These essays were written right at the point of no return for internet/digital/whatever culture. It's amazing how essays about technology from the mid-90's feel so outdated. It feels silly saying this, but I agreed with the essays more than I'd like to admit. I have never read Franzen's fiction, but every time I've heard his voice it makes me want to scream. There is a nagging earnestness that makes it seem like he's disingenuous. I can't really put my finger on it. Despite that, the essays are great. The best essay is a short one about the supermax prison/CMU in Florence, Colorado. Franzen really captures the sterilized horror of it all. The funniest/most absurd essay is about the postal service in Chicago. Insanity!