Human Software has surprised me. Not because people are reading it, though that’s its own kind of miracle, but because of who is reading it, and what they’re taking from it.
It turns out the book has at least three distinct audiences. Each connects with it differently, for completely different reasons. If you’re wondering whether it’s for you, here’s what I’ve learned from the readers who’ve found it so far.
When I started writing it, I intended Human Software to be a takedown of some of the business books that inhabit the tech space. What’s becoming clearer to me is that the book has at least three separate audiences.
For Engineers 🛠️
Beth’s daily struggle will feel uncomfortably familiar. Keeping systems alive under constant threat of redundancy, replacement by cheaper consultants, or AI, while trying to hold her family together at the same time. Engineers tend to recognise themselves in Beth immediately.
For IT Leaders 🤵
Chrissie is the harder read. She wants to make humane decisions while protecting what she believes are the firm’s best interests, and the book doesn’t let her off the hook. IT leaders and consultants have told me this is the most confronting part of the book. Good. It’s meant to be.
This isn’t a cosy business manual like The Phoenix Project. If it doesn’t ethically challenge you, I’ve either failed as a writer, or you simply don’t care, in which case you’ll be fine and keep doing what you do.
For Everyone Else ⛵
You don’t need to have worked in tech to connect with this book. Readers with no IT background have told me they enjoyed dipping into that world and coming away with a good story — and something to think about as AI continues to dominate the conversation about how we work and treat each other.
What Are People Saying?
“Vivid world-building and well-rounded characters. I found myself completely hooked.” RUSSELL MCLEAN — Emmy and BAFTA Award-Winning Producer
“Freaked me out more than any Stephen King novel.” JEREMY MARKEY — Rands Slack Book Reviewer
“Could not be more of the moment. A proper page turner, part thriller, part whodunnit and a fine dystopian parable.” CHARLES HUMBLE — Tech Consultant & Journalist
“David versus Goliath in the age of AI. A real page-turner.” SUSANNE KAISER — Tech Consultant
Human Software is available now in paperback, e-book and audiobook. Get your copy.