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SCARECROWS: A DANDY World
Praise for "SCARECROWS: A DANDY World"
“Scarecrows [A DANDY World] combines the whimsy of Mr. Data with one of the most insightful investigations of the mechanical mind since Asimov’s series. Jonathan Emrys creates some of the best SF imagery since his hero, Ray Bradbury.” -- Dan Nieuwsma, Laser Physicist and SF fan
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Seeing Humans In A Mirror Through Artificial Eyes . . .
Humans have succeeded in creating artificial life... by accident. In a world where the future has come and gone like a whirlwind, from the technological rubble has clambered a race of artificial sentient life forms known as ‘Humes’. Now these newly created sentient beings, the survivors of a technological tempest, live amongst us under Government protection and control.
Isolated to the eastern half of the United States, along with other select parts of the world, Humes long for independence. They seek to escape the confines of the Government's watchful eyes and to experience more than they are allowed; and in some cases, they succeed.
On the west coast lives Lucy Barnes, a young woman who lives alone and works in the Fashion District of Los Angeles. She works hard, pays her rent on time, and enjoys her quiet moments of solitude. Sometimes she just wants to curl up with a good book and lose herself in another world. However, her carefully regimented life is thrown into turmoil when some new friends turn everything upside down.
Lucy’s story examines the quest for freedom and independence. It also examines how humans view sentience, how they treat each other, and how they might be viewed by intelligent beings outside of their own species. It deals with how we treat the other or the outsider or those who are different from ourselves. It also examines humanity by turning a mirror on our own prejudices and presumptions.
CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE . . . and a squirrel.
About the Author
A natural born storyteller, author Jonathan Emrys has previously written for the Stage, Screen, and Periodicals. He is also an accomplished Poet, Writer of Short Fiction, and Short Filmmaker. “SCARECROWS: A DANDY World” marks his debut as a Science Fiction/Futurist Novelist. Jonathan has worked as an IT Professional in the Aerospace Industry for over 16 years. He currently resides in the Greater Los Angeles area with his wife of twenty-something plus years and four fiendish foo-cats who surround him while he works (as excellent administrative assistants and creative consultants), and a plethora of backyard wildlife, who are inspirations for many characters: animal, human or otherwise.
“Scarecrows [A DANDY World] combines the whimsy of Mr. Data with one of the most insightful investigations of the mechanical mind since Asimov’s series. Jonathan Emrys creates some of the best SF imagery since his hero, Ray Bradbury.” -- Dan Nieuwsma, Laser Physicist and SF fan
******************
Seeing Humans In A Mirror Through Artificial Eyes . . .
Humans have succeeded in creating artificial life... by accident. In a world where the future has come and gone like a whirlwind, from the technological rubble has clambered a race of artificial sentient life forms known as ‘Humes’. Now these newly created sentient beings, the survivors of a technological tempest, live amongst us under Government protection and control.
Isolated to the eastern half of the United States, along with other select parts of the world, Humes long for independence. They seek to escape the confines of the Government's watchful eyes and to experience more than they are allowed; and in some cases, they succeed.
On the west coast lives Lucy Barnes, a young woman who lives alone and works in the Fashion District of Los Angeles. She works hard, pays her rent on time, and enjoys her quiet moments of solitude. Sometimes she just wants to curl up with a good book and lose herself in another world. However, her carefully regimented life is thrown into turmoil when some new friends turn everything upside down.
Lucy’s story examines the quest for freedom and independence. It also examines how humans view sentience, how they treat each other, and how they might be viewed by intelligent beings outside of their own species. It deals with how we treat the other or the outsider or those who are different from ourselves. It also examines humanity by turning a mirror on our own prejudices and presumptions.
CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE . . . and a squirrel.
About the Author
A natural born storyteller, author Jonathan Emrys has previously written for the Stage, Screen, and Periodicals. He is also an accomplished Poet, Writer of Short Fiction, and Short Filmmaker. “SCARECROWS: A DANDY World” marks his debut as a Science Fiction/Futurist Novelist. Jonathan has worked as an IT Professional in the Aerospace Industry for over 16 years. He currently resides in the Greater Los Angeles area with his wife of twenty-something plus years and four fiendish foo-cats who surround him while he works (as excellent administrative assistants and creative consultants), and a plethora of backyard wildlife, who are inspirations for many characters: animal, human or otherwise.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2012
1 person is currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Emrys
2 books10 followersA natural born storyteller, author Jonathan Emrys has previously written for the Stage, Screen, and Periodicals. He is also an accomplished Poet, Writer of Short Fiction, and Short Filmmaker. "SCARECROWS: A DANDY World" marks his debut as a Science Fiction/Futurist Novelist.
Jonathan has worked as an IT Professional in the Aerospace Industry for over 16 years. He currently resides in the Greater Los Angeles area with his wife of twenty-something plus years and four fiendish foo-cats who surround him while he works (as excellent administrative assistants and creative consultants), and a plethora of backyard wildlife, who are inspirations for many characters: animal, human or otherwise.
Jonathan has worked as an IT Professional in the Aerospace Industry for over 16 years. He currently resides in the Greater Los Angeles area with his wife of twenty-something plus years and four fiendish foo-cats who surround him while he works (as excellent administrative assistants and creative consultants), and a plethora of backyard wildlife, who are inspirations for many characters: animal, human or otherwise.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 3, 2012
Okay, so I'm the author reviewing my own book. Instead of review, let's consider this a commentary not found in any of the marketing text. Right or wrong, I'm giving my own novel '05 Stars' because I found the journey behind the scenes "amazing". I truly like this story, and I am extremely proud of it, and believe it or not surprised by it, and I hope that you will enjoy it as well.
When writing this novel, I was inspired by how people treat people. You can be the nicest person in the world, and you can try to treat everyone kindly, but there are some people who just don't have a kind bone in their body. Does that mean you should abandon yours?
This novel was based on a simple 3-scene dream about a month before I chose to write the 3 short stories that expanded into the book.
During the time I started writing the stories, I had witnessed some of the worst behavior by humans, from all walks of life, all races, creeds, sexual orientations, and colors. And some of it hurt me deeply. Yet I still tried to treat people with kindness, respect, and common courtesy. Yes, it was difficult, but I bore through it.
Lucy became my outlet for my feelings . . . in the beginning. But as the story progressed, Lucy's feelings started coming out more than mine. She began to develop as her own person, and not just as a character, and I started learning more about her as I wrote, and more about this world around us right now. I became enamored with her outlook on life, even though she and her freinds had been through so much hardship in their lives.
For Lucy, it is the journey that leads one to grow as a human being. This story takes both Lucy and the reader through history, by only opening your eyes to your surroundings, and allowing you to see people from more than one side, and for who they are, and not what they are. The surprise, and the fun, is when you see yourself somewhere in the story.
Thank you for allowing me give you my perspective on this book.
When writing this novel, I was inspired by how people treat people. You can be the nicest person in the world, and you can try to treat everyone kindly, but there are some people who just don't have a kind bone in their body. Does that mean you should abandon yours?
This novel was based on a simple 3-scene dream about a month before I chose to write the 3 short stories that expanded into the book.
During the time I started writing the stories, I had witnessed some of the worst behavior by humans, from all walks of life, all races, creeds, sexual orientations, and colors. And some of it hurt me deeply. Yet I still tried to treat people with kindness, respect, and common courtesy. Yes, it was difficult, but I bore through it.
Lucy became my outlet for my feelings . . . in the beginning. But as the story progressed, Lucy's feelings started coming out more than mine. She began to develop as her own person, and not just as a character, and I started learning more about her as I wrote, and more about this world around us right now. I became enamored with her outlook on life, even though she and her freinds had been through so much hardship in their lives.
For Lucy, it is the journey that leads one to grow as a human being. This story takes both Lucy and the reader through history, by only opening your eyes to your surroundings, and allowing you to see people from more than one side, and for who they are, and not what they are. The surprise, and the fun, is when you see yourself somewhere in the story.
Thank you for allowing me give you my perspective on this book.
October 30, 2012
* I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I haven't done any reviews for a while and I was quite busy last months, but when I looked at my to-be-read pile of books, I immediately knew with which one I was going to start - SCARECROWS - and all my anticipations about awesomeness of this book came true.
Right in the beginning, I have 'fallen in love' with Lucy, the main character. She is strong and sensitive at the same time. I just loved how she was trying to make friends or chat with everyone around her. One of her best and most interesting features is her wish not to be flawless, without any imperfections. Her desire is to be different, to change like everyone else. Lucy's methods may seem sometimes harsh but her creed perfectly explains her struggle for imperfection and everything she does.
Another character, of which I grew very fond of, is Roscoe. A little bit mysterious in the beginning, but with uncovering details becoming more and more likeable. And his relationship with Lucy looks very amazing. There are also many others characters, which definitely deserve readers' attention: Leo, the whole group of Humes and last but not least Dickie :) (Squirrel underpants from the fabulous swag pack finally make sense - check out swag bag here: http://www.zoeysbravenewworld.blogspo... ). I also like books which encourage you to read another book which might not belong to your favourite genre, but you want it to read anyway (in this case it was The Illustrated Many by Ray Bradbury).
For me, it's quite important the setting/surroundings in which the books takes place. In SCARECROWS you've got detailed descriptions of development of the world from our society through DANDY products and Humes to year 2034.
There's so much I could write about (Winston, Lucy's similarity to humans, supermarket song, Doctor Pratt, Lucy's dialogue with Frederick with multiple meanings, living in the camps...). Well, if you want to find out more just get this gorgeous book and read it. You definitely won't regret!
I haven't done any reviews for a while and I was quite busy last months, but when I looked at my to-be-read pile of books, I immediately knew with which one I was going to start - SCARECROWS - and all my anticipations about awesomeness of this book came true.
Right in the beginning, I have 'fallen in love' with Lucy, the main character. She is strong and sensitive at the same time. I just loved how she was trying to make friends or chat with everyone around her. One of her best and most interesting features is her wish not to be flawless, without any imperfections. Her desire is to be different, to change like everyone else. Lucy's methods may seem sometimes harsh but her creed perfectly explains her struggle for imperfection and everything she does.
Another character, of which I grew very fond of, is Roscoe. A little bit mysterious in the beginning, but with uncovering details becoming more and more likeable. And his relationship with Lucy looks very amazing. There are also many others characters, which definitely deserve readers' attention: Leo, the whole group of Humes and last but not least Dickie :) (Squirrel underpants from the fabulous swag pack finally make sense - check out swag bag here: http://www.zoeysbravenewworld.blogspo... ). I also like books which encourage you to read another book which might not belong to your favourite genre, but you want it to read anyway (in this case it was The Illustrated Many by Ray Bradbury).
For me, it's quite important the setting/surroundings in which the books takes place. In SCARECROWS you've got detailed descriptions of development of the world from our society through DANDY products and Humes to year 2034.
There's so much I could write about (Winston, Lucy's similarity to humans, supermarket song, Doctor Pratt, Lucy's dialogue with Frederick with multiple meanings, living in the camps...). Well, if you want to find out more just get this gorgeous book and read it. You definitely won't regret!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2012
I picked up this book on the advise of a friend, who's uncle is the author. Simply put, I loved it! Fun and thought provoking; it will keep you up late at night, unwilling to put it down for even just a couple of hours. For me, an avid epic fantasy reader (elves, swords,....you know the type), finding books outside of my genre that I really really enjoy are few in number and I am happy to include this as one. I love Lucy and I can't wait to see what she does next!
January 3, 2014
Sorry for delay - computer broke down 3 weeks ago! Although this is definitely not the sort of book I would choose to read, having been given it, I read it and have to confess that I enjoyed it. The characters are so real and believable. I could see this book being made into a film. Please let me know when Vol 2 is available.
August 27, 2012
It's easy to get caught up in the lives of others (both real and fictional), as it is to relate and identify with circumstances. Emrys' "Scarecrows" is a joy to read and emphasizes the consequences of our actions and feelings toward others. The story of the Humes is one we can all appreciate. Their quest for independence and freedom make us realize we still have so much to do as their human counterparts. What a great lesson in tolerance and humanity! I can't wait to see what happens next in Lucy's (and her friends) world.
August 21, 2012
I loved it! I highly recommend for everyone. Sto visit Lucy'.s world inSCARECROWS A DANDY World
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews