I'm reading "Cyber Cinderella" now, a chick lit book (very good so far except what I'll be yapping about).

Anyway, in it, the main character doesn't know what a web site is, is unable to check her email, says things like "I see colors on the computer and I can go somewhere on it?" etc. Her boyfriend just said, "The internet will never replace the newspaper." Both of them are written as college-educated and working, she in PR, he in journalism.

OK? Whenever this happens, I check the date of the book. Maybe it was published in the 90s or before. Maybe it's SUPPOSED to take place then. Nope, not in this case. Published in 2004. It just takes me completely out of the book. She's 35, right around my age. We GREW UP basically on the computer, or if not, have spent at least half our lives on it. Are we supposed to believe that the character is like "Oh my god! I'm going to, wait, oh my god, I can push this button and woweee! I can write on the screen and SEND IT TO YOU?"

I don't buy it. (But obviously, I AM buying it, judging from the bookshelves in my home.) Let me stop ranting here though, and just wish everyone, happy reading,

Heather
http://www.titletrader.com/wl.php?userid=1003072&show=inventory

Heather -- I absolutely cracked up when I read your post! You're so right ... I feel the same way when the hero of the story gets into a bind because he/she can't find a pay phone to make an emergency call from. Are they kidding? Most 5 year olds have cell phones today.

As you said, why not just set the story in the 90s or before?

Anyway, thanks for the chuckle... and good reading!

Just found this thread, hillarious.

I noticed this too. I love the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. My mom convinced me to go back and read the Sue Grafton Alphabet series, because it was very similar.

Of course, my mom was right, and I'm currently reading "O is for Outlaw," but dangit, Kinsey needs a cell phone and a debit card.

Ha! Thanks for the laugh. (You can probably tell I'm looking for one because I'm searching through old posts...)

Anyway, lucky for me I have my computer husband to help me "with my online." I just love that darned interweb! The information superhighway they're calling it now! Gee whiz, next thing ya know we'll all be talking to our cars and such!

Of course ... think of the alternatives: Our intrepid heroine sits at her computer tracking down the clues; uses her Blackberry to text the police; a videocam to film the villain; and receives payment from her client via Paypal.

Modern? Yes.

Exciting fiction? I don't think so!