Want to read a diary of an old man’s perspective on the internet? No? How about...you want to read George Takei’s book, “Oh Myyy!” Yeah? Well the two are one and the same.
This book was simple, and yet entertaining. It came and went quickly. The only reason it took me an entire month to read it is because I kept trying to read it while at work. I have to learn to accept that I will no longer have breaks in my calls; that the rest of my time on the phone is going to be insane back-to-back getting screamed at, and I will no longer get a stress relief between.
I am instead trying to read a little before I go to work. It was great for this book as the chapter’s were short and to the point. It’s mostly George Takei explaining how he views things, and his perception of social media and how it grows. A large portion of it is him remembering key moments of hilarity, while other chapters are him actually theorizing how social media is going to go.
Throughout the book, he compares himself as the crazy uncle of the family. His book is much the same in that its awesome for short periods of times, but if you had to go on a long sprawling hike, his antics would become annoying. Luckily, the chapters in this book are short. They are entertaining, but you see the point that if he keeps talking about the subject things are going to start to either get very boring, or very awkward... or possibly both at the same time. Takei is quite good at stopping at a point where you might keep thinking on the subject, without killing it.
My favorite part of the book was him discussing the ability to laugh at oneself. I personally enjoyed it because many people I discuss things with find the insult in everything, and scream at it. There are times to sit back and laugh. There are times to allow yourself to be made fun of. Still, Takei ignores the fact that some jokes are used to denigrate certain classes... but at times you can laugh and say “fuck off” to those who would the joke in such a fashion.
This book could probably be read in a single sitting. It’s easy, quick, quirky, and at times fun. But it also doesn’t have any sustenance. He muses on social media and where its going, but he doesn’t add anything new to the subject. The beginning ramblings of an Social Studies or Advertising firm. But, much like “liking” his page, it’s not about sustenance, but about laughing and having a good time. He provides that.
