This story is dramatically-told through the lens of a tragic “texting-while-driving” car crash that claimed the lives of two rocket scientists in 2006. A Deadly Wandering examines the impact of technology on our lives through the story of Utah college student Reggie Shaw, who killed two scientists while texting and driving. The author follows Reggie through the tragedy, the police investigation, his prosecution, and, ultimately, his redemption. In the wake of his experience, Reggie has become a leading advocate against “distracted driving.” Matt interweaves Reggie’s story with cutting-edge scientific findings regarding human attention and the impact of technology on our brains, proposing solid, practical, and actionable solutions to help manage this crisis individually and as a society.
A propulsive read filled with fascinating, accessible detail, riveting narrative tension, and emotional depth, A Deadly Wandering explores one of the biggest questions of our time—what is all of our technology doing to us?—and provides unsettling and important answers that we need to consider.
A Deadly Wandering ($28.99, from William Morrow) is available September 23 at Lake Forest Book Store, 847-234-4420.
— Ann Marie Scheidler