The Ultimate Network

‘Nexus’ by Yuval Noah Harari is one of the most important books I’ve read all year - a fascinating journey through human information networks from the stone age through to AI.

Looking at the past… to see into the future.

When I got the offer to read ‘Nexus’, I remember being very excited. This would be the highest profile title for me so far, and so the pressure was on.

Yet, there was a problem. I was working full time at that stage already - to fit this in would require some logistical gymnastics of the highest order!

What I could do though, is start reading it.

As the narrative flowed between hugely different times in history, I was compelled to read for longer and longer sessions, as each story and network was just as intriguing as the previous, and each subsequent development seemed really exciting and “shiny”. It was as if I really were a stone-age merchant with my axe traversing the Alps, or a Middle-Ages farmer receiving the first mass-produced leaflets, or even a wartime commander with a pigeon. (Yes, you guessed it, that’s the cover story!)

A modest emblem, and an important message.

Finally at recording time, the logistical gynmastics were managed smoothly. Along with a fantastic director in Tara Thomas - hugely experienced herself and so patient and alert throughout - it was a joy to go through. Recording a long audiobook can be an endurance test but it ought to be fun!

I personally learned a lot from Nexus. I marvelled at how patterns repeat across the world throughout the ages. I recommend it to anyone looking to understand the past or the future more effectively.

This audiobook was published by Penguin Random House audio. I’m lucky to do lots of recordings with them and they’ve always been great to work with.

Onto the next one!