2030: The Real Story of What Happens to America Audiobook

" Great, timely premise - modern medicine continues to develop so that people are living into the 100s and beyond. The "olds" have political strength, medical coverage, and financial security, while the younger generations are swamped in debt. I got frustrated with the multiple characters/multiple story lines and felt the book would have benefited from a much stronger ending. "

" Lots of this is plausible and feels like all of this is on the verge of happening now. I feel like he kind of cops out at the end in a very Hollywood fashion, but it's an entertaining beach read and goes by quickly. If you like Albert Brooks you'll probably like this. "

" Some interesting ideas. Vaguely racist in certain parts, when he characterizes Mexican-Americans in LA and also in his characterization of Shen Li. I would have enjoyed the book more without these odd moments. "

" Horrible, one of the worst books I've read. Didn't finish the book. "

" An extremely well thought out and crafted novel of life in the near future. No, it isn't about flying cars or robot housecleaners, but a look back at a United States less than two decades from now that's dealing with social unrest from healthcare and insurance costs that keep rising, devastating natural disasters and an economy no longer able to rely on an endless supply of money to fund it. A very enjoyable, very fun read! "

" Closest to a George Orwell novel that I have read in a long time. Just terrific. "

" Okay, this is the best novel I have read in quite a long time. Imaginative and wonderful characters and ideas. "

" Love Albert Brooks and I can see where this would be a promising screenplay but the writing is stilted and it's a dull read. Loved the premise but, ultimately, it is just not worth your time. "

" A depressingly plausible forecast of the direction that America is heading if the country does not pull itself out of the economic hole that it has fallen into. Also shows what is happening if we don't pull together to kill the corporate oligarchy. "

" This book is supposedly set in the future, but the events (excepting the earthquake) in it are all happening right now. Sad and scary. Mostly, I wish it had been a little funnier. "

" 2030 was a long slow read that was rather flat lined throughout. I kept reading in hopes I would get some great wisdom at the end, but alas the end and final message was as flat as all 57 chapters. ...overall: meh. "

" It was enjoyable until Brooks decided he wasn't that into writing anymore, then it wasn't so great. "

" The end of this book gave me a chill. This is going to happen, there is no doubt. "

" I really wanted to like this book. I love Albert Brooks, but this book left me wanting. I just couldn't buy the basic premise. "

" Mr. Brooks must know something we don't know. I can really believe that everything he wrote could come to pass by 2030. Tongue in cheek black humor, with several intertwining stories made this a thoughtful, enjoyable read. "

" Mr Brooks came up with many inventions that I hope one day exist. The book itself is a bit sloppy in its use of words, but so thought provoking. I didn't connect with many of the characters, but I understood what he was trying to do. "

" The story might be plausible, but his story telling skills are weak. Poorly scripted dialogue, huge leaps in logic and characters no one would believe. If this was a screenplay, someone would be screaming, "get me re-write!" "

" Concept was good-writing was not. Fine for a quick summer read. "

" great. funny/sad/prescient. like vonnegut if he calmed down and went linear. "

" Great concept with mediocre execution. The prose was in fact prosaic. "

" Really enjoyed this one - lots of food for thought. "

" I did enjoy the heck out of this...thought it was an amusing and sometimes scary portrait of what we might be headed for. "

" This is a fun book to read. Like episodes of the West Wing, except in 2030. It's very realistic and wonkish. It's like watching CNN in twenty years. If that appeals to you, read this novel. "

" I honestly expected more from this book. It was just OK. PoliSci-Fi, if that's a real thing. Not nearly as visionary as I had hoped. Interesting ideas and concept, poor execution. Mr. Brooks should probably have stuck to movies. "

" Depressing as hell but a necessary read if you live in the United States and wonder what our future is if we continue to do nothing. "

" Only recent book I have taken notes on. Some concepts may be off target, but even more are chillingly spot on.Makes me glad i am not in my 30's. "

" This is where Goodreads shines. When it recommends something that really turns out to be great. And I am one of the "olds" "