57 pages • 1 hour read
Uncanny Valley: A Memoir
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Book Brief
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
San Francisco, California • 2010s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In the first part of Uncanny Valley, “Incentives,” Anna Wiener, a 25-year-old from Brooklyn, seeks professional fulfillment beyond her monotonous job at a Manhattan literary agency. After a brief tenure at a New York startup, she moves to San Francisco for a customer support role at a mobile analytics firm. Excited and optimistic, she initially tolerates sexism, ethical concerns about data collection, and her CEO’s harsh management. When her work environment deteriorates, she transitions to a more mission-driven open-source software startup.
Informative
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
37,144 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Anna Wiener's Uncanny Valley highlight its compelling exploration of Silicon Valley's culture, praised for its insightful and witty narrative. Readers appreciate Wiener's candid account and nuanced critique of the tech industry's darker aspects. However, some find the narrative too introspective and lacking broader industry analysis. Overall, it's deemed a thought-provoking memoir.
Who Should Read Uncanny Valley?
Readers who would enjoy Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener are typically tech enthusiasts, Silicon Valley insiders, or individuals fascinated by startup culture. Fans of Bad Blood by John Carreyrou or Super Pumped by Mike Isaac will appreciate this insider's perspective on the tech industry's impact on society and personal identity.
37,144 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The CEO of the Mobile Analytics Company
The CEO of the Mobile Analytics Company
Wiener’s first boss in Silicon Valley, known for his intimidating leadership style. He represents the intense power dynamic and ambition prevalent in the tech industry.
Ian
Ian
A robotics engineer at Google and Wiener's romantic partner, who offers a grounded presence in her life. He provides a counterbalance to her immersion in the tech world.
Patrick
Patrick
A CEO of a popular startup and a social media acquaintance of Wiener. He is both a friend and a professional contact, whose ambitious nature contrasts with Wiener's own approach to the industry.
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
San Francisco, California • 2010s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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