Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day (A Graphic Novel)

I learned so much from reading this book! I really didn’t understand how these work or the history behind them. A fascinating book, and the graphic nature of it makes it so much easier to understand. I am not surprised it was nominated in 2023 for a National

Shows the hidden systems responsible for keeping our modern societies working, told in cartoon pictures and text. It shows us both advantages and disadvantages of the systems, and doesn't omit important information some people try hard to censor or hide...In some ways it reminds me of XKCD (Randall Munroe); there is both entertainment and education.The cartoon format is able to show the essential information without information overload from color photos and long text explanations.(Kindle edition used on large iPad screen, have not tried it on E-Ink screen of Kindle).

This book has incredible illustrations, is packed with information and is easily understandable. It's overall a great book to read.

While I found the book at times a bit preachy from a political perspective (implying lack of internet is to oppress 3rd world countries while ignoring the lack of infrastructure and funding to provide it), I mostly enjoyed it and so did my family. I would certainly buy a similar book on some other topic if it existed. As a book about concepts it was pretty great for explaining systems.

This book is a "hidden" gem. Not just for young adults. It's for every adult who is interested in an easy to understand way to grasp how complex systems we use every day work. The graphics make it so much easier to understand than a text book with a lot of words. I'm not surprised that this won a Vermont Book Award, and was on the National list.I've purchased several copies of this book for friends who are teachers who have shared with their students, as well as anyone I thought would have interest in an entertaining, educational, beautifully artistic book on how our systems work.

My 9-year-old son was absolutely captivated by this book's blend of time, science, nature, and engineering. From the moment I handed it to him, he couldn't put it down and has read it multiple times since. It's a rare find that speaks directly to his interests and level of understanding, while leading to much deeper thinking. This makes a cherished addition to his childhood journey.Make more of those books please!

There was a review to the effect of how it was too much for him to understand and to explain to his kid.That's what we call a skill issue.Great book: easily digestible, great intro to anything STEM/cultural science related.I guess maybe don't have a shoe sized IQ and this book is wonderful.

I grabbed this book from Revolution in White River Junction while just passing through with some friends. There were 2 copies and my buddy and I bought them both. Hidden Systems is unlike anything I’ve ever read before - a non-fiction graphic novel about 3 of the most important systems of systems that we rely on each and every day. It’s smart while remaining humble, entertaining while remaining educational, and artistic while remaining accurate. It could be the most relevant book I have ever found for the widest audience. Dan breaks down complexities in ways everyone can understand and in a manner that most will want to read. Extremely well done, Dan. You should be proud of Hidden Systems - it’s brilliant!

This book tackles complex topics in a way that allows even the simplest of us to comprehend. The artwork is beautiful and the concepts are important. Note that if you buy this book, you will want to lend it out to everyone you know so they can experience it also. Quick read, took me about 5 hours, but it's the kind of book that I will be very likely to read again.

Really good book. Explaining in simple terms and drawings how the system we use everyday work. But more deeply, who do they impact? And asking questions on how we can do better.I find this format better than the one we can find in the things explainer book.

I bought this for an 11 year old but I read it and loved it. This is a fabulous book for a gift or for your home library.