works better as a 'law and order' episode rather than book club read

The story of a family whose lives are shattered by the internet; how today's technology must be monitored and used wisely. Extremely thought-provoking and discussable. I would say it is a must read for parents with teen-age and young children.

Once, the Bergamots were the darlings of the Manhattan jet set. Transplanted there by virtue of a job offer, Richard Bergamot could not refuse, they packed up and left their happy, small town, suburban lifestyle for the fast pace of the city and a future of financial triumphs. Richard loved his new job. Liz loved her new found lifestyle of the “rich and famous”. She gave up her ambitions in favor of her husband’s achievements. Both have Ph.D’s. Both appear to be interested first, in the world of Botox and vacations, rather than their children. They live in Charles Murray’s bubble world of the established, mixing primarily with their own kind and moving in their own circle of comfort and prosperity.
Regarding the move, there is no evidence that the needs, or effect of the move on the children, were given much consideration. This move would provide them all with many creature comforts and advantages which would make the move worthwhile. The subtle side effects of this move on their behavior, after being uprooted and placed in a cauldron of anonymity, so different from the warmth and community of their old neighborhood is largely ignored. Everyone is too busy enjoying the lifestyle. Then suddenly, in the midst of all this affluence, their son makes a tragic error of judgment.
This is not a wonderful piece of literature but this book will give rise to many discussions on cyber-bullying, arrogance, the internet, political correctness, diversity, “blending” of cultures, class advantages or disadvantages, the lack of rules and proper discipline in modern homes, the effects of neglect and lack of parental involvement, the dangers wrought by too much money and the dangers wrought by the lack of it.
I think this book is more important as a tool for discussion than for scholarship. If it leads to meaningful conversation and solutions to the failures of our current society, current parenting issues and juvenile behavior or lack thereof, it will be very worthwhile.