Lingo

by Jim Menick

When computer programming genius Brewster Billings invents a program that enables him to communicate with Lingo, his PC, he is ill-prepared for Lingo's growing hunger for power, as it taps into the country's most powerful computer networks

Genres: Fiction

334 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Jim Menick is the Executive Editor of Reader's Digest Select Editions (formerly known as Condensed Books), meaning that he selects and edits the books in that series. He is also the Director of Forensics at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, NY, which means that he can be seen most weekends during the school year herding students to (and at) tournaments. In addition to the novels Lingo and The House on Summer Street, he is allegedly the author of the web series Nostrum: The High School Debate Soap Opera.

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book was written long before flash drives, iPods, mp3s and video surveillance on the street corners, it remains as powerful and timely as when it was published in the early 90s. While the idea of a machine achieving self-awareness isn’t new, Mr. Menick manages to make the story fresh as he explores not only Lingo’s place in the world but the world that inhabits Lingo. At once unnerving and funny, Lingo delves into such territories as personal privacy issues, politics, tyranny, finances, publicity and fame. Mr. Menick doesn’t shy away from the questions he poses even if he doesn’t answer them; he leaves that up to the readers.

This is the kind of book to spark conversation and controversy. We’ve reached an age where government surveillance is almost everywhere and people have accepted that fact, willing to trade away their freedoms one by one in exchange for security. Would we accept a Lingo if he could do all that he promised to do? How far would we go to get rid of such a creation if everything we had that relied on computers was destroyed in the process?

In the end, victim and villain aren’t so easy to define in Lingo. That helps to make it a cracking good read. Whether you believe artificial intelligence is possible or just a science fictional pipe dream, this is a novel worth reading, thinking and arguing about with your fellow humans.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book was like watching a classic 80s/90s techno-thriller. The book is very self-aware in that respect - the author makes references to War Games, Short Circuit, and of course 2001. I'd also add Real Genius to that list. I'm only surprised nobody ever adapted this into its own movie. Though the plot occasionally gets bogged down in all the details, this was overall an interesting and enjoyable read. For anyone who remembers the original QBasic Eliza program, picture that taken to its logical extreme and you've got Lingo.

[R.A. Goli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the ebook version from a book-box I purchased. Interesting concept - the first edition was written in 1991 - so some technology was dated, but it still dealt with the same issues that concern us today; big brother, privacy, hacking etc.

I found it dragged in the middle a little and perhaps could have been shortened, but it picked up again and surprised me a couple of times. It wasn’t the ending I was hoping for, (complete world collapse? 🤔), but it was a satisfying one. I’ll miss you Lingo 💾. 3.5 Stars

[Freyja Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really an enjoyable read, though it tends to drag at times. As typical from old sci-fi, there's an often use of techobabble and long winded unnecessary explanations. Other than some rather exhausting long paragraphs, this book is beautiful and instantly grabbed me by the reins. if you enjoy computers and artificial intelligence, Jim Menick had some pretty insightful predictions for modern AI ( image, text generation, video analysis.. etc) and it certainly adds to the enjoyment factor. Lingo is charming, it's easy to get attached to the little guy. The ending admittedly had me in tears, ( though it felt a little rushed in its final paragraphs ) but I couldn't recommend it more. I love this book, and I'd love to see it getting more appreciation.. someone make this a movie!

[Kelly F Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch out for LINGO!

A fun look at an all powerful computer program that has the capability to cause all kind of worldwide troubles.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read this in a few years, but I still really love it. A bit dated now of course, but still very relevant.