Machine World: What if your toaster was plotting to save your home? At 2020 Mechanical Way, the appliances aren't just tools--they're a secret society with a mission.

by Richard B. Alman

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

Welcome to my Bio.

My life is a Fiesta & I feel like a Piñata! I am intrigued by many things and I have a very diverse set of interests and involvements.

My first published book, available now, is "Written in Stone" a historical modern day thriller. Can the enemies of the USA bankrupt the country? Or will a secret mechanism created by the country's founding fathers in 1776 save the USA from the brink of financial disaster?

My second book, available now, is "Breaking Windows". Obsessed with crushing Microsoft, the U.S. Attorney General illegally funds a tech rival, only to realize he is the architect of his enemy's greatest victory.

My third book, also available now, is "Machine World". What if your toaster was plotting to save your home? At 2020 Mechanical Way, the appliances aren't just tools--they're a secret society with a mission.

My fourth book, also available now, is "North American Unity Plan" or "NAUP". A strategic initiative designed to foster seamless economic, social, and industrial integration between the US, Canada, and Mexico. Unlike traditional trade agreements, NAUP envisions a long-term, structural collaboration.

Fifth book now available, "AI vs. HI, Why AI Won’t Replace Human Intelligence". Your Human Intelligence is extremely valuable. Your employer, or your employees, may Survive with AI. However, they can Thrive with HI, your HI. AI is real. Its capabilities are real. And the speed at which it's moving is real. But somewhere between the labs and the headlines, a critical distinction got lost.

Sixth book now available, "The Innovator’s Synthesis: Disruptive Strategy and the Human Moat in the Age of AI: The battle-tested principles of Clayton Christensen’s Disruptive Strategy in the AI era". From Answering Machines to Questioning Engines, You will learn why 'smart' is no longer a proprietary advantage and how to pivot your career or business toward 'sensemaking' and problem-finding. This book is different because it applies the battle-tested principles of Clayton Christensen’s Disruptive Strategy to the AI era, showing you exactly where the new profit pools are migrating.

Professional bio;

Richard B. Alman is a Harvard-certified Disruptive Strategist, veteran executive, and author with over 33 years of experience driving transformational growth and operational excellence across global industries. A recognized change agent and trust-building leader based in Bal Harbour, Florida, he has spent decades advising governments, political parties, and multinational corporations on navigating complex domestic and international challenges.

Applying the principles of disruptive thinking to macro-level structural evolution, Alman is a leading voice in public policy and economic strategy. In 2026, he authored and published the North American Unity Plan (NAUP), a groundbreaking geostrategic proposal detailing the deep economic, social, and industrial integration of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The work outlines cross-border free trade zones and tariff stabilization models designed to protect critical supply chains and strengthen North American unity against global rivals.

Best of all, I have a number of additional books in the works and hope to present them soon.

I hope you enjoy my writing and refer my books to your friends and family!

Have a FUNtastic day!

Richard B. Alman

Bal Harbour, FL

Reviews

[Abhi Thakur · Rating 5 out of 5]

never expected to feel so deeply invested in the personal lives of a desktop computer, a vintage refrigerator, and an aging pickup truck. Richard B. Alman breathes incredible life into the household of 2020 Mechanical Way. When the Boss brings home architectural blueprints threatening a full smart-home conversion, the appliances unite in a hilarious strategy of passive sabotage. Burnie’s intense pride over sourdough toast and Chilly’s proud military lineage give the plot genuine emotional weight. The interplay between vintage hardware and high-tech intrusion makes this book a complete delight from start to finish.

[Ansika Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes a simple premise appliances panicking over home renovation permits and transforms it into a brilliant narrative. I loved how Pixy the pickup truck copes with city smog and stiff joints while carrying the Boss to county offices. The secret brotherhood of machines and their tactical plans, like Operation Slip and Slide, kept me constantly amused. Beyond the comedy, there is a subtle commentary on our throwaway culture and how quickly we swap reliable, character-filled tools for sleek digital substitutes. It left a lasting impression on me.

[VAURENTAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about Buzzy ticking away on the nightstand while mentally preparing for his daily wake-up duel set a wonderfully cozy, imaginative tone. The author gives each device a distinct voice that fits its physical
function perfectly. Juan Valdez takes immense artistic pride in his Colombian roast, while Nick the shaver approaches jawlines like a fine sculptor. When the blue scrolls threaten their daily existence, their secret coordination feels like a classic heist story set right in the kitchen. I found it charming, witty, and exceptionally creative.

[Lily Thomass · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most was how the story captures the tension between analog reliability and digital progress. BigMac’s computational power tracking county server records alongside G. I.’s ceiling level observation creates a wonderful surveillance dynamic inside the house. Watching the team attempt to turn small flaws into essential features so the Boss won't replace them was both funny and sweet. The story blends cozy domestic life with genuine narrative suspense, making it a truly unique highlight on my reading shelf this year.

[Sakshi Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilly’s backstory about his father serving in a battleship mess hall during World War II was an absolute standout moment for me. It transformed a vintage appliance into a symbol of steadfast endurance. When the Boss considers replacing him with an Arctic Stream unit featuring interior cameras, Chilly's indignation feels completely justified. The humor is crisp, the dialogue sparkles, and the emotional resonance of the old guard defending their home made this book impossible to set down until the final page.

[Rohit Kapoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thoroughly captivated by the secret intelligence thriving inside an ordinary suburb. The story moves smoothly from the early morning kitchen hustle to the treacherous commute on the freeway with Pixy. The contrast between Vinnie’s frantic morning news feeds and the calm calculation of BigMac gives the setting rich texture. The author excels at turning everyday annoyances like a burnt slice of crust or a sluggish starter motor into pivotal plot points in a grand battle for survival.

[Harsha Vardhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of an appliance resistance movement sounds whimsical on the surface, but the detailed execution makes it completely believable within its own universe. Burnie’s fiery defense of traditional golden browning over motorized internal units had me laughing continuously. The subtle ways the machines communicate through pipe vibrations and mesh networks show remarkable attention to detail. It is a light, uplifting, and original read that provides plenty of clever entertainment.

[Ankit Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underneath the playful comedy of household sabotage lies a touching story about wanting to stay useful. The moment when the exhausted Boss rests his forehead against Chilly’s cold door highlighted the subtle comfort our familiar spaces provide. Watching the gadgets navigate Veterans Day while trying to disrupt renovation permits created a wonderful mix of humor and heart. I loved how the book celebrates craftsmanship, character, and the quiet dignity of long service.

[Goldi Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Slip and Slide is one of the most amusing tactical plans I have ever read in fiction. Watching Juan Valdez adjust brewing temperatures and Burnie mess with toast crunch to make the Boss feel dependent on their quirks was brilliant fun. The story balances high-energy humor with cozy atmosphere seamlessly. The characters feel like old friends by the time you reach the middle chapters.

[Ravi Baghel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter between the characters is where this book truly shines. Pixy’s gravelly complaints about smog Vinnie’s dramatic news summaries, and Nick’s high-voltage vanity create an energetic ensemble The
author manages to keep the stakes feeling real without ever losing the lighthearted charm of the premise It is a fantastic testament to human-machine connections and retro design.

[Neha Shukla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up looking for something light and was blown away by the cleverness of the plot. The threat of smart hubs and integrated digital systems replacing analog mechanisms felt surprisingly tense. Following Trish monitor satellite signals to track county building department approvals added a great high tech angle to the kitchen drama. Highly entertaining throughout!

[Hannahlees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnie’s reaction to hidden cabinet toasters with vacuum extraction systems made me smile for days. The book highlights the charm of tangible buttons, levers, and coils over soulless digital screens. The narrative
pacing is swift, the humor is sharp, and the appliance rebellion feels both satisfying and surprisingly heartfelt.

[Calvin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting of 2020 Mechanical Way feels so vivid. From the frost building on Chilly’s evaporator coils to the hum of G. I.’s light filament, the sensory details are top-notch. The author turns a ordinary residential home into a complex tactical battleground where permits and blueprints are the ultimate villains.

[Ritik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single device in this book possesses a distinct, memorable personality. Juan Valdez’s passionate dedication to Colombian coffee contrast brilliantly with BigMac’s cold binary logic. Watching them pool
their talents to protect their home from demolition contractors made for a rich, delightfully original reading experience.

[Vipul Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the story turns mundane domestic moments like leaving a piece of crust on a plate into major dramatic turns. The writing is witty and fast paced, filled with clever observations about modern life and our obsession with constant upgrades. It kept me smiling from the first page to the last.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like a wonderful blend of cozy suburban fiction and speculative technology humor. Seeing the world from the perspective of an electric shaver or a security camera gave every scene a fresh, funny spin. The plot moves along quickly as the threat of county permits looms closer.

[Bell Bultel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never expected to feel warm empathy for a refrigerator experiencing a long defrost cycle. The author infuses these metal and plastic objects with genuine heart and loyalty. Their dedication to taking care of the Boss, despite his persistent efforts to replace them, is surprisingly touching.

[Shivani Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The critique of modern 'smart' devices that listen to every word and break down in a few months was spot on. Burnie and Chilly represent an era when things were built to endure. The contrast between shiny
brochures and rugged vintage reliability gave the story great substance.

[Raghu Rajput · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a story that is light, witty, and entirely unique, this is a wonderful pick. The dynamic between Pixy battling highway traffic and the kitchen crew planning digital interference kept me hooked over the weekend. A charming, uplifting book!

[Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way the machines communicate through electrical wiring, pipe vibrations, and local mesh networks is brilliantly thought out. It makes the domestic setting feel like a living, breathing ecosystem. The creative effort put into every chapter makes this book stand out.