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Cooper is the Boomer guy next door whose life one always admires when he speaks of his long career in the business end of computer technology. Amiably presented and easy to read, the author’s memoir also serves as a historical chronology of rapid technological changes from Cooper’s birth in 1953 to the present. He reminds us that at this point, our current industrial revolution has sped toward “advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, genetic engineering, quantum computing, and other technologies.” These advances are attributed to the dramatic improvement of the computer chip, integrated circuits, and other advances in computer technology.
Cooper brings an interesting and relatable facet to his narrative by detailing, in certain years, the average annual pay in the US, the average cost of a new house, and the average cost of gasoline or a particular consumer good. The narrative flow is knowledgeable but uncomplicated, with a business-like approach that’s light on conflict and creative energy but strong on facts and a competent presentation. Cooper’s career path is impressive, starting with his first job as a computer operator at General Electric. His subsequent positions with other large companies like ABB and ASML were also impressive, though he candidly writes of the intense pressures in the industry.
Cooper considers his life a convergence of art and science since he studied liberal arts and English in college and spent his spare time reading, listening to classical music and jazz, and participating in a band. However, he soon discovered his bent for business on the job. Cooper also takes a spin through his ancestry and childhood years, rounding out the memoir’s technical bent with a human (and sometimes humorous) touch. Memoir fans, especially those of the Boomer generation, may enjoy this engaging read.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review