Family Algorithm

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger is my favorite read so far this summer.

It explores family dynamics after a fatal crash in which an elderly couple dies. The survivors are a family of five, including parents Lorelei, Noah and their three children, Charlie, Alice and Izzy. Charlie is behind the wheel of their autonomous vehicle when the crash occurs.

The aftermath of the crash is the crux of the book as each character struggles with their own guilt and recovery. Added to this is the potential for Charlie to be charged with vehicular manslaughter which would derail his plans to play lacrosse in college.

The family travels to a lake house they’ve used in the past to continue healing. However, this setting begins new drama and a slow revelation of secrets.

The story is told from the husband, Noah’s, point of view, with excerpts from his wife’s publication about AI, and texts between Alice and her bot friend. I really liked the wife’s character in this book and identified with some of her traits. She shows a compelling mixture of strength and vulnerability.

“Family is an algorithm” is a statement repeated through the book. I love this idea as it speaks to the different ways that our actions can have repercussions. The family dynamics, the moral implications, and the AI as a pervasive entity throughout made this book extremely timely and thoroughly interesting.