Harper Academic

A Deadly Wandering

A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age

by Matt Richtel

On Sale: 06/02/2015

Price: $17.99

A Deadly Wandering

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A Deadly Wandering

A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age

by Matt Richtel

On Sale: 06/02/2015

Format:

Price: $17.99

About the Book

Digging deeper into his Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting on the issue of distracted driving, Matt Richtel examines the impact of technology on our lives through the lens of Reggie Shaw, a college student, who, while texting and driving, killed two rocket scientists in 2006.

Students will follow Reggie through the tragedy of the crash, the police investigation, his prosecution, and the role he plays today as an important advocate against distracted driving. Along the way, Richtel gives students cutting-edge scientific findings about human attention and technology that will help them envision how to manage this crisis both individually and on a societal level.

Freshman Common Read: Boise State University, University of Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina University, University of Vermont, California State University Chico, Avila University

Critical Praise

“Richtel’s compassionate and persuasive book deserves a spot next to Fast Food Nation and To Kill a Mockingbird in America’s high school curriculums. To say it may save lives is self-evident.” — New York Times Book Review (Editor's Choice)

“Keen and elegantly raw. ... Not just a morality tale but a probe sent into the world of technology. ... Richtel draws all the characters with a fine brush, a delicacy that treats misery both respectfully and front-on.” — Christian Science Monitor (One of the 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the Year)

“Americans are addicted to their technology, putting us on a modern day collision course with very real consequences. Matt Richtel brilliantly tells the story of the aftermath of a deadly distracted driving crash. His portrait is riveting. I could not stop reading, and neither will you.” — Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation

“A portrait of our digital age that will deeply frighten you and cause you to reevaluate many common aspects of your ‘connected’ life. ... An extraordinarily important book that everyone—and I mean everyone—should read.” — Douglas Preston, co-author of The Monster of Florence

“A masterpiece of reporting, insight, and empathy. ... A beautiful, cautionary tale that reads like a novel, and that we disregard at our risk.” — Robert Kurson, author of Shadow Divers

A Deadly Wandering is more than a page-turner. It’s a book that can save lives.” — Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows

“Matt Richtel’s riveting book is narrative nonfiction at its finest. ... This book should be placed in every school and legislative chamber in the country.” — Jon Huntsman, former governor of Utah

“This book does that most amazing of feats: it makes cutting-edge scientific research feel relevant to the choices we make every time we get in a car, sit at a desk, or talk to our friends and family.” — Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit

“A gripping book. ... This is human drama and the latest knowledge about obsessive technology woven together in memorable style.” — Ralph Nader, author of Unsafe at Any Speed

“A compelling, highly emotional, and profoundly important story.” — Kirkus Reviews (Starred; a Best Book of the Year)

“Illuminates the perils of information overload... Raises fascinating and troubling issues about the cognitive impact of our technology.” — Publishers Weekly

Intensely gripping, compelling, and sobering... A Deadly Wandering gives the potentially lethal risks of the digital age a very human face -- one which we can, if we’re honest, readily see in the mirror.” — Winnipeg Free Press (A Best Book of the Year)

“Exhaustively researched. ... Richtel brings a novelist’s knack for unspooling narrative conflict to bear on Shaw’s real-life drama.” — San Francisco Chronicle (A Best Book of the Year)

“Each page is... irresistible. ... A richly detailed and compellingly readable exploration of the ‘clash’ between our brains and the electronic devices that, for many of us, have become essential to ‘every facet of life.’” — Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Fabulously well-researched and brilliantly told. ... Moving and interesting." — Paula Poundstone

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Product Details

  • ISBN: 9780062284075
  • ISBN 10: 006228407X
  • Imprint: Mariner Books
  • On Sale: 06/02/2015
  • Trimsize: 5.310 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.940 in (d)
  • Pages: 416
  • List Price: $17.99
  • BISAC1 : SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects
  • BISAC2 : SCIENCE / Cognitive Science
  • BISAC3 : TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING / Social Aspects