The plane plunged 38, 000 feet in just three minutes and 30 seconds but the recording -- as reported in the book -- illustrates that the crew didn't understand why the plane was not responding.

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With a skeleton crew, he documents the banal comedy of a book tour and takes unannounced side-trips to corporate offices.

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But he noted, as with any adaptation, the resulting film will reflect his understanding of the book and the interpretation of the actors and crew working with him.

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Plus, how can you not like a book about a spaceship that numbers among its crew a piece of automated luggage that has become self-aware and founded a lobbying group for other self-aware appliances and luggage?

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But reading a magazine or a book can lure a passenger's attention from the crew, and those are not prohibited.

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