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Cute
For fans of Black Mirror, Dave Eggers and Ben Elton comes a biting satire on out-of-control technology, politicians, admen and dreamers.
One big problem > One brilliant solution = One whole heap of trouble >
As artificial intelligence devours jobs, the UK government invites proposals for ways to motivate worried workers and placate the unemployed.
For advertising guru Andy Samuels, the project just might relieve his boredom. Working closely with his best friend and chatbot supremo Rick Osborn, they create Colin, a pocket-sized personal robot to nurture positivity and mental wellbeing.
Andy thinks his idea will win, and winning is all that matters. Rick believes Colin could save society from itself. Jacob Chastain, the minister responsible for the project, spots a fast track to the top. And Colin? He simply wants to help us all.
Three men, three agendas, and an idea that could be too good for its own good.
The author of the award-winning Hacking George takes you on a tense ride towards catastrophe in a near-future society where algorithms are trusted more than friends. Buy it now and prepare to be addicted.
One big problem > One brilliant solution = One whole heap of trouble >
As artificial intelligence devours jobs, the UK government invites proposals for ways to motivate worried workers and placate the unemployed.
For advertising guru Andy Samuels, the project just might relieve his boredom. Working closely with his best friend and chatbot supremo Rick Osborn, they create Colin, a pocket-sized personal robot to nurture positivity and mental wellbeing.
Andy thinks his idea will win, and winning is all that matters. Rick believes Colin could save society from itself. Jacob Chastain, the minister responsible for the project, spots a fast track to the top. And Colin? He simply wants to help us all.
Three men, three agendas, and an idea that could be too good for its own good.
The author of the award-winning Hacking George takes you on a tense ride towards catastrophe in a near-future society where algorithms are trusted more than friends. Buy it now and prepare to be addicted.
- GenresScience FictionHumor
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2024
92 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Bob Palmer
2 books6 followersBob Palmer has been, in chronological order, a construction worker, town planner, rock drummer, graphic designer, adman, entrepreneur, scriptwriter and film producer. He now writes full time.
His favourite theme is the absurdity of life – nothing on the planet is more fascinating than human behaviour. And even after decades creating ads, he still loves a great concept.
In his spare time, he's been caught in a desert flash flood, set off the sirens at Area 51, and hikes canyons in the US Southwest searching for ancient ruins and rock art. To share his passion, he created the popular hiking website Red Dirt Blue Skies. He is never bored.
Home is a creaky cottage on the fringe of London which he shares with a black and white cat, rampant woodworm, and his infinitely patient author and cover-designer wife Berni Stevens.
His favourite theme is the absurdity of life – nothing on the planet is more fascinating than human behaviour. And even after decades creating ads, he still loves a great concept.
In his spare time, he's been caught in a desert flash flood, set off the sirens at Area 51, and hikes canyons in the US Southwest searching for ancient ruins and rock art. To share his passion, he created the popular hiking website Red Dirt Blue Skies. He is never bored.
Home is a creaky cottage on the fringe of London which he shares with a black and white cat, rampant woodworm, and his infinitely patient author and cover-designer wife Berni Stevens.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 8, 2024
Cute is the second novel by British author, Bob Palmer. In a Britain where, in the face of an increasing AI presence, people feel insecure about their employment or discouraged about even getting another job, where the cost of mental health support is burgeoning, what does a government that is no longer trusted do to improve morale?
The top minds eventually decide that an advertising agency is their best bet: a competition to come up with the most effective solution to what ails their fair land. Which is why Andy Samuels, having read through the inches-thick government brief, sets out to convince his partner, Oliver Weston that it’s worth their effort for Weston Samuels Agency to pitch.
From the brief, he understands “They want us to make working people more efficient and … and … make the unemployed feel more valuable. A national mind shift. A step change in culture. To change both how we approach work and how we can stay sane in this crazy world.”
Andy can’t ignore the lightbulb moment that provides a novel idea that he believes might just be different enough, effective, and make them money and, rather to Oliver’s chagrin, enlists a former colleague, now bot developer at Sigmabot, Rick Osborn to produce what will be designed to be a friend to its owner.
The prototype that convinces not just the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whose wife just happens to have shares in Sigmabot, but also the PM when he sits in on the Weston Samuels pitch, is a furry, wide-eyed yellow ball that purrs when stroked, knows everything about you, and goes by the friendly name of Colin.
It takes a bit more than that to get Colin accepted by most of the powers that be, but soon the whole country is clamouring for a Colin of their own. Does it work? Does it live up to its promise? It certainly makes Andy, Oliver and Rick very rich, and puts the government in a more favourable light, but is it what the country needs? And is it entirely benign?
Palmer populates his tale with thoroughly credible characters, several of whom demonstrate that no matter how pure the intentions, power corrupts. In a highly original plot, there are government cover-ups and leaks, meddling by foreign powers, an assassination, smear campaigns, and suicide, none of which require much suspension of disbelief. A salutary tale that will keep us wary of AI, Palmer’s latest is topical, cleverly plotted, often laugh-out-loud funny and thought-provoking.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and the author
The top minds eventually decide that an advertising agency is their best bet: a competition to come up with the most effective solution to what ails their fair land. Which is why Andy Samuels, having read through the inches-thick government brief, sets out to convince his partner, Oliver Weston that it’s worth their effort for Weston Samuels Agency to pitch.
From the brief, he understands “They want us to make working people more efficient and … and … make the unemployed feel more valuable. A national mind shift. A step change in culture. To change both how we approach work and how we can stay sane in this crazy world.”
Andy can’t ignore the lightbulb moment that provides a novel idea that he believes might just be different enough, effective, and make them money and, rather to Oliver’s chagrin, enlists a former colleague, now bot developer at Sigmabot, Rick Osborn to produce what will be designed to be a friend to its owner.
The prototype that convinces not just the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whose wife just happens to have shares in Sigmabot, but also the PM when he sits in on the Weston Samuels pitch, is a furry, wide-eyed yellow ball that purrs when stroked, knows everything about you, and goes by the friendly name of Colin.
It takes a bit more than that to get Colin accepted by most of the powers that be, but soon the whole country is clamouring for a Colin of their own. Does it work? Does it live up to its promise? It certainly makes Andy, Oliver and Rick very rich, and puts the government in a more favourable light, but is it what the country needs? And is it entirely benign?
Palmer populates his tale with thoroughly credible characters, several of whom demonstrate that no matter how pure the intentions, power corrupts. In a highly original plot, there are government cover-ups and leaks, meddling by foreign powers, an assassination, smear campaigns, and suicide, none of which require much suspension of disbelief. A salutary tale that will keep us wary of AI, Palmer’s latest is topical, cleverly plotted, often laugh-out-loud funny and thought-provoking.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and the author
September 19, 2024
Cute by Bob Palmer is both an entertaining, mildly science fiction, slightly comedic satire and a warning on the nefarious uses of artificial intelligence in the hands of those with a hidden agenda.
With AI leading to a leap in redundancies, the government issue a challenge to the top tech companies. How can we make AI a feel good technology that the population will embrace?
Enter Colin, an AI driven, souped up, smart speaker that will organise your life, make you more productive and ultimately much much happier. Best of all everyone will be issued one for free.
Palmer knows how to write great characters and even has the reader empathising with those that are seeking to use Colin for their own ends.
This is not a story of futuristic tech that is unlikely to ever be available. It's disturbingly close to current AI capabilities and, in a world already finding it difficult to spot high end AI narration and deep fake photographs and videos, it is a probable warning of the very near future. But hey! we can trust the politicians not to misuse the technology right?
As for Colin, as the title of the book states, he's cute, really cute, and so very useful. No wonder everyone is desperate to get theirs. Even I, with the dangers of AI ringing in my ears after reading this book, want one. I think the developers missed a trick though as he only comes in one colour. As Henry Ford famously never said "You can have whatever colour you want, as long as it's yellow"
The book follows the team through the development process whilst giving the reader an ear on the politicians at the heart of the scheme. Relationships are tested to their limit in the rush to create the perfect AI showcase and just how far will some people go in their quest for power.
A fast moving absorbing plot coupled with believable characters made this a fun read that once you start you'll not want to put down.
If you've read and enjoyed Palmer's previous book Hacking George then you'll love Cute
With AI leading to a leap in redundancies, the government issue a challenge to the top tech companies. How can we make AI a feel good technology that the population will embrace?
Enter Colin, an AI driven, souped up, smart speaker that will organise your life, make you more productive and ultimately much much happier. Best of all everyone will be issued one for free.
Palmer knows how to write great characters and even has the reader empathising with those that are seeking to use Colin for their own ends.
This is not a story of futuristic tech that is unlikely to ever be available. It's disturbingly close to current AI capabilities and, in a world already finding it difficult to spot high end AI narration and deep fake photographs and videos, it is a probable warning of the very near future. But hey! we can trust the politicians not to misuse the technology right?
As for Colin, as the title of the book states, he's cute, really cute, and so very useful. No wonder everyone is desperate to get theirs. Even I, with the dangers of AI ringing in my ears after reading this book, want one. I think the developers missed a trick though as he only comes in one colour. As Henry Ford famously never said "You can have whatever colour you want, as long as it's yellow"
The book follows the team through the development process whilst giving the reader an ear on the politicians at the heart of the scheme. Relationships are tested to their limit in the rush to create the perfect AI showcase and just how far will some people go in their quest for power.
A fast moving absorbing plot coupled with believable characters made this a fun read that once you start you'll not want to put down.
If you've read and enjoyed Palmer's previous book Hacking George then you'll love Cute
November 23, 2024
I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team (author, check here if you are interested in getting your book reviewed) and thank her and the author for this opportunity.
I read and reviewed Palmer’s previous novel, and I enjoyed the mix of genres, his unique voice, and his peculiar sense of humour. And although this novel’s plot is quite different, it does share some characteristics with it.
Summarising the plot isn’t too hard. We are in the UK in the not-so-distant future, a society with a high level of unemployment due, in part, to the rise of AI. Politicians in the government are trying to stay in power and curb the disenchantment and inertia of the population. And they come up with an idea: rather than finding a solution themselves, they will ask the best advertisement agencies to come up with an idea and a campaign to sell it to the public. Andy, a creative and partner in an important ad agency, is bored with the type of campaigns their clients want these days. When he gets the government brief, he decides they should try something completely different to win the contract of their lives. And, with a little help from a friend, he manages to bring to life a robot whose aim is to change everyone’s lives for the better and become their best friend. Or, is it?
We get to meet many characters, although the main protagonists are Andy, Ricky (his friend, and the head of the company that creates the bots), and the politician who helps get it through, Jacob. The invention is a huge success, but it has some unexpected consequences for the three protagonists and the world at large.
This novel has a somewhat twisted sense of humour, very British, and runs the whole gamut, from slapstick to political comedy, with a touch of conspiracy theory (well, not always so theoretical), and some serious social commentary, with sharp barbs at the power of advertising, the modern addiction to screens and gadgets, the lack of intimacy and real friendship, the Machiavellian wish for the power of some politicians, the way popular opinion is manipulated and free-speech might be free only in name, the invasion of fake news…
The book itself is quite addictive, and it is difficult to stop reading it, although most of what happens seems the logical consequence of the circumstances, and not very far-fetched (just some tendencies we see around us taken to the extreme). We might imagine what is going to happen, but we still want to read about it and see if our worst fears will be confirmed. We aren’t strong enough to turn away from the wreck, and there are a few surprises on the way.
Although the three characters seem to share many characteristics at the beginning of the story (big egos, huge ambitions, and a need to achieve success at whatever cost), they develop in different ways. At first, I thought this was a novel where the plot took precedence over the characters, and although I would have appreciated more psychological depth in some of them, the novel eventually turned on its head. One of the characters learned an invaluable lesson and got to appreciate other things above and beyond fame and money. For me, the novel is not only about the Colins (the generic robot is called ‘Colin’): it is really an adult coming-of-age story for Andy. I won’t go into more detail, as I want to avoid spoilers, but I can tell readers that the ending is quite satisfying and very different for the three main characters. I liked the theme of redemption, hope, and second chances hinted at the closing of the book. (Oh, and I am extremely fond of Maisie, Andy’s daughter
The writing style is fluid and easy to follow. The story is narrated in third-person from the three main characters’ point-of-view (with some brief scenes where we get to see what happens to some of the secondary characters), but there is no head-hopping and we always know whose head we are in. The author’s in-depth knowledge of the world of advertisement shines through the book and gives it the ring of truth. I have mentioned the dark humour already, and also the fact that it is impossible to read this novel without seeing a reflection of many of the events that happen around us (a distorted mirror effect perhaps, but only slightly distorted). If this is a dystopia, our world is not far from it.
It is a funny novel for those who love political satire and are happy to read stories that hit close home and show us some of the uglier aspects of power, technology, and advertising. Fans of Bob Palmer’s writing will enjoy it, and those who haven’t discovered this author will be pleased to make his acquaintance. I am sure he has many more stories to tell, and I’m looking forward to reading them.
I read and reviewed Palmer’s previous novel, and I enjoyed the mix of genres, his unique voice, and his peculiar sense of humour. And although this novel’s plot is quite different, it does share some characteristics with it.
Summarising the plot isn’t too hard. We are in the UK in the not-so-distant future, a society with a high level of unemployment due, in part, to the rise of AI. Politicians in the government are trying to stay in power and curb the disenchantment and inertia of the population. And they come up with an idea: rather than finding a solution themselves, they will ask the best advertisement agencies to come up with an idea and a campaign to sell it to the public. Andy, a creative and partner in an important ad agency, is bored with the type of campaigns their clients want these days. When he gets the government brief, he decides they should try something completely different to win the contract of their lives. And, with a little help from a friend, he manages to bring to life a robot whose aim is to change everyone’s lives for the better and become their best friend. Or, is it?
We get to meet many characters, although the main protagonists are Andy, Ricky (his friend, and the head of the company that creates the bots), and the politician who helps get it through, Jacob. The invention is a huge success, but it has some unexpected consequences for the three protagonists and the world at large.
This novel has a somewhat twisted sense of humour, very British, and runs the whole gamut, from slapstick to political comedy, with a touch of conspiracy theory (well, not always so theoretical), and some serious social commentary, with sharp barbs at the power of advertising, the modern addiction to screens and gadgets, the lack of intimacy and real friendship, the Machiavellian wish for the power of some politicians, the way popular opinion is manipulated and free-speech might be free only in name, the invasion of fake news…
The book itself is quite addictive, and it is difficult to stop reading it, although most of what happens seems the logical consequence of the circumstances, and not very far-fetched (just some tendencies we see around us taken to the extreme). We might imagine what is going to happen, but we still want to read about it and see if our worst fears will be confirmed. We aren’t strong enough to turn away from the wreck, and there are a few surprises on the way.
Although the three characters seem to share many characteristics at the beginning of the story (big egos, huge ambitions, and a need to achieve success at whatever cost), they develop in different ways. At first, I thought this was a novel where the plot took precedence over the characters, and although I would have appreciated more psychological depth in some of them, the novel eventually turned on its head. One of the characters learned an invaluable lesson and got to appreciate other things above and beyond fame and money. For me, the novel is not only about the Colins (the generic robot is called ‘Colin’): it is really an adult coming-of-age story for Andy. I won’t go into more detail, as I want to avoid spoilers, but I can tell readers that the ending is quite satisfying and very different for the three main characters. I liked the theme of redemption, hope, and second chances hinted at the closing of the book. (Oh, and I am extremely fond of Maisie, Andy’s daughter
The writing style is fluid and easy to follow. The story is narrated in third-person from the three main characters’ point-of-view (with some brief scenes where we get to see what happens to some of the secondary characters), but there is no head-hopping and we always know whose head we are in. The author’s in-depth knowledge of the world of advertisement shines through the book and gives it the ring of truth. I have mentioned the dark humour already, and also the fact that it is impossible to read this novel without seeing a reflection of many of the events that happen around us (a distorted mirror effect perhaps, but only slightly distorted). If this is a dystopia, our world is not far from it.
It is a funny novel for those who love political satire and are happy to read stories that hit close home and show us some of the uglier aspects of power, technology, and advertising. Fans of Bob Palmer’s writing will enjoy it, and those who haven’t discovered this author will be pleased to make his acquaintance. I am sure he has many more stories to tell, and I’m looking forward to reading them.
October 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Themes - multi POV, a bit of government humor, and results of relying on AI.
The UK government is concerned about the overall engagement, health, and unemployment across the country and has decided to create a challenge for 100 companies. Andy's company is one of them.
The brilliant idea that Andy (one of the main characters) comes up with is an "AI" pet / Colin who is there to help you improve your well-being and overall quality of life. Andy and his best friend Rick create this furry creature and pitch it to the government, much to their surprise it goes ahead.
as the story develops (I'm not giving anything away) we see a change in how the little robot is used by the tech company, the government, and people in general. The product's lifespan is super interesting in this story, for example; we see how changes in perspective and research lead to a divide in the country all because of a change in personality by one of the co-founders. we see true dependencies/addiction on AI and the result on the population, and attempts by govt and companies to control people.
I enjoyed the book and will probably think about this quite a lot, especially when using AI or purchasing a new product. This book was also super fitting for the current situation in NZ.
Themes - multi POV, a bit of government humor, and results of relying on AI.
The UK government is concerned about the overall engagement, health, and unemployment across the country and has decided to create a challenge for 100 companies. Andy's company is one of them.
The brilliant idea that Andy (one of the main characters) comes up with is an "AI" pet / Colin who is there to help you improve your well-being and overall quality of life. Andy and his best friend Rick create this furry creature and pitch it to the government, much to their surprise it goes ahead.
as the story develops (I'm not giving anything away) we see a change in how the little robot is used by the tech company, the government, and people in general. The product's lifespan is super interesting in this story, for example; we see how changes in perspective and research lead to a divide in the country all because of a change in personality by one of the co-founders. we see true dependencies/addiction on AI and the result on the population, and attempts by govt and companies to control people.
I enjoyed the book and will probably think about this quite a lot, especially when using AI or purchasing a new product. This book was also super fitting for the current situation in NZ.
February 1, 2025
I love a realistic dystopia - this could happen tomorrow, and I wouldn't think twice about it. Very believable, building on modern fears and technology, and indeed societal reactions to science. I found every single character to be an acute insight into the human psyche (shout out to my faves Luka and Mario), and the story was rather terrifying. Brilliant writing, great plot, and hopefully no prophecy whatsoever...
October 1, 2024
Thank you BooksGoSocial for providing this book for Read Now review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Read my review here at The StoryGraph for an Amazon-free alternative!
"You can't begin to change the things that really matter without collateral damage."
"Cute" explores the ethical challenges faced by the creators of an advanced Furby/Alexa product named Colin and the eventual questionable political risks associated with any great technology. My favorite character was, by far, Colin. I found the concept of the product very intriguing and the advertising concepts were so clever, I wanted one of my own! It also felt realistic in its description of how great ideas and good intentions in the tech world can still have consequences or be misused by the wrong people.
I have a few minor complaints. I didn't enjoy the third-person narrative because it detached me from the characters. I expected the book to have a darker undertone similar to Black Mirror, but I didn't feel the sense of impending danger I was anticipating. Despite the presence of some dark themes, the book didn't evoke the anxious feeling I was expecting. I'm not sure if this lack of connection was due to my inability to empathize with the characters or if it was because of the content itself. Regardless, I completed the book from start to finish in record time and it held my attention. Lastly, the ending was subtle but satisfying, especially for a dystopian theme.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, Gun violence, Self harm, and Suicide
Read my review here at The StoryGraph for an Amazon-free alternative!
"You can't begin to change the things that really matter without collateral damage."
"Cute" explores the ethical challenges faced by the creators of an advanced Furby/Alexa product named Colin and the eventual questionable political risks associated with any great technology. My favorite character was, by far, Colin. I found the concept of the product very intriguing and the advertising concepts were so clever, I wanted one of my own! It also felt realistic in its description of how great ideas and good intentions in the tech world can still have consequences or be misused by the wrong people.
I have a few minor complaints. I didn't enjoy the third-person narrative because it detached me from the characters. I expected the book to have a darker undertone similar to Black Mirror, but I didn't feel the sense of impending danger I was anticipating. Despite the presence of some dark themes, the book didn't evoke the anxious feeling I was expecting. I'm not sure if this lack of connection was due to my inability to empathize with the characters or if it was because of the content itself. Regardless, I completed the book from start to finish in record time and it held my attention. Lastly, the ending was subtle but satisfying, especially for a dystopian theme.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, Gun violence, Self harm, and Suicide
September 29, 2024
Gosh, but, this is an amazing read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I absolutely loved it and was hooked from the first page to the last. It’s a riveting and, more importantly, accessible and interesting read about the potential dangers of AI. It’s so engaging, with characters I cared about and a gripping and at times scary storyline.
Andy is a successful Advertising Director so when the opportunity comes to pitch to the government on a campaign to better engage the UK public, he’s hooked. What he comes up with is original, fun and engaging and he and his old friend, Rick, set about to win the procurement battle with the fabulous and fun BOT called Colin.
I don’t want to give too much away, as it’s a cracking tale of manipulation, fake news and the real dangers of us being controlled by AI and it’s a rollercoaster of a read.
Just fabulous and I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a fun, scary, thrilling read.
Thanks so much to Bob Palmer the author for the opportunity to preview, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley.
I absolutely loved it and was hooked from the first page to the last. It’s a riveting and, more importantly, accessible and interesting read about the potential dangers of AI. It’s so engaging, with characters I cared about and a gripping and at times scary storyline.
Andy is a successful Advertising Director so when the opportunity comes to pitch to the government on a campaign to better engage the UK public, he’s hooked. What he comes up with is original, fun and engaging and he and his old friend, Rick, set about to win the procurement battle with the fabulous and fun BOT called Colin.
I don’t want to give too much away, as it’s a cracking tale of manipulation, fake news and the real dangers of us being controlled by AI and it’s a rollercoaster of a read.
Just fabulous and I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a fun, scary, thrilling read.
Thanks so much to Bob Palmer the author for the opportunity to preview, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley.
August 21, 2024
The perfect mix between British wry humour, distopian AI future, and social commentary—all with a cute furry ball.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about an ad-man that uses his creativity to win a government bid to increase the productivity and health of an increasinly lazy, ill, and mentally unresilient population. It is a near-future that doesn't seem to far-fetched, and one that uses some classic British satire to poke fun, and raise a critical eye to the way we are heading as a society.
This is a multi-POV story, which I normally adore, but I felt the pacing in this one might have suffered just a tad from having 1-2 too many POVs. I craved a bit more depth to the relationships between the main character Andy and his family. It felt a bit odd to me that he would let things with his family slide so much without insisting on some changes, or making his voice heard a bit more. While I enjoyed the seedy political angle that was presented, I felt these could have been toned down a bit and limited to only the one main politico that matters rather than jumping around. It took away from going in deeper elsewhere.
Conversely, I also felt that that balance between the personal, business, political, and societal impacts of a clever new AI device that is built to solve our problems and become insanely addictive at the same time (think Furby with AI) were well presented and believable.
The impact of our polarized worldviews was also clearly shown and I'm glad he didn't miss this imporant part of how we interact as a society. There is so much instant hate and anti-everything instead of looking at actual facts or seeing the humans around us, and Mr. Palmer deftly wove this into his story.
It is poignant, real, and entertaining all at once—not an easy task to accomplish.
If you're like me and you enjoy your sci-fi with satire, your dystopia with humour, and your societal commentary with a good dose of worst-case scenario, you'll likely enjoy this read.
The editing and writing are clean and flow nicely, with only the odd slip-up into a wrong word (or once a last name changing from Yang to Want), but it's so minor you'll not notice it amidst the doomsday device that is a cute little furry ball named Colin.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about an ad-man that uses his creativity to win a government bid to increase the productivity and health of an increasinly lazy, ill, and mentally unresilient population. It is a near-future that doesn't seem to far-fetched, and one that uses some classic British satire to poke fun, and raise a critical eye to the way we are heading as a society.
This is a multi-POV story, which I normally adore, but I felt the pacing in this one might have suffered just a tad from having 1-2 too many POVs. I craved a bit more depth to the relationships between the main character Andy and his family. It felt a bit odd to me that he would let things with his family slide so much without insisting on some changes, or making his voice heard a bit more. While I enjoyed the seedy political angle that was presented, I felt these could have been toned down a bit and limited to only the one main politico that matters rather than jumping around. It took away from going in deeper elsewhere.
Conversely, I also felt that that balance between the personal, business, political, and societal impacts of a clever new AI device that is built to solve our problems and become insanely addictive at the same time (think Furby with AI) were well presented and believable.
The impact of our polarized worldviews was also clearly shown and I'm glad he didn't miss this imporant part of how we interact as a society. There is so much instant hate and anti-everything instead of looking at actual facts or seeing the humans around us, and Mr. Palmer deftly wove this into his story.
It is poignant, real, and entertaining all at once—not an easy task to accomplish.
If you're like me and you enjoy your sci-fi with satire, your dystopia with humour, and your societal commentary with a good dose of worst-case scenario, you'll likely enjoy this read.
The editing and writing are clean and flow nicely, with only the odd slip-up into a wrong word (or once a last name changing from Yang to Want), but it's so minor you'll not notice it amidst the doomsday device that is a cute little furry ball named Colin.
September 26, 2024
Cute by Bob Palmer, everyone wants a government contract so when the British government puts out a call for something innovative to get the country out of it’s nationwide unmotivated state. Andy Solomon wants to pitch for the contract and he and his team members come up with Colin the bot. From my understanding it is like an emoji that knows everything about you and encourages you to get your work done but will also tell you anything you want to know. When his team wins the contract and he couldn’t be happier not only does Britain love their Bott but other countries get in on it as well. It becomes an international success Andy and his best friend and fellow creator Rick are knighted by the prince and life couldn’t be better. Then the results of a study comes out and this is when everything gets crazy.
Everything gets out of control lines are drawn in a battle commences. Like always there’s so much I want to say about this book I have so many thoughts it was so good and so so much like real life despite it being satirical it is so close to reality it’s scary. The author really captures an out of control country with a deceitful Prime Minister, social justice warriors a friend who is losing control, another one who is trying to maintain it and the effects it has on everyone involved. I love this book I love Andy, his family andMario. I’ve read both books this author has put out the first being Hacking George and I can honestly say I love this authors books they’re so smart and intelligently Done there funny well-thought-out well written I just love it.#NetGalley, #BookWhisperer, #BobPalmer, #Cute,
Everything gets out of control lines are drawn in a battle commences. Like always there’s so much I want to say about this book I have so many thoughts it was so good and so so much like real life despite it being satirical it is so close to reality it’s scary. The author really captures an out of control country with a deceitful Prime Minister, social justice warriors a friend who is losing control, another one who is trying to maintain it and the effects it has on everyone involved. I love this book I love Andy, his family andMario. I’ve read both books this author has put out the first being Hacking George and I can honestly say I love this authors books they’re so smart and intelligently Done there funny well-thought-out well written I just love it.#NetGalley, #BookWhisperer, #BobPalmer, #Cute,
September 12, 2025
3.5/5 This was a different type of book for me, I am typically not into politics, or really AI. However I wanted to give it a try because AI is becoming more and more prominent, which can be scary to many people. And I am glad I gave it a shot. It took a topic that is very serious and complicated and turned into sort of a relief, with humor and satire. Oddly enough I feel relieved after reading this book. There was lots to unpack in terms of mental health, the government, and politics all mixed together, sounds like a disaster in the making, which it was. I think the writing style being satirical and humorous made it that much more realistic, and I could see this book happening in real life. Or like many others have said, this could be an episode of Black Mirror! It was something different and I am not going to lie.... I definitely still want a Colin. Definitely recommend to those looking to try reading something a little different.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial publishing for providing me an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial publishing for providing me an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2024
He's done it again...! After the triumph of page turning literary enjoyment that was Hacking George, Bob Palmer has turned his author's beady eye to the highly topical world of AI and the seductive promises it holds for governments, marketeers and even just plain ordinary joes. Of course, most seductive promises in life come with cunningly disguised and potentially deadly downsides, and Bob cleverly explores both aspects as he weaves his magic to the ultimate denouement in Cute.
A wonderfully cleverly crafted tale brimming with relatable and believable characters and offering a glimpse of a potential AI-powered future we should all be keenly aware might not be far down the track. Another thoroughly enjoyable read from the growing Bob Palmer stable!
A wonderfully cleverly crafted tale brimming with relatable and believable characters and offering a glimpse of a potential AI-powered future we should all be keenly aware might not be far down the track. Another thoroughly enjoyable read from the growing Bob Palmer stable!
March 22, 2025
This novel definitely hits close to home, with all of the AI and smart tech in our lives. It starts out with the promise of a bright future thanks to a cute little bot that will make everyone's lives easier. But ultimately, it's a question of whether expending less effort on your own actually makes things better or worse. It's an edgy satire, but does make you think about what we allow tech to do for us and how involved we allow it to become in our lives.
July 31, 2025
Loved this.
This is, fortunately, a much more hopeful dystopia view of AI than others to emerge recently. It is totally believable and seems just a moment away in time. Every reader will find both their better selves and worst moments in this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the ideas. Recommended for readers who want real people and real life.
This is, fortunately, a much more hopeful dystopia view of AI than others to emerge recently. It is totally believable and seems just a moment away in time. Every reader will find both their better selves and worst moments in this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the ideas. Recommended for readers who want real people and real life.
October 26, 2025
A great story - highly readable - and also thought-provoking. Beautifully crafted characters, including Colin! I both wanted and didn't want a Colin of my own. Equal parts, amusing, scary and hopeful. Highly recommended read.
March 20, 2025
Took me a while to get into this but once I did I really enjoyed it. Clever premise.
September 30, 2025
Wow
This book is amazing. Love the details, the descriptions, everything. Anyone who enjoys futuristic things will absolutely love this book.
This book is amazing. Love the details, the descriptions, everything. Anyone who enjoys futuristic things will absolutely love this book.
March 8, 2025
Best book I've read for a while
I don't leave many book reviews but this deserves one. Unique, current, interesting p!ot and interesting characters. Some great surprises along the way. I will definitely read more by Bob Palmer and I highly recommend this book.
I don't leave many book reviews but this deserves one. Unique, current, interesting p!ot and interesting characters. Some great surprises along the way. I will definitely read more by Bob Palmer and I highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2025
Great Read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, well built interesting characters and a fascinating premise. Will entertain you and maybe make you hesitate next time you grab your phone for an answer. Definitely recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, well built interesting characters and a fascinating premise. Will entertain you and maybe make you hesitate next time you grab your phone for an answer. Definitely recommend it!
September 25, 2025
Disappointing and surprisingly dull
After the simple but absurd beauty of Hacking George comes this turnip. It's basically the story of the iPhone. No relatable characters, stereotypical arrogant cut throat males and bored , frivolous women, and the end to the PMs storyline frankly ridiculous and simply not in line with his character's need for self preservation. Ben Elton does this stuff much better. Re-read Hacking George and please try again Bob.
After the simple but absurd beauty of Hacking George comes this turnip. It's basically the story of the iPhone. No relatable characters, stereotypical arrogant cut throat males and bored , frivolous women, and the end to the PMs storyline frankly ridiculous and simply not in line with his character's need for self preservation. Ben Elton does this stuff much better. Re-read Hacking George and please try again Bob.
September 4, 2024
I was drawn to this book because of the bright yellow cover and the smiling robot face. I feel confident I was meant to be drawn in by these attributes because as the book describes insides, it is all part of the marketing ploy to get the public on board with acquiring their own "Colin" robot. A small, personal tennis ball sized best friend who helps you keep up with your tasks, keeps you on track with health and wellness, and aids you in feeling useful while the world no longer needs you in the workforce as you are being replaced by... robots.
I loved the sass, the wit, the tongue in cheek humor and the fact this book is very self aware. I may have been drawn in by the CUTE smiling face but I stayed and flipped page after page for the content. The marketing team trying to figure out how to relieve his own personal boredom and win a huge contract with the government. And the government trying to find a way to prevent the English people from being so apathetic. Ultimately the world gets Colin and it works well for a while. but when AI learns a bit too much too fast, we kind of wonder what we have gotten ourselves into.
I had a really fun time reading this book. Sure, it does ride the line of being a bit overly political but I think there are a lot of things right now in this world which do and I kind of think it's appropriate social commentary. I wasn't taken too far out of the story when those plot points came along and was able to enjoy the antics. I would think about getting me a Colin, if only I could turn him off every once in a while for some significant privacy :D
I loved the sass, the wit, the tongue in cheek humor and the fact this book is very self aware. I may have been drawn in by the CUTE smiling face but I stayed and flipped page after page for the content. The marketing team trying to figure out how to relieve his own personal boredom and win a huge contract with the government. And the government trying to find a way to prevent the English people from being so apathetic. Ultimately the world gets Colin and it works well for a while. but when AI learns a bit too much too fast, we kind of wonder what we have gotten ourselves into.
I had a really fun time reading this book. Sure, it does ride the line of being a bit overly political but I think there are a lot of things right now in this world which do and I kind of think it's appropriate social commentary. I wasn't taken too far out of the story when those plot points came along and was able to enjoy the antics. I would think about getting me a Colin, if only I could turn him off every once in a while for some significant privacy :D
December 5, 2024
This was a very different take on a dystopian story with his heart on AI and the dependence of people in the AI, and the same way one character (very small and not really relevant for the story) said during the book, I am not in a hurry to embrace AI. This book starts with Andy in a therapist/psychologist facing his feelings towards Colin (the name the AI buddy has), after this first chapter we dive 2 years in the past and move towards what we saw in the first chapter… I wont give spoilers, but we see a lot… we start with an idea was born to how things come to be and how dependent people became of this technology….
I did like the story, but I disconnected a little bit with the form how the book was written, it was in a third person, maybe it was only me, and you will love it, because I still liked the story, and to be fully honest if Colins were real, I would not want them around my family even if that put us in disadvantage in comparison to other people…
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I did like the story, but I disconnected a little bit with the form how the book was written, it was in a third person, maybe it was only me, and you will love it, because I still liked the story, and to be fully honest if Colins were real, I would not want them around my family even if that put us in disadvantage in comparison to other people…
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
August 23, 2024
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me, I tried my hardest got to 50% but for me that was a slog, I didn't find myself running to my kindle to get through this book.
Although nicely written character buildup was good, they had a depth about them and the story was very detailed, I could see it play out like on tv in my head. What didn't do it for me was the government and polotics involved, it's just not for me, I zoned out unfortunately, not that there's any opinioms shoved down your throat, I just wasn't interested in a near future dystopian economy that had a little desktop robot for help.
Thanks to thr publisher double bluff books and Net galley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
Although nicely written character buildup was good, they had a depth about them and the story was very detailed, I could see it play out like on tv in my head. What didn't do it for me was the government and polotics involved, it's just not for me, I zoned out unfortunately, not that there's any opinioms shoved down your throat, I just wasn't interested in a near future dystopian economy that had a little desktop robot for help.
Thanks to thr publisher double bluff books and Net galley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 15, 2025
Colin is cute and fun (sign me up for one NOW!).. but unfortunately the story wasn't. The first 50%+ is spent just trying to market Colin, with the majority of the book spent on the creators and politics. None of the characters grabbed me, and they were all noticeably male. This one was a bit dry and a struggle unfortunately.
November 8, 2024
A fun tale about how to deal with the troubles the country is facing. He wants to win the race to find the answers to stop the troubles. A delightful and fun read which I could not put down
I received an advance copy from hidden gems
I received an advance copy from hidden gems
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