23 Comments
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Shemaiah Gonzalez's avatar

Book nerds unite!

Shannon Hood's avatar

Fantastic peek into the book, Joel!I actually just read Nicholas Carr’s book “The Shallows” and there’s a great history of the technology of the written word/books in it that dovetails quite nicely with yours. I’m looking forward to reading it!

Katharine Valentino's avatar

Hello, Joel. I'd love to review "The Idea Machine" and probably would do so--if it were listed in Substack for Book Authors and Readers (at https://bookauthorsandreaders.substack.com/). This is a new publication I've created for book authors to showcase their independently published books and for readers to find, read, and review them. Once a book is listed in the publication, reviews for it, originally posted elsewhere, are reposted in the pub. This brings a book and all its reviews together. Check it out. You can list your book for free with a 7-day free trial.

Mmerikani (Swahili & English)'s avatar

Joel! You are in my Wisereads today! Vol. 119 — The Idea Machine by Joel J. Miller, Charli XCX on being a pop star, and more. Congrats!!

Joel J Miller's avatar

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing. I knew that was hitting soon. Grateful for the tip!

Shari's avatar

Joel, this was a fascinating and thrilling post. So much to dig into and I'm bookmarking for a second and third read. And am guaranteed to purchase the book. Cannot wait. Reading your post now, on vacation in full quietude, is remarkable because I had just finished an essay that rocked my world in very much the same way, with similar power-- have you read Frederick' Buechner's "The Speaking and Writing of Words" yet? If not, I couldn't recommend it more strongly. I am a longtime admirer and hungry reader of his work, but this one resonated with a thunderclap similar to yours.

Jonathan Potter's avatar

I enjoyed this and am ordering the book.

Carol's avatar

Good Article

HBD's avatar

I pre-ordered the ebook version on Kobo. Does that get me any perks? What do I submit? I do have a confirmation email so I just forwarded it to you.

It seems to me that an e-book is a dumbed down codex, lacking for example the spacial advantages of a physical book. Is it a regression to the scroll? OTOH it does make access to the footendnotes easier. And to these old eyes, adjustable fonts are a plus. There are books I won’t read unless they are in e-format - I’m no Samuel Johnson, squinting half-blindly at a book with small print, but it does seem that way sometimes.

I’d be interested in your views about e-books.

Joel J Miller's avatar

Yes! And sorry I missed this. DM me your email address and I’ll get them to you.

Rhea Forney's avatar

I love the creative way you introduced the concept of your new book—a museum. I’m not sure which I love more: a museum off the beaten path or books. Okay, it’s books. Still, I love how you made me feel as though I were wandering through a seemingly small building where, around every corner, another spectacular idea about the book waits to be discovered. I can’t wait to read it.

Alicia Quan's avatar

Pre-ordered! Looking forward to it. Congrats!

Adrian Neibauer's avatar

I’ve preordered and I’m excitedly waiting for November! Can’t wait!

Stourley Kracklite's avatar

Great essay. But what does my 17 year old girlfriend yelling at me during an outdoor concert have to do with it?

Loren Bruce's avatar

Joel, I am so excited for you as we get closer to the launch date for your book. I know people are going to love it. I’m expecting that this book because of its content and your research is gonna end up being a best seller.

Matt Hutson's avatar

I'm definitely ordering my copy right now! Way to go Joel!

David Perlmutter's avatar

Because he didn't write anything down himself, we cannot understand Socrates through his own words, and it's only because his student, Plato, wanted to commemorate him in his dialogues that we may even know who he is at all.

Ron Wall's avatar

You talked me into it! Can't wait. thanks for all your work and doing the heavy lifting!