Joseph Bulgate

This book was not quite what I expected. It was also a bit slow to read and overall just not that interesting.


From the book's description:


"Imagined Agencies explores the possible future involvement of the government in every aspect of our lives with jarring wit, mocking playfulness, and dead-on discernment."


That description is a bit generous to put it mildly. An issue with this book is balance. When it gets it right, it does so well. When it overdoes a joke, it runs it into the ground. Also some of the imagined agencies are so minute or petty to be seriously ridiculous, which can be OK except this book is not sure if it wants to be serious or just a spoof like The Onion.


Overall, the book does present some interesting speculations here or there, but it is also very hit or miss. Inconsistency is an issue as well as focus. There were times I nodded and appreciated ideas and times when I just rolled my eyes when something was beaten to the ground, then dug up, and beaten some more. Your mileage may vary. I consider this to be optional reading.


For me, this was just O.K.… (meer)