Foreverism by Grafton Tanner, published in 2023, is a short but powerful exploration of nostalgia and its multifaceted effects. The book analyses how contemporary culture continuously revisits and updates the past, coining the term “foreverism” to describe this phenomenon. Tanner argues that this trend transforms narratives and relationships into endless cycles, blurring the lines between completion and constant renewal, particularly in media. For example, the repetition of sequels in films illustrates this never-ending cycle. Tanner further contends that instead of preserving the past, ‘foreverism’ updates and revitalises it, creating the illusion of perpetual vitality.

Tanner further highlights how nostalgia impacts personal memory, suggesting that the overwhelming amount of preserved memories can lead to choice paralysis. While Tanner’s arguments are insightful and thought-provoking, the book can occasionally be repetitive. Nonetheless, I found it challenging me to rethink my relationship with social media, what I consume, and how I approach memories. It offers a fresh perspective on how the endless cycle of updates impacts our understanding of both the past and the present. Foreverism is an informative and engaging read that prompts readers to question the true value of what is constantly presented to us.

I highly recommend reading this book in our current age of technology and delving into the important analogies Tanner presents.

Rebecca Cauwood