Playground by Richard Powers is a mind-bending masterpiece that left me utterly captivated. The ending was so unexpected and thought-provoking that I couldn't help but go back and reread it immediately. After diving into another ocean-themed book with magic, this one was a refreshing change of pace. Powers' ability to weave together complex themes and characters is truly remarkable. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read, I highly recommend Playground. It's a 5-star experience that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.

I really wanted to love this, but it was so hard to read. I don't mean to say I shy away from hard to read texts. I mean it in that it felt heavy despite the content being not especially emotionally charged for me. There is just too much. There are too many POVs with an entirely epic setting in terms of both time and place from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to Chicago to Makatea Island. There are beautiful little moments, such as every conversation about the industrialization of Makatea. If the entire book focused on just the simplicity of this island over the years, I'd have loved it perfectly. Instead, this novel sprawls through backstory and modern AI concerns and a midlife sexuality crisis.
I listened to the audiobook and each narrator did a great job of bringing life to their POV. I found each distinct and especially loved the speaker reading Evelyne's chapters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this advanced copy to review!

This is my first Richard Powers read, an author many fellow readers have breathlessly recommended to me over the years. I can see how the scope of perspectives and environmental activism and wonder can be quite immersive in this kind of narrative. However, despite the brilliant cast of narrators elevating the language of wonder about deep sea wonders and seafaring civilizations, it was hard for me to overlook the limitations of the author. For all the clever turns of phrases and intersecting lives and narratives, ultimately it doesn't break any new grounds of wisdom in the realms that the author dabbles in, be it colonialism, racism, feminist pioneers in environmental activism, or most jarringly, in the realm of artificial intelligence. I might've been more impressed if I hadn't read much more transformative works striking the same balance of perspectives by QTPOC authors in genre without the lofty airs of "literary fiction". So many interesting and intersectional POVs squandered by a cishet white lack of imagination.

Richard Powers is one heck of a writer. In his books, he finds a magical way of elucidating big world issues, like the cosmos or the environment, while at the same time capturing the very real, very human experiences of his characters in an evocative way. Playground weaves a fascinating tale of four different characters who eventually all wind up on the Polynesian Island of Makatea. It's an exploration of the possibilities of AI, of the human impact on the environment, of the complexity of relationships, and of the consequences of our actions and desires. Every step of the way, there's something beautiful and something to think about and I guarantee this book will make you feel things! I couldn't put it down and I'm in awe of what Powers has created here. Maybe the best book I've read so far this year!

In a single work, Powers demonstrates an astonishing range of storytelling prowess, as exemplified in Playground. Juggling multiple narratives and seemingly disparate themes, he skillfully weaves them together into a grand finale reminiscent of the harmonious yet powerful conclusion of a symphony.

At its core, the narrative follows the intersecting paths of two characters, Todd Keane and Rafi Young, who meet as adolescents. Despite their outward differences—Keane hailing from privilege and Young from a troubled background—the boys share a common thread of familial dysfunction and emotional turmoil. While Rafi finds solace in literature, Todd immerses himself in technology, particularly the burgeoning realm of the Internet following a personal tragedy.

Throughout the book, the motif of game playing pervades the narrative, alongside the theme of ecology symbolized by the vast and teeming life within the ocean. As Rafi and Todd transition from chess to the intricate game of Go, Evie Bourlieu undergoes a transformative experience in a water tank, propelling her towards a lifelong exploration of the ocean's depths.

Meanwhile, on a Pacific island, the inhabitants grapple with the legacy of exploitation by Europeans and face a new wave of Western influence. The title of the book reverberates throughout the narrative, echoing in various tones and keys, revealing unexpected layers of play and reflection.

Powers' evocative descriptions of oceanic life captivate the reader with their poetic richness, juxtaposed with a poignant reminder of the devastation wrought by human actions. The narrative unfolds as a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of interconnected lives, the power of play, and the profound impact of human presence on the natural world.

Todd Keane, a white youth from a wealthy family, and Rafi Young, a black youth from a rough neighborhood, are both intelligent high school students with an interest in games such as Chess and Go. They become fast friends. Todd becomes a scientist-programmer interested in artificial intelligence. He is an early developer of a combined social media and gaming platform propelled by artificial intelligence. Rafi devotes his life to literature and poetry. Ina Aroita is an artist, who grew up in a series of Naval bases across the Pacific. The three meet at the University of Illinois, and both men are smitten with her. The three develop a strong bond. Evelyne Beaulieu is a diver and lover of the ocean, its environment, and all its creatures. She is older than the other three, coming of age during a time when women are not welcomed into scientific fields. Each of the four has ties to the (real) Pacific Island of Makatea, which becomes the site targeted for a corporation’s plans to build and launch autonomous cities into the ocean. The island’s residents must decide whether to allow the project to proceed, weighing jobs, money, and growth against destruction of the local ecosystem, particularly coral reefs and marine life.

The storyline follows the lives of the four protagonists and how they influence each other. A rift eventually separates the friends, and this conflict drives the plot forward. Richard Powers has an impressive ability to fashion an engaging story out of diverse topics – in this case, marine biology, art, literature, environmentalism, artificial intelligence and other technologies. One of the primary themes is the connection between humans and nature, particularly with respect to play. Humans play, animals play, and the ocean can be viewed as a playground for both. The area of science and technology is also a playground in many respects (e.g., instances for experimenting with computer programs are called “sandboxes.”) Games and gaming involve play. Richard Powers is one of my favorite authors. He is a fabulous storyteller, and he has, once again, created a beautiful narrative that addresses many relevant topics in today’s world. I loved it. I am adding it to my list of favorite books, and I am certain it will be on my short list of top reads for the year.

This book is one of my favorite reads of the year so far. There were several points of view and interconnecting stories. Each of the stories was as interesting as the last, which I think is rare in books with several individual plot lines coming together into one final cohesive story. I often find myself eager to return back to a set of characters or a story that's unfolding but each time this book changed points of view of narrative streams I was just as excited to return to this specific story as the last. After reading this I definitely want to check out the Overstory.

Thanks NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Richard Powers novel and won’t be my last. Playground strikes a fascinating balance between the discussions of technology/AI and the natural world. Both threads are discussed by people who deeply love them, so nothing is villainized, but instead thoughtfully explored. Powers also deftly explores ideas of what it means to be human and be fulfilled through characters of different race, gender and sexuality, allowing for multiple perspectives to coalesce. That being said, it did take a little while for the different story lines to begin to come together, and because of that the beginning was a little slow and at times took significant effort to follow. However, once it does all start to come together it does so beautifully. The narration in the audiobook was enjoyable and enhanced the individual story lines by helping make them distinct with different narrative voices. The descriptions of the natural world of the ocean were both beautifully written and narrated. Overall a wonderfully complex book I will be thinking about for a long time to come.

This was a great book. Powers had created such a unique story and I really loved following the characters and their development throughout it. I'm not surprised this was up for the Booker Prize because it was a wonderful audiobook. I think it is such a unique concept and has so much to talk about when it comes to the earth, nature, and the people/animals that inhabit it.

In Playground, Richard Powers is exploring so much. The ocean, for sure. The rise of the internet and AI. But also class and race, development va the natural world, women in STEM, the nature of parenthood—the list goes on. His writing is, as always, lovely. But I think that ultimately, this book was too long and too unfocused, and the ending twist, while delicious, strangely felt unexplored and unfocused.

Given its place on the Booker long list and the love I have for The Overstory, my expectations for this book were immense. And while I did enjoy it overall, it didn’t rise to the level I had hoped. 3.75 stars, rounded up.

I don't have the best track record with Powers and I probably wouldn't have picked this one up, had it not been for the Booker longlist. There are definitely very interesting concepts in this one. I've been discussing the ending of this one so much since finishing it. I find myself annoyed and fascinated and thinking about this one. The full cast audio was splendid and what was needed for this one.

Todd and Rafi meet at school, and each come from different walks of life, but connect through similar pain and familial trauma. Todd connects with the water and technology, while Rafi leans toward the written word. Evie works with her father to test new ways to breath under water. Plus, on a Pacific island, the islanders are trying to grapple with the influences of the western world. All of these stories are woven together in a seamless manner. There is also an overarching theme of "playing" with all of these stories, but this concept gets very deep and is explored thoroughly.

This was a richly developed storyline, and excellent on audio. The author, of course, did a phenomenal job of weaving multiple storylines together, while also exploring numerous themes including technology now and in the future. In addition, the descriptions of ocean life were beautiful, and his lesson of humans' impact on each other and the planet are very accurate.

Thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ridiculously PHENOMENAL …outrageously enchanting-engaging-
GORGEOUS-
BRILLIANT!!!!
There is not a better written novel this year —
Not one other creative novel
*on-this-level* … this year.
But wholly-tamale-tequila-tortilla-walking-tomatoes….
MY GOD….
I was entertained and fascinated from the start …
I enjoyed the many changing stories - the characters - the ocean…(a water baby from birth -the ocean & swimming is part of my DNA)…
I was fully attentive throughout….
♟️playing diligently♟️
in this crazy creative world….
BUT….
I never expected to shed a tear …
I never expected to find myself having a full blown private cry …
I never expected to feel soooo sad …. to feel such loss ….
to remember & reflect on a friendship that went sour ….
I couldn’t believe Mr. Meanie-Richard Powers-did that to me!
Not to worry — I forgive him — but SH….T ….
…it hurts to feel old wounds that I’d rather not … thank you very much!

Our Mr. Talented naughty author — had to go and HIDE a killer blow (no red flag tip that grief was coming down the pipes — (NOT THIS ONE)…
sooo unexpected ….
NOT FORCED …
NOT MANIPULATED …
….only masterful talents can pull off what Powers PULLS OFF….
I hate him … lol
MY TRIGGER might not be another readers trigger … so not to worry …
WHATEVER…. as the kids say…
“Playground” is a crazy hot damn AMAZING NOVEL!!!
As an ebook junkie …. (
sometimes MUST own a physical copy too) ….
This novel is greatly enhanced in the audiobook format!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND adding the audiobook…
The experience is just TOO GREAT not to.

So…..
Other tidbits about this novel? A book report? A review?
Sure: no problem (haha) —
Sure: a piece of cake (ha!)—
YOU DO IT!!!
I’ll try….

Let’s start with the basics… Basically my opinion.
I can’t think of any type of person that this book is not for.
Unless … maybe …. you are a person who has never felt sad. (then you’d be a monster - and monsters need not read it)

Who it might be for….
….naturists, scientists, book people, nerds, friends, lovers, readers, and writers, science fiction geeks, your child within, deep thinkers and deep learners, creature and ocean lovers,
activists, environmentalists,
socially conscientious,
philosophers, therapists, parents, educators,
artists inventors, grand storytellers, magicians, builders and architects, ocean lovers, civil engineers, underwater passionates, game players, musicians, Islanders, astronomers, space enthusiasts, natives, immigrants, outsiders, insiders, divers, homebodies, travelers, feminists, film, buffs, those who are concerned about our world,
those who love and love some more, **Oceanography Passionate**—
those who still have hope, and faith, those who have lost faith, linguistics mythicals, decoders, smart people & all the rest of us—
A tribute to all living things, readiness,
strangers,
fascinations with artificial intelligence,
comedians, retirees, counselors and advisors, employers and employees, Washington political types, bickering humans, historians,
those interested in changes and transformation,
swimmers and athletes, those healthy, those sick, marine biologists,
those who are grateful, those who are not …..
….’400’ pages …
….Multiple storylines
….Divergent themes

Todd Keane and Rafi Young meet as young teens.
Keane is the son of a successful businessman, White and privileged
Young comes from a dysfunction home in an impoverished community.
Poor-African-American
Both boys are experiencing pain associated with their family. They become best friends during their most primitive years.
Both Todd and Rafi have life plans, life goals….
They grow up - there is marriage, kids, careers, successes, failures, secrets, loyalty & betrayal… joy and grief ….

Evie Bourlieu gets emerged into a water tank by her father to test a new apparatus for breathing underwater. The experiment is a catalyst for Evie becomes a lifetime devotee to submerging herself in the depths of the ocean.

Want me to mention EVERY character?
You’ve had enough …. lol
Just read the book
Plus….listen to the book —
I already look forward to a lazily listening second read.

Droplets of teaser flavors? …. Coming right up:
….eggshells
….tears
….bones
….”Creation was born out of boredom”
….a secret … nobody knows (except us readers) 🤫:
—“When I was young, I could breathe underwater”.
….”A quarter of the world suffers from insomnia”.
….”Everyone that needs jokes to take over the world are not trying hard enough”.
….*Playground* believes in protecting the freedom and rights of all users.

Richard Powers brings us an alluring rollickingly brilliant- enjoyable novel — ♟️🎲🧩🌊🌊🌊🌊🍃🍂🐠🐟🐬🪼🐬🦀🐬🐳🐋🦑📚❤️
I could never say enough great things.
I could never complement those beautiful sentences enough….
From…..
headstands & action —
the stories —in all its imagined colorful descriptions…are
swirlingly wonderfully-
strikingly-glowing futures….
*unanswerable futures*
Water - land - education- sex - sleepless nights — exploring themes and more themes: such as:
The life we want vs. the life we get …..

10 stars
20 stars …
BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!

PLAYGROUND follows Evie, Rafi, Ina, and Todd. It features the complexities of family, friendship, and love. It is a tale that explores the depths, power, and fragility of our oceans and of man's self importance. This remarkable novel is multilayered and richly emotional. For fans of OVERSTORY, also by the author.

3.5 stars and I listened to the audiobook. I'll be honest and tell you it took me 82% of the book to understand how all the characters came together (this totally might just be a me thing haha). Overall the message this book provides is very powerful. I don't hate the book, but I also don't love it! It was very well written and I learned a lot about other cultures I am not apart of. I think my favorite character was the french woman because she was so independent and as a woman myself, I love seeing this!

Even though I recognise how bold, rich and complex this novel is, I can't help but feeling a little disappointed.
This was not what I was expecting from this book after I've read the synopsis, and also considering how much I loved Power's previous novel Bewilderment.
I've struggled with this book, especially in the first half. Too many POVs and multiple timelines that didn't seem to be connected altogether.
The 'playground' chapters were my favourites.
The audiobook is well done and with a cast of different narrators, which made it more dynamic and interesting to follow.

I loved The Overstory so I was excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. Like The Overstory, this book beautifully weaves characters' stories together but with an ocean theme. The writing is beautiful and thought-provoking. I love to see the ways that the stories intertwine. This book tackles issues like climate change, colonization, and AI, but with deep human feeling. This is a book I will for sure reread. I listened to the audio and the narration cast did an excellent job.

Thank you to Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks for an advance copy of this book for review.

A mesmerizing story to match the gorgeous cover. The narration by Edoardo Ballerini, Robin Siegerman, Eunice Wong, Pun Bandhu, Krys Janae, Kevin R. Free clarify the story as there are so many characters and flashbacks to track.

A Booker prize Longlist nominated novel!
In Playground, Powers explores the dangers and of technology and the quickly moving threat of climate change utilizing an international background and an unusual grouping of three best friends.

Rafi and Todd are a unique nerdy duo in their elite prep school that becomes three with the addition of Ina. Years later, the friends face off on the small island of Makatea of the Tahitian Islands. What happens between them all is an age old story made powerful and turbulent by Power's abilities. In the background of this relationship is a young woman who falls in love with the sea and her own work inspires millions.

Join Powers in his most powerful work to date - a commentary on culture, race and class, a work of utter beauty and above all, a hopeful yet clear call to action. #wwnortoncompany #playground #richardpowers
#spotifyaudio #edoardoballerini #robinsiegerman #eunicewong #punbandhu #krysjanae #kevinrfree

Playground
Richard Powers

I am near the conclusion of my summer reading of the 2024 Booker long list, and was thrilled to receive this audiobook for review. Many thanks to Spotify (edition not among the dropdown choices) and NetGalley.

Playground is Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers’ tour de force. A sprawling epic telling the stories of four main characters: French Canadian diver, oceanographer and conservationist Evie Beaulieu, French Polynesian Ina Aroita, and two life-long Chicagoan friends, writer Rafi Young and oceanographer turned tech guru Todd Keane, all coming together in the island of Makatea in the South Pacific.

It is a story of friendship, love, and life itself. The beauty of the ocean, as well as its corruption. The author delves into racism and sexism in the latter 20th century, as well as Western colonialism and exploitation of the Pacific Islands.

The story is complex, told in multiple POV’s across multiple timelines, and tackles broad, complicated subjects, all masterfully woven together in a brilliant, heartfelt tale. Definitely of my favorites for this year’s Booker prize.

The cast narration by Edoardo Ballerini (one of my favorites) et al on this Spotify audiobook was just excellent, an extra treat.

In Playground, Richard Powers explores themes that will not surprise anyone who has read some of his previous books: artificial intelligence,, climate change, the societal impacts of selfish development projects financed by wealthy investors, and the environment, among others. In this book, his focus is on the ocean, filled with incredibly beautiful and miraculous creatures but also increasingly with plastic detritus. Told through several characters and stories, it is not until the end of the book that they come together powerfully and somewhat unexpectedly. I both read and listened to this book and very much appreciate the narrators of the audio version, whose work greatly enhanced my experience. There is no question that Powers is one of our masters of literature and it is the force and beauty of his writing that elevates the book. He and I interacted occasionally when we both worked at the University of Illinois and it was fun to see some of the book set there, especially in the Main Library. But it is the ocean that is the star of Playground, with artificial intelligence cast in a major role. Playground has earned its place on the current Booker Prize long list.