The strongest part of The Sustainable Network is when Sorensen discusses how the network was partially responsible for President Barack Obama's 2008 election. This election demonstrated, according to Sorensen, "how the network can make any democracy more powerful, more personal, and even more inspirational by allowing its citizens to participate on a grand scale." Through numerous stories and statistics, she argues her case and adequately illustrates the network's potential impact on future elections.
Overall, Sorensen offers the reader some convincing ideas as to how the network's worldwide reach can empower previously marginalized groups, further democracy, and even tackle climate change. In these economic times, the notion that we can cause change with tools we already possess is appealing. Sorensen could have argued her position in half the length of the book, thereby avoiding repetition. The environmental section also presents little in the way of new information in terms of energy conservation. Finally, it is unclear as to The Sustainable Network's target audience. Is she intending on reaching business owners? Individuals? Politicians? Her definitions of the network are clear but seem too elementary for experienced technology users. A clear description in the introduction would lend some focus to the book, enabling Sorensen to target specific parties that could best utilize the network for change. Despite these limitations, The Sustainable Network does provide another perspective on the network's potential for creating positive change.
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