Review: The Future Is Yours by Dan Frey
From the moment I turned the first page of Dan Frey’s The Future Is Yours, I knew I was diving into a narrative that’s as timely as it is thought-provoking. The epistolary format had me intrigued—I mean, who doesn’t love a book filled with emails, texts, and blog posts? But what truly caught my attention was the thrilling interplay of technology and humanity, framed through the ups and downs of two college buddies, Ben and Adhi.
At the heart of this novel lies a contentious friendship that thrives on brilliance and arrogance. Ben Boyce, the self-proclaimed tech hipster, is the kind of character who might drive you up the wall. His blend of narcissism and charm could easily annoy, and yet, I found myself rooting for him. His cockiness masks a lack of foresight that ironically clashes with the very technology he’s helping to develop—an innovative tool that enables people to see a year into the future. As annoying as he is, Frey crafts Ben as a compelling protagonist whose journey is fraught with moral dilemmas.
But it’s Adhi Chaudry who truly steals the show. This autistic savant brings depth and soul to the narrative, and I can honestly say I was moved by the portrayal of his character. Adhi’s journey is not defined by his autism; rather, it’s enriched by it. His relationship with Ben highlights friendship in its most genuine form—supportive, challenging, and utterly authentic. The way Frey presents Adhi’s struggles with societal norms, while still portraying him as a fully-rounded character, was downright refreshing. Their bromance is a beautiful foundation for this tech-drenched narrative, and it serves as an exploration of what it means to lift someone up, quirks and all.
One of my favorite aspects of The Future Is Yours is Adhi’s Tumblr posts, “Musings of an Anonymous Sci-Fi Superfan.” Through clever pop culture references, he expresses his feelings and thoughts about his relationship with Ben. His comparison between their dynamic and that of Captain Kirk and Spock resonated with me on so many levels. This clever use of allusion transforms what could have been mere fan service into insightful reflections on understanding and acceptance. Frey manages to use this device brilliantly, far eclipsing the typical nostalgic name-drop!
The storytelling method itself is equally captivating. While it flows through various forms like emails and blog posts, I found myself drawn into each communication, as though I were peeking into their lives. There’s an inherent voyeurism that drives the reader to keep turning pages, especially when interpersonal dramas unfold, capturing that authentic experience of modern communication. However, I won’t shy away from mentioning that the pacing can be uneven at times. The repetitiveness sometimes causes the story to meander, but just when I thought I’d lose patience, Frey’s skillful character development reeled me back in.
In the end, I rated The Future Is Yours a solid 4 out of 5 stars. This isn’t just a tale about the implications of technology; it’s a warm and compelling exploration of friendship, acceptance, and the ethics of innovation. If you enjoy rich character studies, thought-provoking themes, and a sprinkle of humor, I highly recommend this book. Frey’s storytelling kept me engaged long after I closed the cover, and I suspect it will do the same for you. Give it a read; you might just find a little piece of your own journey in Ben and Adhi’s compelling world.