In “All Thumbs: Guide to Telephones and Answering Machines,” John Updike humorously explores the frustrations and awkwardness that come with modern telephone technology. Writing in his signature witty and observant style, Updike reflects on how the simple act of communication has become complicated by gadgets, answering machines, and impersonal routines. He captures the universal irritation of missed calls, confusing recordings, and the loss of genuine human contact.