disposable kind you get at bookstores, libraries and events. I try to pick one up whenever I visit a new independent bookstore. Each one is different. Some have funny illustrations or quotes. They're tiny works of art.

Each time I start a new book, I look through them for a bookmark that matches the theme of the book or maybe the mood I'm in when starting the book. It's a small joy to rifle through and pick out a new bookmark to mark the beginning of a new literary journey!

I'm staring at the blank page of a new writing journey. I've had this domain name for a long time, but I always just had it forward to my business page. In the back of my mind, I always thought it should be something more personal.

When I was in college, a family member bought me a subscription to Sacred Journey. The magazine ended many years ago, but it was a monthly interfaith magazine that brought together articles from across different faith traditions. Buddhism, Hinduism, Native American, Muslim, Judaism, Christianity; they were all there, one right after the other. It was a fascinating glimpse into some of the similarities and differences that weave together the different faiths of the world.

In one particular issue, there was a prayer that was attributed to Chief Yellow Lark of the Lakota Sioux. I've since learned he is associated with translating it in 1887, though historical records aren't definitive about its origins. Nevertheless, it spoke to me then and I've continued to read it. In fact, I often start each day reading it.

Since it is often a part of how I start the day, I thought it would be a nice way to begin. May it be as comforting for you as it has been for me in both good times and dark times.

Oh, Great Spirit, Whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me! I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever hold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.

Help me remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy: myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.

Translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887