Sesso, androidi e carne vegana

by Jenny Kleeman

Non siamo mai stati così vicini alla fantascienza. Le nostre funzioni vitali più elementari – mangiare, fare sesso, riprodurci e morire – sono oggetto di ricerche che promettono di modificarle radicalmente, ridefinendo per sempre il concetto stesso di umanità. Carne creata in provetta, uteri artificiali, robot del sesso, macchinari per il suicidio assistito: ci aspetta un futuro in cui l’avanzamento tecnico-scientifico rivoluzionerà la nostra stessa essenza.

Jenny Kleeman si spinge fino a queste frontiere e oltre, riflette sui limiti di tanto sviluppo tecnologico e sulle questioni etiche che pone. I robot del sesso daranno a persone sole la compagnia che cercano; ma non saranno anche un’esasperazione delle fantasie maschili su una donna sempre pronta a soddisfare ogni desiderio? La carne in vitro risolverà il problema degli allevamenti industriali; ma non comprometterà per sempre il nostro rapporto con la natura? La morte indotta da macchinari costruiti ad hoc garantirà una certa libertà di scelta a chi desidera finire la vita; ma non incentiverà la tendenza al suicidio?

Nel suo viaggio tra imprenditori megalomani, truffatori, scienziati che potremmo definire «pazzi» e sedicenti geni, Jenny Kleeman intervista intelligenze artificiali create per assecondare ogni piacere sessuale, assaggia crocchette di pollo generate in laboratorio, osserva feti crescere in biosacche di plastica, assiste agli incontri in cui vengono presentati i gusci metallizzati per un suicidio senza dolore. Sesso, androidi e carne vegana è un reportage brillante e avvincente che con occhio scettico si interroga su quel che ci aspetta; perché se il presente già non è il massimo, il futuro potrebbe essere addirittura peggio.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Audiobook, Technology, Vegan, Futurism, Philosophy

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Jenny Kleeman is a journalist and documentary-maker. She writes for the Guardian, Tortoise, The Times and the Sunday Times. She has reported for BBC One's Panorama, Channel 4's Dispatches and VICE News Tonight on HBO, as well as making 13 films from across the globe for Channel 4's Unreported World. Sex Robots & Vegan Meat is her first book.

Reviews

[Sea_otter · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book deals with interesting topics that should be discussed: sex robots, cultured meat, euthanasia machines and growing babies outside of the womb. By reading the book you learn about the recent developments in these fields which for me made it worth the read. However, I struggled to read the book through and found it very frustrating because of the irritating author. Her shtick is to be cynical and negative, which is annoying enough, but she also talks way too much about herself. She seems to take particular pleasure in detailing her negative impressions about people she meets and the critical questions she asks them. Her criticisms, however, are so basic they aren't worth reading about. An example: "Then she talks about Paro, a fluffy, white, AI-enhanced robotic seal pup from Japan [...] There is something so terribly sad about people in nursing homes having robotic pets when what they really need is human contact". For each of the topics she takes the most prejudiced, conservative and unreflective stance, and there is never any depth in the conversations about the issues. She isn't able to reflect on the topics touched, rather, there are the interviews with the people she meets (who she takes to be mostly ridiculous, evil or money hungry tech enthusiasts), followed by her strongly worded, little reflected opinion as if it was the final word. She has simply decided that sex robots, cultured meat and euthanasia machines are wrong, and she uses the cheapest tricks to convince the reader about that.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s interesting stuff here, but ultimately I couldn’t stand the author’s snarky persona and doomsday speculations. Her main complaint about vegan meat, for example, seems to be that it will give corporations too much power over our food supply—which made me wonder where she thinks we get our food now. It would be fascinating to learn more about the same topics from a different, more thoughtful, journalist.

[Sencer Berrak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well written thought provoking book. The selection of sex, food, birth and death allows a perfect flow. The characters were very engaging and the I absolutely loved the core message of the book which you should definitely find out for yourself. I immediately started reading her articles on Guardian after the book and those are also highly recommended.

[Dramatika · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books that stay with you makes you think for some time afterwards. A pure pleasure to read of exciting new things that soon will change our world as we know it. Some sections were more interesting and new to me than others. I've heard a lot of the sex dolls for men (99% of the merchandise are female models), but never thought of ethical staff regarding its use, especially in the context of possible creation of child like models. I must say that women are more pragmatic fully understanding that various devices are never meant to substitute real life people.
The section on meat was quiet educational as well. I've been vegetarian since the age of 15, even tried veganism for two years (found it too restricting and unsustainable in the long run). Now I'm vegetarian most of the time but do eat fish and even very lean meat occasionally). My experience with vegetarianism was easy except for forgoing fish and seafood. I love the idea that one day we might enjoy real grown up food resembling fish, so far the most difficult meat to imitate!
Did I mention that this wonderful book is written by a woman? I must say that the most exciting staff is in the middle of the book with the truly pioneering science of artificial wombs! As a school girl I was traumatized by the lesson of the child birth and never even could contemplate the barbaric idea of pregnancy and giving birth myself. One of the reasons I started thinking of never having kids was this horror that is still with me. I don't know if I would have kids otherwise (numerous other reasons for being child free are still there) but the idea of never having to go through this torture for the body is very very intriguing! I feel envious for the future generation of women!
The part on the pain free hassle free easy way to end the hell that each and all of us are forced to endure is the wonderful ending to this book. Nothing so far as easy and no idea when it would be thanks to the sadistic regulations in most countries so far. Too bad.

[Kitty G Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was sent this by the publisher in exchange for my honest review*

I found this book thoroughly fascinating, right from the first sight of the cover, through to the epilogue which discussed in detail all the things Kleeman explores in the book, it was cutting-edge, thought-provoking and sometimes hard to believe. The technologies and advances discussed in the book feel as though they are things which would be found in sci fi novels. The crazy reality where these things exist on the market is hard to believe, yet we're already in that world!

In this book Kleeman gives a solid overview of some of the upcoming technologies for four key areas of life: birth, death, sex and food. She explores all over the world to uncover the leaders in these technologies, and see what their driving motives and hopes for their products are. It's a down-to-earth book but with so much insight to offer and Kleeman also expands with her own views on the hard topics; she doesn't shy away when conversation gets tough.

Honestly, this is one of the best non fiction reads I've picked up and it's relevant to everyone right now as these technologies are coming. I'd highly recommend it and gave it 5*s.

[lola · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like writing negative reviews but Jesus her cruel shamey editorializing about the people giving her their time for free...I had to put it down before I made it to the end of the sex dolls chapter.

[Michiel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to rate this one. The topics are fascinating, but I don't care at all about the writing style. The research is as lazily as possible. Every chapter is basically an interview with an entrepreneur in the field. The author has the annoying habit of presenting herself as a protagonist in a novel, with (always silent) snarky remarks on the interviewee. The latter persons are inevitably presented as greedy bastards, weirdos, or losers. Though many of the critiques the author raises are certainly valid and worthy of consideration, they are nothing you or I could not have come up with. There is no nuance. The conclusion is that it all a bunch of nonsense and that technological advances are never a solution anyway. So, in the end, what was the point?
A pity, because I wanted to like it.

[Jamie Klingler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am fascinated by the ethical questions raised during every part of the book. Really enjoyed the way each section posed questions about the technology and who would benefit and who would suffer. It raised lots of questions for me, especially around surrogacy and the women whose womb’s are being taken for granted because of their socio economic status and choosing dignified death. I gave three copies of the book to friends, just because I want to keep talking about it. Really recommend.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this - the subjects are really interesting - but the writing style just didn't suit me at all. My issue, not the book's, I'm sure other people will enjoy it very much. These subjects really are important and they're interesting to learn about. Just maybe from another book, for me personally.

[C.J. DeBarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Incredibly well written and researched- it raises ethical questions about how much we want technology involved with our lives, birth, death and food.
I found it challenged me in places to think about aspects of this I hadn’t previously. I loved it.

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are so many problems with this book - which is a shame, because with a title like that it's right up my alley.

Firstly, this author is a techno-phobe of the highest order. She'd argue against the airplane. She'd argue against the printing press. Hell, she'd argue against the invention of fire as a tool which is designed to pull us away from each other and ruin Human closeness. Why don't we just cuddle for warmth...and maybe we shouldn't eat food that requires cooking...would be her arguments.

Secondly, she seems to believe that liberal, regulated capitalism will save the world, blaming rampant consumer culture as the source of all of our problems, not seeming to understand that capitalism creates consumer culture. She's against what she believes is the commodification of people, things, or services, but seems to not understand that capitalism is what causes commodification.

Thirdly, if she disagrees with your point of view (and she pretty much disagrees with everyone that doesn't subscribe to her exact way of thinking - because everyone other than her is wrong), she will mock you incessantly, body-shaming you, or finding something else to make fun of because she is a serious journalist, you guys, and she can't possibly let another person's arguments make sense. Look at this guy - he's fat, thusly his argument is wrong. And look at that guy - he wears garish clothing, freaking moron! And look at this guy - he's socially awkward, you can't take anything he says seriously! I'm not kidding. She's considers herself to be absolutely perfect with the best view points on all things, and if you don't agree with her, not only are you wrong, but she's going to mock your appearance, because she doesn't seem to be smart enough to refute you on knowledge or counter-points. You're fat! You're smelly! You're funny-looking! Nya-nya-nya, I'm right, you're wrong! She argues like a child.

And, for some reason, she thinks that the hotels in Vegas provide you with earplugs to drown out the concerts and noise as proof that technology is ruining everything. That's right all you people out there having fun and enjoying yourselves in this obvious resort town where everyone is up all night...the princess wants to sleep, so you all need to turn everything off, be quiet, and tip-toe around...stop having fun!!! This isn't evidence of her own foibles - nope, it's proof that technology is EVIL and we aren't trying to find the actual root of the problem, we are just putting a band-aid over it...

As I read this my mind conjures an image of her smelling her own farts, talking to her "friends" (who no doubt, can't stand her), telling them how perfect she is and how stupid everyone else is.

I'd like to find books on these subjects written by people who are actually familiar with science fiction and are futurists. Not pessimistic pastoralists who want us all to return to that mythical, fabled time in the past when everything was perfect.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are changing, fast. This is a book that deals with a lot of subjects about things that seem to be from a Sci fi novel but is actually in the process right now and might be available in the future. What if you could have a baby that isn't born from a human body, what if we could still eat meat but at the same time not kill animals and so on. I found this to be very interesting and thought provoking and I thought it was well down. Talking about the up sides and downsides and how much of a change it would be. I listened to the audio book and really liked the narrative but I kinda wish I had the physical book as well so I could flick through and read different chapters randomly.

[Catherine McCafferty Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book arrived yesterday and I couldn't put it down. Felt that Kleeman was generous with all individuals interviewed and humanised the technology really well. The main dichotomy throughout the book is between technological solutions versus behaviour change. Kleeman asks each entrepreneur, "wouldn't it be better for people/culture to change?" and that is at the heart of her skepticism. All four chapters (sex, food, birth, death) explore the gender imbalance in the development of these technologies... Designed by men, but overwhelming impacting women. The book is funny, kind, thoughtful provoking and cautious. I really enjoyed it. Only glaring omission for me was the lack of voices from within the sex working community on the attitudes towards sex robots, which are predominantly owned and used by men. It would have been good to have more exploration on whether this development could be good or bad for sex workers. Of course, the book is a fun, insightful exploration of tech but I would have loved more space for the "what if we changed our behaviour instead?" discussion. Hopefully that is a whole other book!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very exactly my area of interest, and as a fan of Jenny Kleeman's reporting, I've been waiting a while for this book. The section on vegan meat is particularly excellent, and the birth section was almost completely new (and fascinating) information to me. While I wish the sex robot section had included more of a critical look at the claims of the industry, with regards to both their market value and the tech they claim they will be able to create, this is still the sort of work you can't forget easily, and I can't wait to read Jenny Kleeman's next book.

[Jack Bottomley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to try and write a few more reviews this year to try and ensure I read more consciously.

This book's interviews with the people at the forefront of the four fields are genuinely fascinating, however you feel about the topics. I went in with no knowledge of sex dolls, and have left with a clear insight on where the industry is, but not necessarily a certainty that it's doing the work for the right reasons. The birth and death chapters both left me feeling strange, reading about technology that society has taught us to consider "unnatural", while the cultured meat left me feeling positive at what Jenny found, despite the industry not being as far along as I'd hoped and assumed.

My main criticism is that the author, in my mind, takes an overly cynical stance to all four technologies. I found myself agreeing with this stance in a few sections, but writing it off as a closed minded response in others, especially on the lab grown meat. Maybe my mixed reactions are more of a reflection on my personal stance on these technologies than the author's portrayal and reaction to them.

I feel like giving this 4 stars is a bit of a cop out given the subject matter, but it is an engaging insight into potentially society-altering technologies. Despite not getting on with the author's style, I can acknowledge the immense amount of work involved to produce this book, and recommend it as a solid read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was provided free of charge for the purposes of this review,the following is my review and is not in any way influenced by the fact it was provided free of charge,.

At first and for around an hour or so into the book I thought that I was reading a sci fi book, I had to check TWICE!..so this is about the here and now ? After using the 'helpfullness' of google it hit me hard !! THIS IS REALITY I never in my wildest dreams though this was all possible, sex dolls that, well, are all together, if you see what i mean, Im saving up already lol, meat that is not meat but is , confused ? I was, babies grown to order and to top it of in bags, the rest well dive in and give it a go, highly reccommended, a good flowing read and eye opener.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

K tejto knihe som sa dostala zhodou náhodou, cez knižné štafety.

Autorka je novinárka a dokumentaristka a v štyroch tematicky odvážnych reportážach hovorí o súčasnosti a zároveň o fascinujúcich sci-fi inováciách, ktoré vyznievajú ako hudba budúcnosti. Áno, vylepšujú sa neustále, niečo funguje lepšie, iné potrebuje čas.
Ako prebieha sex bez ľudí, kde si vystačíme s umelými náhradami, čo je podstatné pri výrobe/pestovaní čistého mäsa, ako fungujú mimotelové plodové vaky, či kde sa dá kúpiť asistovaná smrť. Všetko sú to pomerne základné a zároveň kontroverzné témy a mne sa veľmi páčilo, ako do jednotlivých tematík vŕtala. Neuspokojila sa len s jedným uhlom pohľadu, hľadala a kládla otázky, ktoré niektorým adresátom neboli príjemné.

Vylepšené robotické silikónové bábiky existujú v rôznych typoch a s vymeniteľnými časťami, no bonusom je umelá inteligencia, môžete sa s ňou rozprávať. Sú nahrávané aj intímne interakcie a sú tieto súbory zraniteľnejšie pre hackerov? Kde je hranica, aby humanoidné erotické pomôcky pôsobili ľudskejšie? Môže produkt, ktorý zamieňa človeka za vec, podporiť postoj existencie otroctva? Roboty nám predsa slúžia v mnohých situáciách (napr. terapeutické bábiky a hračky, ktoré nie sú zamerané na sex). Ale čo keď empatia prestane byť podmienkou spoločenskej interakcie, staneme sa menej ľudskými?

Pri téme jedla, ktoré je pôsobivo (ne)živé - nejde len o vegánstvo/vegetariánstvo, či spôsob zmýšľania mäsožravcov. Neuprednostňuje ani jednu skupinu, skôr sa zamýšľa nad budúcnosťou. Nejde jej len o poukázanie na finančnú náročnosť chovu dobytka, autorka ide za vedcami, aby tiež ukázala vývoj a rast umelej bielkoviny, či rastlinného vajca. (A áno, ako v správnom dokumente, aj ho ochutná, rovnako ako iné kuracie nugetky.)
Nielen v lekárskej, ale aj v potravinárskej vede ide vývoj mílovými krokmi. No stále to nie je „čisté” mäso, čo sa dá ponuknuť v masovom meradle. Ktovie, ako to bude o niekoľko rokov. Vraj na zmenu myslenia treba dve generácie (cca 50 rokov), tak sa nechám prekvapiť.

Treťou témou je zrodenie človeka. Náhradná matka, či len prenajatá na určitú dobu, je zmluvne ošetrená transakcia s prísnymi podmienkami. Je to však etické? A čo keď existuje plodový biovak podobný maternici, dokonca aj s rovnakým prostredím? Ektogenéza už desiatky rokov nie je novinkou. Veď reálne sa v lekárskej vede posúva vek, kedy sa dá zachrániť životaschopný ľudský plod. Napríklad aj IVF sa kedysi pokladalo za nieco neuskutočniteľné, za výplod vedeckej fantastiky. Položme si otázku, zmení sa tým rodenie detí a význam materstva? V dokonalom svete možno oslobodí ženy a zachráni najzraniteľnejšie deti, alebo sa to celé preklopí do radikálnejšej polohy, kedy sa asistovanou reprodukciou odsunie problém blízkosti?
(Btw, k téme sa hodí aj sf kniha Vaky od Zdenky Kollárovej.)

A ako posledná prichádza smrť. Obrovská (aj finančne nákladná) príležitosť pre všetkých, ktorí sľubujú bezbolestný, dôstojný a riadený skon. Možno je ľahšie navrhnúť stroj smrti, ako zmeniť zákony o práve umrieť. Zúfalí ľudia sa budú utiekať k akejkoľvek nádeji a úteche, ktorá ich zbaví strachu z budúcnosti, kedy sa stanú neschopnými a záťažou pre druhých. Riešením je lepšia paliatívna a sociálna starostlivosť. (A možno aj zapojenie vylepšených robotov.) Zľahčenie prístupu k asistovanému umieraniu spôsobí, že sa zníži pravdepodobnosť zisťovania a riešenia dôvodov, prečo chce človek ukončiť svoj život. Podľa jednej z oslovených respondentiek, dobrú smrť definuje zmierenie. Ale doprajme si zároveň aj ľudskosť a dôstojnosť.

No keď sa spoľahneme iba na technické riešenie ako sa milovať, ako rodiť deti, čo jesť, alebo ako umrieť, odoprieme si príležitosť na zmenu. Zabijeme a otupíme si svoju ľudskú prirodzenosť, či empatiu? Je možné využiť tento pokrok na rast, alebo vyššie spomínané veci budú len luxus pre privilegovaných? Prekonáme znechutenie z komercie týchto intímností? Ako to vnímate vy? Ja som pomerne fascinovaná, kniha mi dala veľa podnetov na premýšľanie. Nie vo všetkom s autorkou súhlasím, dala priestor najrôznejším názorom a niektoré boli na hrane. Som zvedavá, čo prinesie budúcnosť…

[Duccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non è possibile condurre una vita egoista con la coscienza perfettamente pulita, ma convivere con l'imperfezione, il compromesso, il sacrificio e il dubbio è una parte fondamentale dell'esperienza umana,fondamentale come la nascita, il cibo, il sesso e la morte. Possiamo scegliere se accettare la confusione della nostra esistenza oppure continuare a servirci della tecnologia per cancellarla, come i tappi per le orecchie nella mia stanza d'albergo a Las Vegas.

A volte la voce dell’autrice potrebbe risultare fastidiosa per i commenti pungenti e sprezzanti infilati di soppiatto ma rimane una lettura interessante e soddisfacente

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to reading, Science isn't usually my thing. There's that sterotype that it's boring and complicated but that is definitely not the case here! You already know from the title that Sex Robots and Vegan Meat, isn't your usual Scientific book but it is far more interesting, intriguing and entertaining than I could have beleived. Jenny Kleeman looks at four of the core aspects of the human experience: sex, food, birth and death, and what effect technological advances in these fields could have on our very humanity. She has a clear voice in her writing that is peppered with humour and warmth and had me at times challenging my own beliefs or nodding vigorously in agreement. It made me want to discuss it all with the author or with anyone around me. Absolutely fascinating.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is completely overwhelming, in an amazing way. Jenny Kleeman is an entertaining and insightful reporter, but her observations are always based in reality which makes every discovery and interview able to be read with a sense of belief. Everything she uncovers might seem like complete science fiction but because her ideas are grounded in current society and real-world issues, none of it ever feels silly or exaggerated. I couldn’t finish the final chapter (personal reasons made it too hard) but I have no doubt that it is as in-depth and intelligent as the previous three, which brought new ideas to the front of my mind and introduced me to different ways of thinking. Everyone should read this!

[Sarah Faichney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weird and wonderful, "Sex Robots and Vegan Meat" is an exemplary piece of work from Jenny Kleeman. It's clearly the result of an enormous amount of research, presented in accessible, plain language. I found each section hugely interesting and enlightening. In places I laughed uproariously, in others I was moved to near tears. Prime coronavirus lockdown, self-isolation reading. Get on it! And buy a copy for a friend, real or robotic. 

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - it read a lot like a documentary on Netflix or an NPR show. Lots of interesting developments, analyzed under Kleeman's practical eye. The insights about feminism in particular caught my attention.

[Diana G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great conversation starter for a Book Club.

[Buchstabenwald · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Jenny Kleemanns erstem Buch bekommen wir einen Einblick, wie der technische Fortschritt unseren Alltag zukünftig beeinflussen könnte. Wie werden wir geboren, wie haben wir Sex, wie essen wir, wie sterben wir. Welche Konsequenzen haben die neuesten Errungenschaften der Technik für unser Leben?
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Ach herrje, und wieder bin ich zwiegespalten. Die Thematik finde ich als Naturwissenschaftlerin spannend. Die Autorin hat gut recherchiert, viele Interviews geführt und diese ausführlich wieder gegeben, die Zusammenhänge erläutert und versucht alle wichtigen Aspekte einzubringen. Und das ist auch gut gelungen, das Buch ist informativ – die Gespräche mit Führungspersönlichkeiten von Firmen, die Sexroboter, Clean Meat und Gebärmutterbeutel herstellen, geben ein gutes Bild über den Momentan-Zustand und mögliche Zukunftsbilder ab.
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Teilweise waren mir die Ausführungen zu informativ – das jedoch ist Geschmackssache. Was mich jedoch wirklich gestört hat ist, dass ich statt einem objektiven informativen Sachbuch ein subjektives Essay der Autorin vor mir hatte. Die Meinung der Autorin nimmt viel Platz ein – und das betrifft nicht nur technische Entwicklungen, sondern vor allem ihre persönliche Meinung zu Gesprächspartnern oder deren Ansicht zu einem Thema – die sie unverblümt mitteilt. Ich als Leser teile diese subjektive Bewertung jedoch vielleicht nicht. Das hat das Lesevergnügen für mich doch sehr gemindert.
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Aber alles in allem ein spannendes Thema. Die Informationen, die ich herauslesen konnte, waren befriedigend genug.

[Soňa · Rating 3 out of 5]

PODCASTové zamyslenie je tu
Predstavte si sex bez kompromisov, šťavnatý stejk bez nutnosti zabíjať zvieratá, tehotenstvo bez strachu z predčasného pôrodu a bezbolestnú smrť v čase, ktorý si zvolíte. Život by bol lepší, však?
Priekopníci na celom svete sa usilujú pretaviť tento sen do reality. Najchúlostivejšie problémy ľudstva sa snažia vyriešiť prostredníctvom nových technológií. Mäso zo skúmavky, umelá maternica, sexuálni roboti, stroje na asistovanú samovraždu. Čaká nás budúcnosť, v ktorej technický a vedecký pokrok zmení našu podstatu. Mnohí si myslia, že technika ľudské životy zdokonalí, zbaví obetí, problémov – oslobodí. No ani najbystrejší vizionári nedokážu predvídať, kam inovácie ľudstvo dostanú. Napokon, nerobia z nás práve tieto „problémy“ ľudské bytosti? Jenny Kleeman ide ďalej a kladie si aj etické otázky. Kde sú naše hranice? A čo skutočne motivuje ľudí, ktorí sa na pokroku podieľajú? Kniha Sex bez ľudí, mäso bez zvierat je brilantná a pútavá reportáž, ktorá skepticky hľadí na nové možnosti.

Prvá veta: To, čo si o chvíľu prečítate, nie je sci-fi.
Posledná veta: Odpovede máme už teraz. Ich uvedenie do praxe si vyžiada oveľa viac než otvoriť tašku, zavrieť dvere či cvaknúť vypínačom.
Goodreads Challenge 2022: 82. kniha

[Victoria Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clever and interesting non-fiction book looks at the technological advances being made in the fields of sex, food, birth and death and the ways that this could change humanity in both the near and distant future.

I really enjoyed this book and I have to admit that I was surprised at how entertaining and easy to read it was!

Kleeman’s style is really engaging and funny in places and she weaves together all of the scientific information with stories from the people at the cutting edge really well.

It was also a reminder of how much of a genius Margaret Atwood is, as many of the things being done now were written about by her in the 70’s/80’s!

It did feel very white, cis, straight and Western centred (one trans voice was included in the Birth section but that was the only time that a non-cis perspective was considered) and the death section felt brief and underdeveloped compared to the other sections but if you are looking for a starting point on the topic, this is a good one.

Content warning for graphic descriptions of animal slaughter, discussions of miscarriage and still births and suicide.

Thanks to Book Break for sending this book my way!

[Jamie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim at work and I'm glad I did. It's written in such an engaging way that you feel sucked in, I really liked Jenny Kleeman's writing style. Some of the things mentioned in this book are CRAZY and I couldn't believe what I was reading at times, the world is changing so fast and it's incredible and insanely terrifying. This thankfully wasn't too science heavy and didn't get to bogged down in hard to understand language which makes it really each to read.

[Eloi Codina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's probably on my top-five of interesting books I've ever read. Jenny Kleeman mixes tech, irony and human basic needs with moral questions about food, sex, death and birth.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in society, ethics and politics.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like a channel 4 documentary in a book. Sex robots, vegan meat, ectogenesis, and euthanasia- Jenny Kleeman explores a world of futuristic science happening right now, and the struggle of ethics in development. A bit sensationalist, but as to be expected. A fun and interesting read.

[Jelena Panza · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 rounded up.
A fascinating and often disturbing book about technology being developed around AI robots, cultured meat, giving birth and assisted dying.
I found some parts repetitive but overall an enjoyable and enlightening read. The future is terrifying!