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54 pages 1 hour read

A Deadly Wandering

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Matt Richtel

A Deadly Wandering

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 2000s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

A Deadly Wandering by Matt Richtel investigates the dangers of distracted driving through the tragic story of a 2006 Utah car accident where teenager Reggie Shaw, while texting and driving, caused the deaths of two scientists, intertwining this narrative with research on attention and the impact of technology on cognitive function.

Informative

Mysterious

Challenging

Emotional

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.1

4,114 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Matt Richtel's A Deadly Wandering is praised for its compelling narrative and in-depth exploration of the dangers of distracted driving, blending a tragic true story with scientific insights. However, some critics feel the pacing drags at times and that it includes excessive technical detail. Overall, it's an enlightening read with significant real-world implications.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Deadly Wandering?

A reader who would enjoy A Deadly Wandering by Matt Richtel is typically interested in technology's impact on human behavior, neuroscience, and public policy. Fans of Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point and Nicholas Carr's The Shallows would find this a compelling read due to its investigation of distracted driving, cognitive science, and societal implications.

4.1

4,114 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Reggie Shaw

A 17-year-old involved in a significant legal case regarding texting and driving; he plays a key role in legislative changes in Utah following a tragic accident.

Two rocket scientists who worked at ATK Systems; they were victims of a fatal accident caused by distracted driving.

A victims advocate in the Cache County attorney's office who becomes involved in the case due to her connection to one of the victims and her commitment to seeking justice.

A Utah state trooper with a reputation for persistence, who investigates the accident scene and pursues the case against Reggie Shaw.

A cognitive neuroscientist recognized for his research on attention, who collaborates on projects aiming to enhance cognitive capacity related to distracted driving.

The widow of Jim Furfaro and mother to their daughters, who later finds forgiveness for Reggie Shaw and moves forward with her life.

Chief deputy county attorney who leads the prosecution in Reggie Shaw's case, motivated by his past experiences to empathize with the defendant.

Reggie Shaw’s defense attorney who navigates the legal challenges and secures a plea agreement for his client.

The wife and daughter of Keith O’Dell, who seek justice and keep in contact with investigators, impacted deeply by the consequences of the accident.

A neuroscientist specializing in attention and distraction, his testimony about the dangers of texting and driving becomes crucial in the case.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 2000s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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