Automate this How Algorithms Came to Rule Our World

Many reviewers praise "Automate This" as an engaging, entertaining, and highly readable exploration of algorithms and their pervasive influence on modern life. The book is commended for its clear explanations and fascinating, well-curated examples across a wide array of industries, including finance, healthcare, dating, education, speech recognition, and even musical composition. Readers particularly enjoyed the detailed accounts of early innovators, such as Thomas Peterffy's pioneering work in automating financial markets, highlighting Wall Street's unexpected role in advancing data compilation and algorithmic trading. The author's storytelling ability keeps the audience hooked, revealing surprising ways algorithms are already at work in customer service, entertainment, and more. For many, the book serves as an enlightening wake-up call, making a strong case for the importance of mathematics, science, and coding skills in an increasingly automated world.

Despite its strengths, several reviewers found the book to be more akin to an extended magazine article than a comprehensive tome, criticizing its somewhat superficial treatment of complex topics. A recurring point of contention is the disproportionate focus on Wall Street, particularly high-frequency trading, with some arguing that the author overlooked broader and potentially more significant aspects of quantitative finance and key historical events. Critics also noted the author's sometimes loose definition of "algorithms," leading to confusion, and a general lack of in-depth technical detail, treating modern algorithm development as a "black box." Furthermore, the book's conclusions regarding the future workforce and the necessity of coding skills were perceived by some as underdeveloped, lacking a broader discussion of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which are central to the future of automation.

Overall, "Automate This" is generally regarded as an informative and thought-provoking book that offers a valuable introduction to the world of algorithms and their impact. While it may not satisfy readers seeking deep technical insights or a comprehensive analysis of every facet of automation, it excels at making complex concepts accessible and engaging for a general audience. This book is highly recommended for those new to the topic, including individuals interested in science, technology, and programming, or anyone curious about how algorithms have shaped and continue to shape our daily lives, particularly within the financial sector. It serves as an excellent starting point for understanding the history and pervasive influence of automation, though some readers noted that its specific examples or predictions may now show their age slightly.