How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy

Our world has become dependent on our constant attention and data production, whether it is in our professions, producing content for social media, or consuming media. Jenny Odell calls for us to step back and take back our agency over where we choose to direct our attention. Instead of giving ourselves up to the distracting work and devices capitalism would impose on us, we can reconnect with the ground we stand on and regain our freedom. Jenny draws together a wealth of sources, from social media posts and corporate websites to ancient Greek philosophers to her observations of two crows who visit her daily. The book is nuanced, absorbing, and will take your mind to many fascinating places. If you like Rebecca Solnit's books and/or feel compelled to throw your smartphone in the ocean, give this a read.