Book Review: The Resonance Of Tuesday: A High-Fidelity Satire of a Low-Bitrate Universe

The Resonance Of Tuesday: A High-Fidelity Satire of a Low-Bitrate Universe by Alec Borman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


First of all, what is Systems Theory? It must be important since it’s the first two words in this book’s descriptive blurb. I did a quick search and landed at “SYSTEMS THEORY: Authority Network America National Reference Engine”. (systemstheoryauthority.com) After taking a few minutes to become overwhelmed by the front page, I clicked into a few deeper pages. Now a LOT overwhelmed, I decided to simply crack into the book and start reading.

The Resonance of Tuesday turned out to be understandable and entertaining! Luckily, I was able to apply experiences gained over my years in administrative accounting, starting with rather crude DOS programs, eventually leaping into those newfangled Windows, and progressing onward with the parade of computer upgrades to the present day.

Even better, I’ve spent an entire decade as an avatar in the 3D virtual world of Second Life. My experience with Linden Labs viewer interface, avatar construction, and building methods played well with the concepts presented here.

Renowned authors Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett have been mention as kindred souls to this author, and I have to go along with that comparison. From an inciting incident with a teakettle to a final showdown where literally everything in existence is at stake, the story arc is well-planned. That’s good, because the story needs to be strong enough to support gigantic heaps of cunningly applied computer and gaming terminology. Clever wordplay is displayed in literally every sentence of the book.

The fact that you are reading this review shows that you know at least a little about digital spaces, even if it’s just through using your smartphone. Even when you come across a reference you don’t understand, I’m sure you’ll still be amused by the sentence construction. You’ll be fine.