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Catch-42: A novel about our future
A glimpse of a future that may be right around the corner.
Dan is an ordinary guy, scrambling to make a living, when he has the most extraordinary dream. A voice from the future asks for his help. He finds himself transported to a virtual world, where he works hand in hand with the absolute rulers trying to save the remnants of humanity. That is, until he’s recruited by an underground movement called Teccupy and forced to choose which side he’s on . . . and whose vision of the future he believes in.
The future Dan sees is a technological wonderland where everyone’s dreams can come true no matter how many or how bizarre. However, driven by a pandemic into Total Physical Distancing, the tradeoff is life in a panopticon where every thought is monitored and manipulated . . . and it might be destroying the one thing that makes us human.
Before Dan can help, he must learn how we got from here to there, and so do we, in this entertaining and mind-blowing tour of breakthroughs and advances in AI, biotech, quantum computing, and robotics that may lie ahead.
A novel like no other, brimming with current scientific findings, we are right there with Dan as he attempts to think the unthinkable, make the impossible possible, and turn a hopeless situation into a solvable problem . . . which means finding the ultimate Catch-42.
_______________________
ADVANCE PRAISE
“We added some new letters to the alphabet of life. Catch-42 turns these new letters into a fascinating story about technology, our society, and future.” —Floyd E. Romesberg, Chemist, Synthetic Biologist, TED Speaker
“In Catch-42, Felix Holzapfel spins his deep understanding of today's most important technology trends into a gripping narrative about choice, ethics, and the nature of humanity—and shows us that the future will truly be what we make it.” —Greg Verdino, Futurist, Author of “Never Normal”
“Creative, inventive, an enjoyable read. Stretched my thinking with an outstanding understanding of emerging technologies and what's possible today, coupled with a futuristic mindset that challenges the reader to explore what's real and what's right.” —Michael Fulton, Academic Director of Digital Executive Education at The Ohio State University.
“Like it or not, technology will rapidly change our world. Catch-42 demonstrates why it is so important that all of us get involved in the decision-making process that is nearly upon us.” —M. Sean Coleman, Author of "Netwars: The Code"
“A breathtaking mix of science, technology, and philosophy. The result: A fascinating story with a daring and thought-provoking look into the future of humankind.” —Idris Mootee, Entrepreneur, Investor & AI evangelist
“Catch-42 is not a classic page-turner but a demanding idea-turner. The novel covers many trending topics and important current questions. You might need some time to read it, but it’s worth every second.” —Brett Greene, Founder, New Tech Northwest
_______________________
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thinkers 360 recognized Felix Holzapfel as a Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Digital Transformation. During the last two decades, Holzapfel has been privileged to support many global players on their way to the digital age. While he has published several books about technology, trends, and the shift in our media landscape, Catch-42 is his first novel and a book he has wanted to write for a long time. Having sold his digital marketing agency to one of the world’s leading IT services providers, he now has time for this passion project.
Dan is an ordinary guy, scrambling to make a living, when he has the most extraordinary dream. A voice from the future asks for his help. He finds himself transported to a virtual world, where he works hand in hand with the absolute rulers trying to save the remnants of humanity. That is, until he’s recruited by an underground movement called Teccupy and forced to choose which side he’s on . . . and whose vision of the future he believes in.
The future Dan sees is a technological wonderland where everyone’s dreams can come true no matter how many or how bizarre. However, driven by a pandemic into Total Physical Distancing, the tradeoff is life in a panopticon where every thought is monitored and manipulated . . . and it might be destroying the one thing that makes us human.
Before Dan can help, he must learn how we got from here to there, and so do we, in this entertaining and mind-blowing tour of breakthroughs and advances in AI, biotech, quantum computing, and robotics that may lie ahead.
A novel like no other, brimming with current scientific findings, we are right there with Dan as he attempts to think the unthinkable, make the impossible possible, and turn a hopeless situation into a solvable problem . . . which means finding the ultimate Catch-42.
_______________________
ADVANCE PRAISE
“We added some new letters to the alphabet of life. Catch-42 turns these new letters into a fascinating story about technology, our society, and future.” —Floyd E. Romesberg, Chemist, Synthetic Biologist, TED Speaker
“In Catch-42, Felix Holzapfel spins his deep understanding of today's most important technology trends into a gripping narrative about choice, ethics, and the nature of humanity—and shows us that the future will truly be what we make it.” —Greg Verdino, Futurist, Author of “Never Normal”
“Creative, inventive, an enjoyable read. Stretched my thinking with an outstanding understanding of emerging technologies and what's possible today, coupled with a futuristic mindset that challenges the reader to explore what's real and what's right.” —Michael Fulton, Academic Director of Digital Executive Education at The Ohio State University.
“Like it or not, technology will rapidly change our world. Catch-42 demonstrates why it is so important that all of us get involved in the decision-making process that is nearly upon us.” —M. Sean Coleman, Author of "Netwars: The Code"
“A breathtaking mix of science, technology, and philosophy. The result: A fascinating story with a daring and thought-provoking look into the future of humankind.” —Idris Mootee, Entrepreneur, Investor & AI evangelist
“Catch-42 is not a classic page-turner but a demanding idea-turner. The novel covers many trending topics and important current questions. You might need some time to read it, but it’s worth every second.” —Brett Greene, Founder, New Tech Northwest
_______________________
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thinkers 360 recognized Felix Holzapfel as a Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Digital Transformation. During the last two decades, Holzapfel has been privileged to support many global players on their way to the digital age. While he has published several books about technology, trends, and the shift in our media landscape, Catch-42 is his first novel and a book he has wanted to write for a long time. Having sold his digital marketing agency to one of the world’s leading IT services providers, he now has time for this passion project.
- GenresScience Fiction
ebook
First published May 13, 2021
7 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Felix Holzapfel
5 books18 followersThinkers360 recognized me as Top10 Global Thought Leader in Digital Transformation. In the last two decades, I had the privilege to support many global players on their way into the digital age. While I have published several books about technology, trends, and the shift in our media landscape, Catch-42: A novel about our future is my first novel—and a book I wanted to write for a long time. After selling my digital marketing agency to one of the world's leading IT services providers, I now have time for this type of passion project.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 17, 2021
Great research but rushed
Needed about two more edits. There were unreadable paragraphs and tons of mistypes. The concept was ok to good but the main character wasn’t relatable and backstories were superficial.
Needed about two more edits. There were unreadable paragraphs and tons of mistypes. The concept was ok to good but the main character wasn’t relatable and backstories were superficial.
May 3, 2021
I've often wondered if the general populations alive during past periods of great social or cultural change were cognizant of the significance of the changes taking place around them. Certainly some were. We can read the documents and works of illustrative fiction of the few who made an effort to record changes during their times. My guess, though, is that the great majority of people were fully occupied with their daily lives and remained unaware of what may be coming next as a result of changes going on around them. I admit I may just have projected this because this would aptly describe me today, or until very recently perhaps, with regard to the potential future outcomes facing us as a result of recent changes in technology.
Then I read Felix Holzapfel's new book. With "Catch-42: A Novel About the Future", Holzapfel encourages us to lift our heads from our preoccupations and take a closer look at our current set of circumstances, particularly vis-a-vis what may develop in the future depending on our actions today. Further, he urges his readers to actively participate, in whatever way we can, in helping to shape an optimal future.
As is perhaps required for any good science fiction, Catch-42 describes events and characters that are extrapolated from real, present day science and which are as a result quite plausible. The story follows Dan, a regular guy living in current times who gets pulled into the future and embroiled in a process created by some of that time to shape the way their future progresses from that point. There are some nice twists in the story line and, combined with the cool science-based characters and events, it is an entertaining read. More than that though, considering the siren call it makes of a possible dystopic future for humankind should certain technological outcomes be realized, it is arguably a very important read for all of us.
Bob Price.
Then I read Felix Holzapfel's new book. With "Catch-42: A Novel About the Future", Holzapfel encourages us to lift our heads from our preoccupations and take a closer look at our current set of circumstances, particularly vis-a-vis what may develop in the future depending on our actions today. Further, he urges his readers to actively participate, in whatever way we can, in helping to shape an optimal future.
As is perhaps required for any good science fiction, Catch-42 describes events and characters that are extrapolated from real, present day science and which are as a result quite plausible. The story follows Dan, a regular guy living in current times who gets pulled into the future and embroiled in a process created by some of that time to shape the way their future progresses from that point. There are some nice twists in the story line and, combined with the cool science-based characters and events, it is an entertaining read. More than that though, considering the siren call it makes of a possible dystopic future for humankind should certain technological outcomes be realized, it is arguably a very important read for all of us.
Bob Price.
March 31, 2021
This novel follows a young family man who is nearing depression. And on one random day is contacted by a voice.
For the life of me I couldn't figure out why this seemingly random guy was picked out of the billions that populate this planet. But if you do like I did and stick with the book til the end you and I may have the same theory. If you want reply to this review and we can discuss.
Without giving too much of the story. In this book Mr. Holzapfel takes us on a very technical and science heavy journey into not only a post Co-Vid19 world..but a Earth that was also hit with a World War III, another super virus, and the rise of "A New World Order 2.0".
We go on this ride through the point of view of the young family man and visit a myriad of people that are not only thriving but keeping this far off future sustainable. I'm not going to tell of those individuals but will say that if you ever wonder what it would be like to visit a future where virtual reality is a way of life, then read this book.
For the life of me I couldn't figure out why this seemingly random guy was picked out of the billions that populate this planet. But if you do like I did and stick with the book til the end you and I may have the same theory. If you want reply to this review and we can discuss.
Without giving too much of the story. In this book Mr. Holzapfel takes us on a very technical and science heavy journey into not only a post Co-Vid19 world..but a Earth that was also hit with a World War III, another super virus, and the rise of "A New World Order 2.0".
We go on this ride through the point of view of the young family man and visit a myriad of people that are not only thriving but keeping this far off future sustainable. I'm not going to tell of those individuals but will say that if you ever wonder what it would be like to visit a future where virtual reality is a way of life, then read this book.
March 21, 2021
Great storyline with plenty of twists and turns that kept me interested all the way until the end! So much to think about in our modern world today and how we use technology.
May 17, 2021
What happens when dystopia, quantum computing, and VR collide? You get Catch 42!
Dan is a typical guy who is down on his luck. His family restaurant began to suffer financial difficulties, but he couldn’t accept failure. So now he works jobs nonstop to provide for his family. Unfortunately, after so much stress, he wife, Vicky, took their two kids and left California to return to her home state of Kentucky to live on her parents’ farm. Dan is too full of pride to throw in the towel, so he continues to work to try to make a living so that they will come back. One night, a mysterious voice from the future calls out for his help with a problem. In several years, the world will experience catastrophe after catastrophe including pandemics, global warming, food supply chain disruption, and a cyber war that will decimate the population down to 20% of what it is today. As a result, leaders put aside their differences and have created a virtual world known as WeYou to bring humanity together. But things aren’t what they seem, and underground movement known as Teccupy is working to overthrow the virtual lies that they believe WeYou has constructed. Both organizations want Dan to help solve a puzzle that neither can master.
This new genre of dystopian tech thrillers that dabble in speculative fiction has really become quite popular and I can’t get enough of them. Catch 42 was no exception as it kicked off with a bang and never let up. Most of this book centers around Dan’s immersion into the world WeYou and learning about how the world has changed while searching for the key to bring immortality to the physical world. Some of the jargon goes pretty technical, but it’s not too difficult to keep up with. The occasional chapters thrown in with Vicky and the kids didn’t bring much but kept them in the loop for the ending. There is also a lot unsaid at the end, but that is where the speculative part comes into play. Overall, I enjoyed this and there isn’t much language or mature themes throughout, just a good read!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Dan is a typical guy who is down on his luck. His family restaurant began to suffer financial difficulties, but he couldn’t accept failure. So now he works jobs nonstop to provide for his family. Unfortunately, after so much stress, he wife, Vicky, took their two kids and left California to return to her home state of Kentucky to live on her parents’ farm. Dan is too full of pride to throw in the towel, so he continues to work to try to make a living so that they will come back. One night, a mysterious voice from the future calls out for his help with a problem. In several years, the world will experience catastrophe after catastrophe including pandemics, global warming, food supply chain disruption, and a cyber war that will decimate the population down to 20% of what it is today. As a result, leaders put aside their differences and have created a virtual world known as WeYou to bring humanity together. But things aren’t what they seem, and underground movement known as Teccupy is working to overthrow the virtual lies that they believe WeYou has constructed. Both organizations want Dan to help solve a puzzle that neither can master.
This new genre of dystopian tech thrillers that dabble in speculative fiction has really become quite popular and I can’t get enough of them. Catch 42 was no exception as it kicked off with a bang and never let up. Most of this book centers around Dan’s immersion into the world WeYou and learning about how the world has changed while searching for the key to bring immortality to the physical world. Some of the jargon goes pretty technical, but it’s not too difficult to keep up with. The occasional chapters thrown in with Vicky and the kids didn’t bring much but kept them in the loop for the ending. There is also a lot unsaid at the end, but that is where the speculative part comes into play. Overall, I enjoyed this and there isn’t much language or mature themes throughout, just a good read!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
March 30, 2021
The story is about Dan, an ordinary guy who has a dream that takes him to a future world. After an ultimate disaster, humanity finally learns its lessons and creates a universe of balance and harmony in which everyone's dreams can come true. This superficially perfect world is based on breathtaking breakthroughs in AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, and robotics. The author does a great job of explaining the status quo in these technologies and how they converge. For instance, thanks to Catch-42, I finally learned the basic principles of quantum computers and why they may be a fundamental game-changer; what is possible in the fields of AI and what's most likely to come; that post-evolutionary forms of life are no longer theoretical ideas but have already turned into reality; and that it's up to all of us to better prepare for the changes ahead. Although some of the book's ideas may seem far-fetched, the author illustrates very well why a few of them may be closer than we think. The story is full of unexpected twists and made me sometimes feel like reading not a book but watching a Christopher Nolan movie. Highly recommended!
#ARC #NetGalley
#ARC #NetGalley
May 16, 2021
As the world shifts, I find myself being interested in books that extend beyond my normal selections. I have kept myself limited personally, professionally, and mentally by adopting this behavior. This was a nice escape for my "norm"!
I am a part of the generation who remembers days before we had technology at our fingertips every second of the day. It was a really BIG deal for us to play The Oregon Trail. I never imagined how fast technology would grow and change our lives - much less take over!
As you dive into Catch-42, you will discover Dan, an everyday guy who gets a glimpse at the future and how artificial intelligence (AI) plays a role in that future. Although currently fiction, it's not so far-fetched that it couldn't become reality soon, rather than later.
I enjoyed a look at how the technology we use and live with today could transform our world. Some parts I had to read a few times to get a good grasp on the concept, however, it was overall, thought-provoking and a unique read.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
I am a part of the generation who remembers days before we had technology at our fingertips every second of the day. It was a really BIG deal for us to play The Oregon Trail. I never imagined how fast technology would grow and change our lives - much less take over!
As you dive into Catch-42, you will discover Dan, an everyday guy who gets a glimpse at the future and how artificial intelligence (AI) plays a role in that future. Although currently fiction, it's not so far-fetched that it couldn't become reality soon, rather than later.
I enjoyed a look at how the technology we use and live with today could transform our world. Some parts I had to read a few times to get a good grasp on the concept, however, it was overall, thought-provoking and a unique read.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2021
Catch-42
by Felix Holzapfel
Pub Date: 14 Mar 2021
I was given a copy of this book for review.
The story here is where an A.I. has created or occupys a reality that is not ours using Quantium machanics and a differance in time. When you are in the A.I. reality, time passes at a normal rate yet normal time is slower then you realize.
The A.I. ha sreached out to a person for assistance in working on the A.I. reality. This became a tad confusing for me and not sure I would enjoy being in that reality. In time, a second group is introduced that has the oppsoite goals. Without giving more details you when need to read the book.
#catch42
by Felix Holzapfel
Pub Date: 14 Mar 2021
I was given a copy of this book for review.
The story here is where an A.I. has created or occupys a reality that is not ours using Quantium machanics and a differance in time. When you are in the A.I. reality, time passes at a normal rate yet normal time is slower then you realize.
The A.I. ha sreached out to a person for assistance in working on the A.I. reality. This became a tad confusing for me and not sure I would enjoy being in that reality. In time, a second group is introduced that has the oppsoite goals. Without giving more details you when need to read the book.
#catch42
March 2, 2021
Thanks to Quovabiz for providing this book via a Goodreads Giveaway.
This novel is full of technological prognostication that is truly scary. For all the benefits of technology, I wouldn't want to live in the world of WeYou.
This is a mind-bending story. It wasn't clear to me why Dan was chosen and why Dan is making a deal with the Devil? Are there multiple versions Dan in the physical world? Will there continue to be simulations?
This novel is full of technological prognostication that is truly scary. For all the benefits of technology, I wouldn't want to live in the world of WeYou.
This is a mind-bending story. It wasn't clear to me why Dan was chosen and why Dan is making a deal with the Devil? Are there multiple versions Dan in the physical world? Will there continue to be simulations?
May 15, 2021
Full of interesting views and ideas. If you are looking for big ideas, future tech and imaginative virtual worlds, Catch-42 is for you. If you just want an easy read, this isn't it.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the tech and the world building. Catch-42 involves a lot of quantum entanglement, which leads to some very different rules of how things work than we are used to. Definitely made me think!
I enjoyed the descriptions of the tech and the world building. Catch-42 involves a lot of quantum entanglement, which leads to some very different rules of how things work than we are used to. Definitely made me think!
March 5, 2021
There were a decent number of typos and the writing was dry, but I enjoyed the concept of the book. I appreciated the thorough research put into it and the inclusion of numerous references for further reading. Don't bother reading for a captivating plot; this book is first and foremost a thought experiment.
May 18, 2021
Felix Holzapfel skillfully combines new types of technology into a common story and thinks ahead about possible developments. A story with a very believable main character who gets transported into the future and has to make some difficult decisions that will affect not only himself but the entire planet.
Want to read
March 9, 2021It was interesting. You can comparer it to what is happening now. At least I did.
February 16, 2021
Very interesting and thought provoking. I felt at times it was a little longwinded, but I guess it was to explain some things in depth. Still a good read though. #Catch42 #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews