About this book
INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • A bestselling dystopian novel that tackles surveillance, privacy and the frightening intrusions of technology in our lives—a “compulsively readable parable for the 21st century” (Vanity Fair). When Mae Holland is hired to work for the Circle, the world’s most powerful internet company, she feels she’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime. The Circle, run out of a sprawling California campus, links users’ personal emails, social media, banking, and purchasing with their universal operating system, resulting in one online identity and a new age of civility and transparency. As Mae tours the open-plan office spaces, the towering glass dining facilities, the cozy dorms for those who spend nights at work, she is thrilled with the company’s modernity and activity. There are parties that last through the night, there are famous musicians playing on the lawn, there are athletic activities and clubs and brunches, and even an aquarium of rare fish retrieved from the Marianas Trench by the CEO. Mae can’t believe her luck, her great fortune to work for the most influential company in the world—even as life beyond the campus grows distant, even as a strange encounter with a colleague leaves her shaken, even as her role at the Circle becomes increasingly public. What begins as the captivating story of one woman’
Censorship history
In 2025, "The Circle" by Dave Eggers was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to its political content, violence, and offensive language. Notably, the ban was upheld following a contentious school board vote in a California district, where parents expressed concerns about the book's themes and language. This decision sparked protests from students and free speech advocates, leading to ongoing debates about the appropriateness of the book in educational settings. The ban remains contested in some areas, with calls for reinstatement from various literary and civil rights organizations.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | PoliticalViolenceLanguage |
