Move Fast and Break Things

by Jonathan Taplin
Move Fast and Break Things cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Business and Economics
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 2726
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781509847716
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2017-04-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Move Fast and Break Things delves into the rise of digital monopolies and their impact on society. Author Jonathan Taplin explores how companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook have redefined online life, often at the expense of content creators and user privacy. The book highlights the massive shift of revenue from creators to these platforms, leading to unprecedented economic and political power. Taplin argues that this shift has gone unchallenged for too long and calls for a change to create a more equitable digital future. This book is not just a history of tech giants but a call to action. It reveals how these companies have tolerated piracy and promoted opaque business practices, all while amassing power comparable to traditional industries like Big Oil and Big Pharma. Taplin's work is a wake-up call to recognize the consequences of unchecked digital monopolies and to demand a different path forward.

Reviews
Financial Times · 2025-10-16
insightful 4.00

The book offers an honest and opinionated look at the monopolies of Amazon, Facebook, and Google, with a focus on their ties to politics and culture.

The Financial Times review praises the author for his straightforward approach to discussing the monopolies held by major tech companies. They note that while the book is opinionated, it provides a valuable perspective on how these companies influence politics and culture. The reviewer appreciates the detailed analysis but suggests that some readers might find the author's views too one-sided. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that challenges the status quo.

Quick quotes

    An honest albeit opinionated look at the monopolies enjoyed by Amazon, Facebook and Google.

    Taplin is very good at exploring ties between the businesses and the political landscape.

    The book provides a valuable perspective on the impact of these tech giants on our daily lives.

Eyrie · 2018-10-24
provocative 3.00

The book is described as a rant against the dangers of monopoly domination in various sectors, including politics and the arts.

This review characterizes the book as a passionate rant against the monopolistic practices of tech giants. The reviewer notes that the author's emotional tone is palpable throughout, making for a compelling read. They appreciate the book's bold stance but suggest that it might be too one-sided for some readers. Overall, it's a call to action for those concerned about the impact of these companies on society.

Quick quotes

    This is a book-length rant about the dangers of monopoly domination of industries, politics, on-line communities, and the arts.

    The central theme is the destructive monopolization of the Internet by Google, Facebook and Amazon.

    The book provides a bracing antidote to the techno-utopianism that has dominated discussions about the internet.

The Guardian · 2017-04-26
critical 3.50

The book is a passionate critique of Silicon Valley's monopolies, drawing parallels to the music industry's struggles. It argues for a more balanced approach to digital innovation.

This review highlights the author's strong stance against the monopolistic practices of companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook. They draw a compelling parallel to the music industry's decline, suggesting that the digital age has not brought the benefits it promised. The reviewer appreciates the author's boldness in tackling these issues but notes that the book's emotional tone might overshadow some of its more nuanced points. Overall, it's a call to action for readers to think critically about the impact of these tech giants on society.

Quick quotes

    Taplin's starting point is the music of Levon Helm and the Band, but the fight against the spoiled brats of Google, Amazon and Facebook is much bigger.

    Taplin does a good job of explaining how each of them works and the damage they have caused.

    The book is a bracing antidote to the techno-utopianism that has dominated discussions about the internet.

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