The main character of the book is a dog named Max, who lives with his owner, a young girl named Emily. Max dreams of becoming a person and experiencing all the joys and sorrows of human life. The book begins with the scene where Max is sitting at home, looking out the window and thinking about how he wants to become a person. He sees humans going about their daily business, laughing and having fun, and he longs to join them. One day, Emily's family goes on vacation, leaving Max alone at home. While they are away, Max discovers a strange device that looks like a cross between a computer and a microwave oven. He decides to use it to fulfill his dream of becoming a person. As soon as Max presses the button, he feels a strange sensation wash over him, and suddenly he can understand human language! He hears Emily's parents talking about their plans for the vacation, and he realizes that they are going to visit her grandparents in another state. Excited by the prospect of seeing new places and meeting new people, Max decides to stow away in their car when they leave. Throughout the journey, Max observes the world around him and learns about the different cultures and customs of the people he meets. He also learns about the history of technology and its impact on society. He realizes that technology has evolved over time, from simple tools made of stone and bone to complex machines that have revolutionized the way people live and communicate.

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