Products in Writing

I feel that good writing comes from an author's attention to detail, and the way that they phrase it. Sometimes a subtle description and choosing the "just right" words and phrasing can make the difference between an airport novel and a timeless classic. However, sometimes author's can take detail too far. In the case of Sputnik Sweetheart, I feel that the author abused certain material aspects in two different instances. I do not understand why the author feels it is necessary to use "Powerbook" instead of laptop. This name dropping is unnecessary and takes away from the novel. It dates the novel in a way that 20 or 30 years from now, readers probably won't know what a powerbook is, thus confusing the reader on what I think is a pointless use of specific detail. Another name dropping incident occurs when K goes to grab an Amstel from the fridge. Now I know that a majority of readers will know that Amstel is a type of beer. However, I feel that by naming a specific brand to the beverage, it has taken away from what is really important at that point in the story.

I have never been a fan of brand names in books. In a world filled with advertisements, i know that at least while I am reading I will not be bombarded by commercialism.