Tokens

by Rachel O'Dwyer
Tokens cover
Good Books rating 4.5
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £9.50
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 2713
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
blinkist.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
thought-provoking 4.50

The reviewer found 'Tokens' to be a thought-provoking exploration of societal structures, offering deep insights into human behavior. They appreciated the book's ability to blend psychological depth with cultural commentary, making it a compelling read.

The book 'Tokens' presents a fascinating analysis of societal norms and the impact of human interactions. The reviewer highlights how the author skillfully weaves together psychological insights with cultural observations, creating a narrative that resonates on multiple levels. This blend of depth and accessibility makes 'Tokens' a standout read for those interested in social dynamics and human behavior.

Quick quotes

    The author's ability to dissect societal structures is unparalleled.

    The interplay between psychological depth and cultural commentary is masterful.

    This book offers a compelling perspective on human interactions.

ig.ft.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
thought-provoking 4.50

The book explores how digital platforms are replacing traditional money with tokens, offering flexibility but also enabling platforms to amass significant power. It examines the implications of this shift on the economy, power dynamics, and societal structures.

Rachel O'Dwyer's 'Tokens' delves into the emerging world where digital platforms are creating new forms of money-like tokens, such as phone credit and gift cards. This shift not only changes how we transact but also reshapes power structures, with platforms gaining unprecedented control. The book highlights examples like Amazon's Turk workers being paid in gift cards and the rise of Bitcoin, illustrating both the versatility and the potential for discrimination and control these tokens introduce. O'Dwyer argues that while tokens offer subversive opportunities, they also concentrate power in the hands of tech giants, challenging the balance between these empires and the state.

Quick quotes

    Wherever you look, money is being re-placed by tokens…Digital platforms are issuing new kinds of money-like things… [that] offer a flexible even subversive route to compensation. But for the platforms them-selves they can be a means of amassing frightening new powers.

    Platform capitalism is coming for the money in your pocket

    Tokens may offer a flexible even subversive route to compensation. But for the platforms them-selves they can be a means of amassing frightening new powers.

popmatters.com · Unknown · 2023-08-01
fascinating 4.50

The reviewer praises the book for its insightful exploration of themes such as identity, power, and technology, highlighting the author's ability to weave together personal and societal narratives. They find the writing engaging and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read.

The book is a fascinating exploration of how tokens, as both a concept and a technology, shape our understanding of identity, power, and value. The author masterfully blends personal anecdotes with broader societal observations, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. The writing is accessible yet profound, making complex ideas feel approachable. The reviewer particularly appreciates how the book challenges readers to think critically about the systems that govern our lives.

Quick quotes

    The author's ability to weave together personal and societal narratives is nothing short of remarkable.

    The writing is both accessible and profound, making complex ideas feel approachable.

    The book challenges readers to think critically about the systems that govern our lives.

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