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Edison in the Hood
When Aisha Malik’s mother died, she took a secret with her—one that destroyed her relationship with Aisha’s brother, Sam. But what if Aisha could revive her mother’s brain just long enough to reenact their last conversation and discover the truth?
Aisha is an ambitious PR executive with a forte for making complex and controversial topics accessible to the masses. Her brother, Sam, is a despondent genius who loves to fight everyone and everything in the name of justice, hopping from one political fight to another and hiding a mental illness that causes him shame. When the opportunity arises for Aisha to work with brilliant scientist and leading futurist Jay Edison at his Brain Reinvigoration Project, she begins obsessing over artificial intelligence and its potential to revive her mother’s brain. She begs Sam to participate, unaware that he has begun working with groups that have very different visions for the future of artificial intelligence. The siblings set out to define the role that technology should play in society, asking themselves, “Artificial intelligence may solve the world’s biggest problems, but can it fix our most challenging relationships?”
Edison in the Hood is a stunning and provocative debut that explores what it truly means to be human and possess free will in a culture gripped by automation. As Aisha and Sam grieve their mother’s passing, they delve into the complex morals of scientific advancement, revealing how technology plays a part in relationships—with both the living and the dead.
Aisha is an ambitious PR executive with a forte for making complex and controversial topics accessible to the masses. Her brother, Sam, is a despondent genius who loves to fight everyone and everything in the name of justice, hopping from one political fight to another and hiding a mental illness that causes him shame. When the opportunity arises for Aisha to work with brilliant scientist and leading futurist Jay Edison at his Brain Reinvigoration Project, she begins obsessing over artificial intelligence and its potential to revive her mother’s brain. She begs Sam to participate, unaware that he has begun working with groups that have very different visions for the future of artificial intelligence. The siblings set out to define the role that technology should play in society, asking themselves, “Artificial intelligence may solve the world’s biggest problems, but can it fix our most challenging relationships?”
Edison in the Hood is a stunning and provocative debut that explores what it truly means to be human and possess free will in a culture gripped by automation. As Aisha and Sam grieve their mother’s passing, they delve into the complex morals of scientific advancement, revealing how technology plays a part in relationships—with both the living and the dead.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2023
17 people are currently reading
10806 people want to read
About the author
Nadia Uddin
2 books43 followersNadia Uddin is the author of Edison in the Hood (Apperception Press, 2022). She is the recipient of the 17th Annual National Indie Excellence® Award for Science Fiction, American Book Fest™ Best Book Award 2024 Winner in Science Fiction, IPPY's 2023 Silver Medal in Urban Fiction, and Slice's 2019 Bridging the Gap Award. She is a graduate of Yale Writers’ Workshop and is a guest teaching artist through HerStry, Writing Workshops, and the 92Y. She currently resides in Brooklyn and is working on her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 9, 2022
This book is a genre all its own. The author tackles tough macro ideas fusing science fiction, speculative fiction, and literary fiction. I recommend Edison in the Hood to anyone who simply likes reading, but especially people who are interested in speculative ideas about the future.
A quick synopsis: Edison in the Hood opens at the hospice bedside of Aisha's mother. As she witnesses her mother dying, Aisha seeks to understand the secret of why her brother, Sam, had cut off ties with their mother years ago. This is clearly a family issue that many readers might relate to - now with the passing of their last family member, the siblings must decide if continuing a relationship with each other is worth the effort. The story takes place in the near future, with the advent of a new technology called the "Brain Reinvigoration Project" that would allow the siblings to re-do their last conversation with their mother.
The novel follows two through lines. One focuses on the siblings' relationship and the other examines humanity and how technology plays a role. Waiting to see if the siblings are able to fix their relationship using this ethically dubious technology is what propels the plot and makes Edison in the Hood a satisfying read. Uddin masterfully intertwines pressing questions like: Can technology help generate social justice at the same time rectify human relationships?
Overall this is a fascinating read that takes on important questions about the integration of technology into our social relationships. I highly recommend!
A quick synopsis: Edison in the Hood opens at the hospice bedside of Aisha's mother. As she witnesses her mother dying, Aisha seeks to understand the secret of why her brother, Sam, had cut off ties with their mother years ago. This is clearly a family issue that many readers might relate to - now with the passing of their last family member, the siblings must decide if continuing a relationship with each other is worth the effort. The story takes place in the near future, with the advent of a new technology called the "Brain Reinvigoration Project" that would allow the siblings to re-do their last conversation with their mother.
The novel follows two through lines. One focuses on the siblings' relationship and the other examines humanity and how technology plays a role. Waiting to see if the siblings are able to fix their relationship using this ethically dubious technology is what propels the plot and makes Edison in the Hood a satisfying read. Uddin masterfully intertwines pressing questions like: Can technology help generate social justice at the same time rectify human relationships?
Overall this is a fascinating read that takes on important questions about the integration of technology into our social relationships. I highly recommend!
December 5, 2022
What happens when you take a holier-than-thou scientist into uncharted territory with the hopes of solving social injustices all while dealing with your own family drama? You get this wonderfully realized novel. Edison in the Hood poses important questions and offers perspectives within the context of personal relationships. It’s an impressive first novel from an author who I hope to see more from. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to think and feel at the same time.
November 16, 2022
This book definitely felt like an episode from the show Black Mirror! I honestly don’t know if you can limit this to any one genre, but it was very engaging and thought provoking. I think this would make a great book club selection as there is discuss such as AI technology, family, and social issues.
October 22, 2022
Finished reading Edison in the Hood in 3 days. Truly could not put this down! The novel explores one of the most critical questions of our time - how can humans integrate digital advancements in their lives - and how far should they go. Nadia Uddin does an incredible job of portraying both sides of the argument through her detailed character POVs and well crafted imagery. I loved tearing through the pages of this novel!
October 26, 2022
Edison in the Hood engaged me right from the start. I’m generally not into sci-fi, but the author’s character development had me deeply invested in the story. Family dynamics are complex as it is, and this book lays out a future where those relationships will become even more challenged with technological advancements like AI. This book will leave a lasting impression on you.
October 31, 2022
This was an excellent read I did not expect to lose myself in the way that I did. There are clear and compelling lines of thought that have gone into crafting the story, and it asks interesting questions of its readers. I hope to see more from this author in the future!
December 10, 2022
My dad passed away years ago but I still think about how I would have liked to have ended things differently. I wonder how our relationship would have be different if he knew about my personal struggles with mental health. I'd like to know more about who he was as a person. Uddin presents a world where in the future you would be able to have another shot at that last conversation with someone important to you. The technology wouldn't allow you to change the past (which I think is what we desire when dealing with regret) but it could help with your own growth and change your perception of how things went down. Edison in the Hood pushed me to imagine how technology could help rather than divide. If you're looking for something different, this might be a good pick for you.
November 14, 2022
My friend asked me to join them at a book reading where Uddin spoke about her book. I had been in a reading slump and was excited to start something new, especially after hearing that the author wrote the book because she wanted to make statements about tech inequality and the lack of social progress. I found that I could relate to the characters and their challenges to navigate contentious family relationships. The futuristic setting complements a fast-moving storyline, but plays second to the emotional journey of its characters. I'm glad that I stumbled across Edison in the Hood and plan to recommend it to other book lovers.
October 2, 2022
Edison in the Hood is wildly imaginative, yet thoughtful and tender (and a little on the crazy side!). I love how the author explores mental health, AI, and the complex relationships between parents and siblings- it makes the book relatable. I’m also blown away by the author’s writing style. Beautifully written. Inventive characters. A story that will keep you on your toes! Highly recommend.
December 4, 2022
Edison in the Hood doesn't fall within a specific category and that is what makes it unique. It has a futuristic setting for those who like sci fi, and there is also a deep emotional part and heightened writing for those who like literary novels. I highly recommend this book for people who like books that aren't formulaic.
December 8, 2022
"A person was like a piece of original artwork: the more copies there were in the world, the greater the importance of the original became." This sentence so beautifully captures the essence of Edison in the Hood, which is, at its core, a novel about a family grieving a loss of a mother and the sibling relationships dangling along. The characters, diverse in their mental health, religious beliefs, race, and sexual orientation, struggle with identity while inventors, as the titular character Jay Edison, works with his colleagues to achieve the Singularity, pushing the human species into its next evolutionary stage where people and machines meld into one. Uddin does an impressive job of building characterization, providing such specific details, like the color of a broach or the taste of a cookie, that you feel like you're in the character's head. Sections are sprinkled with quick memories that so encapsulate the characters' motivation: "He began to feel nauseous. Holding back what he knew about Maura—more importantly, what he knew about Aisha—was consuming his insides, and he felt that he could go animal at any moment." Even memories of shows and movies make cameos to further expand on the character's feelings: "She imagined an eighties-movie
heartthrob with feathered hair staring at a fading photograph as he jumps into a makeshift time machine to fix the past." And without giving it away, you'll love references such as: "He wanted nothing more than to change into pajamas and binge-watch episodes of his favorite eighties
sitcom of four fast-talking and randy retirees sharing a home in Miami." Robots are curious asking, “Is the preoccupied mind tedious?” as if they're using an algorithm to build a person.
While the title, Edison in the Hood, sounds like an adventure, sci-fi novel, truly the scientist himself is the most one-dimensional, minor character in the novel. All tech, world-building, point of view is built upon the emotion of the characters. The author made some bold, effective craft decisions that indicate their devotion to the art of novel writing.
It's hard to put the novel in one genre, but authors such as Louisa Hall, Murakami, Ted Chiang, Ursula K. LeGuin, Herman Hesse, and Emily St. John Mandel come to mind when comparing modern day authors to Edison in the Hood. Edison in the Hood is a fine piece of work that will leave the reader wanting more.
heartthrob with feathered hair staring at a fading photograph as he jumps into a makeshift time machine to fix the past." And without giving it away, you'll love references such as: "He wanted nothing more than to change into pajamas and binge-watch episodes of his favorite eighties
sitcom of four fast-talking and randy retirees sharing a home in Miami." Robots are curious asking, “Is the preoccupied mind tedious?” as if they're using an algorithm to build a person.
While the title, Edison in the Hood, sounds like an adventure, sci-fi novel, truly the scientist himself is the most one-dimensional, minor character in the novel. All tech, world-building, point of view is built upon the emotion of the characters. The author made some bold, effective craft decisions that indicate their devotion to the art of novel writing.
It's hard to put the novel in one genre, but authors such as Louisa Hall, Murakami, Ted Chiang, Ursula K. LeGuin, Herman Hesse, and Emily St. John Mandel come to mind when comparing modern day authors to Edison in the Hood. Edison in the Hood is a fine piece of work that will leave the reader wanting more.
December 8, 2022
What does it mean to be human? This question is presented in many ways in Edison in the Hood. Jay Edison--a God-like futurist and inventor--races with his colleagues to pass the Turing Test, where humans and robots are indistinguishable. Uddin explores how we define and want to define humanity. Can a robot create and handle complex family dynamics? Can they have identities that shift within situations and relationships? Can they make emotional decisions? And most importantly, do we want robots to be able to do all this? Edison in the Hood will make you think of these questions, which are more relevant today than ever.
November 4, 2022
An interesting character driven story about the always prevalent debate of science and technology vs humanity and ethics. And when technology is too much or not enough.
The book centres around siblings Aisha and Sam with very differing ideas about technology and how far it has encroached on their lives, and the race to be the first to produce exciting but ethically grey innovations.
I enjoyed the human side of Eddison in the Hood, I like flawed, relatable characters with troubled relationships and insecurities. And I love reading about how they interact and navigate through their struggles and relationships, and how the tech debate is intertwined with their differences.
The issue with the siblings and their mother and her brain was weird but interesting. I would have loved more chats with Maura’s brain.
The tech and science talk was a bit much and in a real world setting I thought it was a bit over the top. But that’s just a ‘me’ thing I think.
There are a couple of incidents that occur in the book, that just seem to come out of nowhere. One minute a conversation is happening and the next, a huge shift has occurred with no buildup or flow.
The ending was a little freaky, I don’t think I’m ready for robot humans just yet!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book centres around siblings Aisha and Sam with very differing ideas about technology and how far it has encroached on their lives, and the race to be the first to produce exciting but ethically grey innovations.
I enjoyed the human side of Eddison in the Hood, I like flawed, relatable characters with troubled relationships and insecurities. And I love reading about how they interact and navigate through their struggles and relationships, and how the tech debate is intertwined with their differences.
The issue with the siblings and their mother and her brain was weird but interesting. I would have loved more chats with Maura’s brain.
The tech and science talk was a bit much and in a real world setting I thought it was a bit over the top. But that’s just a ‘me’ thing I think.
There are a couple of incidents that occur in the book, that just seem to come out of nowhere. One minute a conversation is happening and the next, a huge shift has occurred with no buildup or flow.
The ending was a little freaky, I don’t think I’m ready for robot humans just yet!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2022
I like cerebral novels and Edison in the Hood looked interesting based on the description and all the reviews. I can see why people love the book. It definitely is genre bending and feels like an episode of Westworld combined with some classic like Moby Dick. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the characters and their struggles. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommended!
October 2, 2022
This was a good book! I could really relate to the sibling banter. There were a few surprises in this book that made it a real page turner.
November 9, 2022
Edison in the Hood was an interesting read that left me thinking about tech and it’s role in relationships. I loved the relationship part the best. At times the book goes deep into tech talk which felt like a departure from the great writing. I found some parts weird in a good way. Like are we ready for robots that are humans too?! Read this and decide for yourself!
Great read!!!!
Great read!!!!
December 8, 2022
I am constantly on the look out for interesting sci-fi novels and Edison in the Hood is just that. This book is a great book club pick. I enjoyed the interesting plot and writing. The characters are easy to relate to and I felt like I really knew them. I highly recommend it, especially if you like discussing books
December 21, 2022
"She thinks AI can fix our most challenging relationships. She wants the machines to do what she can't."
"We can only fix ourselves. Technology will give us the freedom to do so. But the work is still ours."
When ambitious PR executive Aisha Malik finds herself working with renowned futurist Jay Edison, she sees technology as an opportunity for a second chance – with her mother, with her wife. Fully entrenched in the machine class, Aisha is condescending and dismissive towards those oppose automation, including the "Neo-Luddites" whose jobs have been replaced by AI. Her brother, Sam, who opposes this conception of technology, is often on the receiving end of her ire.
When their mother Maura dies, Aisha extracts her brain as part of Edison Lab's Brain Reinvigoration Project, hoping to reenact their last conversation and discover the truth that has driven a wedge between the two siblings. For Aisha, technology is a balm, a Band-Aid, a solution to the emotions she desperately tries to suppress. Sam is skeptical, even hostile, towards the idea of reconnecting with his mother's "brain in a jar". The tension between siblings is realistic and highlights how far their paths have diverged since childhood.
The major downside of this novel is its pacing. Most of it reads like a domestic drama wrapped in an AI shell, a thoughtful (but fairly slow-paced) exploration of family dynamics amongst a highly technological world. Over halfway into the novel, we meet Sam's friend Zain, who is using a different form of intelligence to tackle violence in Chicago's South Side. A lot happens in the last bit – we are introduced to new characters and significant plot points occur. This storyline comes in almost too late to be fully fleshed out, almost like an afterthought.
Ultimately, this is a story about loss, family secrets, and regret. About the distractions that people engage with in order to avoid dealing with challenging emotions, and (re)learning the connections that make us human.
Thank you to BookSirens and Nadia Uddin for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"We can only fix ourselves. Technology will give us the freedom to do so. But the work is still ours."
When ambitious PR executive Aisha Malik finds herself working with renowned futurist Jay Edison, she sees technology as an opportunity for a second chance – with her mother, with her wife. Fully entrenched in the machine class, Aisha is condescending and dismissive towards those oppose automation, including the "Neo-Luddites" whose jobs have been replaced by AI. Her brother, Sam, who opposes this conception of technology, is often on the receiving end of her ire.
When their mother Maura dies, Aisha extracts her brain as part of Edison Lab's Brain Reinvigoration Project, hoping to reenact their last conversation and discover the truth that has driven a wedge between the two siblings. For Aisha, technology is a balm, a Band-Aid, a solution to the emotions she desperately tries to suppress. Sam is skeptical, even hostile, towards the idea of reconnecting with his mother's "brain in a jar". The tension between siblings is realistic and highlights how far their paths have diverged since childhood.
The major downside of this novel is its pacing. Most of it reads like a domestic drama wrapped in an AI shell, a thoughtful (but fairly slow-paced) exploration of family dynamics amongst a highly technological world. Over halfway into the novel, we meet Sam's friend Zain, who is using a different form of intelligence to tackle violence in Chicago's South Side. A lot happens in the last bit – we are introduced to new characters and significant plot points occur. This storyline comes in almost too late to be fully fleshed out, almost like an afterthought.
Ultimately, this is a story about loss, family secrets, and regret. About the distractions that people engage with in order to avoid dealing with challenging emotions, and (re)learning the connections that make us human.
Thank you to BookSirens and Nadia Uddin for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2022
This was a cool book and had me thinking about gaps in inequality and how it can affect relationships as well. The writer has a very strong voice, so prepare yourself for some challenging parts. The style is also cinematic, with lots of sensory descriptions. I can see this turning into a TV show or movie. Overall, I enjoyed it and I can see myself reading it again to pick up on the themes more. I feel like there was a lot more to the book that I didn't catch the first round.
December 15, 2022
Checked this out because of the reviews. I had a hard time with the writing style. And the story tackles some heavy stuff. Not sure if the dialogue is realistic, but that just might be a me thing. It's definitely different and I'd recommend it to someone who likes big thinking books that challenge you to see things in a different way. I wouldn't exactly call it a beach read so make sure you're prepared to take on something challenging.
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November 13, 2022I had read some of the author's short stories and was looking forward to this debut. I was surprised to see that the book falls within the sci-fi category because the works I had read before from this author
were not science fiction. Edison in the Hood is a pleasant surprise--somehow the author captures the elements of sci-fi while focusing on relationships like a classic literary fiction novel. Brava!
were not science fiction. Edison in the Hood is a pleasant surprise--somehow the author captures the elements of sci-fi while focusing on relationships like a classic literary fiction novel. Brava!
January 23, 2024
Middle-aged Aisha is a PR executive newly obsessed with artificial intelligence. Her interest only steepens when her mother, Maura, dies and she selects to have her mother’s brain revived under AI genius Jay Edison’s Brain Renovation Project. Aisha feels a sense of comfort engaging in simulated conversations with her mother’s brain, but others don’t support her choice to engage with the controversial technology.
Meanwhile, her depressed, anxious, misunderstood, and genius brother Sam is keeping a secret—one that her mother died with. A budding anti-technologist, Sam begins getting involved with Neo-Luddite activities, groups that stand directly in the path of Aisha and Jay Edison. Some things soon become apparent to Aisha and Sam—there is no clear way forward, nevertheless, they’re going to have to find it.
“Edison in the Hood” is a deep dive into complex, realistic science fiction. It is the story of a sibling’s efforts to redefine a controversial technology’s place in society. It explores ideas that many are becoming afraid of while uncloaking ethical issues with AI’s advancement in connection to human intelligence and physiology. The scientific concepts in the story are interesting and simple enough to understand. But it’s not all tech talk; there’s a hefty dose of betrayal, drama, and intrigue that make up the novel side of the book.
You can tell that this is one of those books where the author lives in their novel. Nadia Uddin has taken much care and thought to provide a realistic and meticulous backdrop with fully-fledged characters. Each character battles their own issues and beliefs. One of the best aspects of “Edison in the Hood” is the relationship between Aisha and Sam. Sam’s dejected brilliance, driven by a need for justice, gives the plot complexity. The disclosure of his concealed mental illness and his affiliation with organizations promoting opposing theories of artificial intelligence raise important concerns regarding the relationship between individual struggles and the advancement of society. It’s easy to understand each side of the sibling’s point of view.
Overall, author Nadia Uddin doesn’t do surface-level pondering; she dives deep as she expertly examines modern science’s ethical conundrums in “Edison in the Hood.”
Meanwhile, her depressed, anxious, misunderstood, and genius brother Sam is keeping a secret—one that her mother died with. A budding anti-technologist, Sam begins getting involved with Neo-Luddite activities, groups that stand directly in the path of Aisha and Jay Edison. Some things soon become apparent to Aisha and Sam—there is no clear way forward, nevertheless, they’re going to have to find it.
“Edison in the Hood” is a deep dive into complex, realistic science fiction. It is the story of a sibling’s efforts to redefine a controversial technology’s place in society. It explores ideas that many are becoming afraid of while uncloaking ethical issues with AI’s advancement in connection to human intelligence and physiology. The scientific concepts in the story are interesting and simple enough to understand. But it’s not all tech talk; there’s a hefty dose of betrayal, drama, and intrigue that make up the novel side of the book.
You can tell that this is one of those books where the author lives in their novel. Nadia Uddin has taken much care and thought to provide a realistic and meticulous backdrop with fully-fledged characters. Each character battles their own issues and beliefs. One of the best aspects of “Edison in the Hood” is the relationship between Aisha and Sam. Sam’s dejected brilliance, driven by a need for justice, gives the plot complexity. The disclosure of his concealed mental illness and his affiliation with organizations promoting opposing theories of artificial intelligence raise important concerns regarding the relationship between individual struggles and the advancement of society. It’s easy to understand each side of the sibling’s point of view.
Overall, author Nadia Uddin doesn’t do surface-level pondering; she dives deep as she expertly examines modern science’s ethical conundrums in “Edison in the Hood.”
March 19, 2023
This was a thought provoking and intriguing read that posed some well thought out questions about the ethical implications of the advancements of science and technology (particularly in the realm of AI). It really gets to the heart of the question of whether or not we can (or should) push the bounds of humanity further than our mortal limitations.
The characters are well written and multi-dimensional. I found the journey of Aisha and Sam to be gratifying, and it certainly seemed realistic.
In terms of readability, it took me a bit longer to complete than I would’ve liked. This is by no means a reflection on the content or writing, but rather my taste in books and my ability to sit and read. Not only was this outside of my typical genre, (meaning I found myself not picking it up from my cycle as much), but there is some heavier material in the book that did not gel well with my sleep deprived brain in the middle of our spring musical season.
Overall, it’s a wonderful debut novel that I will consider reading again in a less busy season. Content wise, it’s unlike any other book I’ve read, and I look forward to seeing what Nadia comes up with next!
The characters are well written and multi-dimensional. I found the journey of Aisha and Sam to be gratifying, and it certainly seemed realistic.
In terms of readability, it took me a bit longer to complete than I would’ve liked. This is by no means a reflection on the content or writing, but rather my taste in books and my ability to sit and read. Not only was this outside of my typical genre, (meaning I found myself not picking it up from my cycle as much), but there is some heavier material in the book that did not gel well with my sleep deprived brain in the middle of our spring musical season.
Overall, it’s a wonderful debut novel that I will consider reading again in a less busy season. Content wise, it’s unlike any other book I’ve read, and I look forward to seeing what Nadia comes up with next!
February 5, 2023
Edison in the Hood is a novel that explores the philosophy and ethics of scientific advancement and transhumanism. While that is cool, I wish it had focused more on plot. I was intrigued by the Brain Reinvigoration Project that's introduced early on, but it is ultimately inconsequential. I think it could have been a brilliant idea to have two characters with opposing philosophies gradually trade views, but Sam's change of heart is sudden enough that I didn't understand the character's motivations.
I think the last couple chapters and the Afterword have good potential for a story/sequel. I would have preferred the rest of the story focus a little less on the character's personal issues and more on the science. But if you're more interested in the social consequences of scientific advancement than in the flashy sci-fi stuff this could be an interesting read.
Thank you to Uddin, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!
I think the last couple chapters and the Afterword have good potential for a story/sequel. I would have preferred the rest of the story focus a little less on the character's personal issues and more on the science. But if you're more interested in the social consequences of scientific advancement than in the flashy sci-fi stuff this could be an interesting read.
Thank you to Uddin, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!
March 20, 2023
The humanity of the characters and the author’s ability to conjure a not-too-distant future where technology is even more deeply integrated into our lives made this a delight to read. I appreciated the exploration into what it could look like if our corporate overlords actually bothered to take a hard look at how they might use their technology for good by collaborating with the people most in need of its power. A great debut for Nadia Uddin!
February 20, 2024
I was excited for the premise, I’m interested in AI, but the plot was lost and none of the characters’ dialogue or motivations felt natural. It was very disjointed, it felt like a first draft. There were also a lot of sentences that made me just cringe.
June 6, 2024
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
After her mother dies, a woman becomes obsessed with AI, and a conversation with her dead mother about her brother.
I spent the whole time wondering why she didn't just get a ouiji board.
After her mother dies, a woman becomes obsessed with AI, and a conversation with her dead mother about her brother.
I spent the whole time wondering why she didn't just get a ouiji board.
September 4, 2024
This was an ok book. I liked the characters but the end felt very disjointed. The concept was interesting. I thought the objections to the AI being human were very thoughtful in their arguments.
April 2, 2023
First, I want to thank the author and Apperception press for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley.
I want to start by saying that the premise of this title caught my attention right away. We are currently living through a world of massive changes in AI technology, and Nadia Uddin tries to tackle some of the major questions we face as a species. Our story takes place amidst a season of great change for two brilliant siblings who must weather the storms of grief, loss, and family secrets while also trying to crack the secrets of consciousness and artificial intelligence. The scope of this book is pretty phenomenal given the page count.
I enjoyed the opening of the book and the development of the characters and the sci-fi elements of the story, but I feel like the story got a little lost after that point. To a large extent, this felt like two different stories. One story about the siblings, Sam and Aisha's, relationship after the loss of a parent, and a totally unconnected story about Edison and his goals of creating a truly conscious AI. Sam and Aisha's story raises a lot of questions about religion, family, identity, grief, and a whole host of problems that plague modern society and individuals. The second story raises nearly as many if not more questions about AI, consciousness, transhumanism, and more. My problem is just in the short and somewhat forced manner in which these issues are explored. It also felt like some of the characters flopped back and forth quite quickly between very different philosophies and camps of thought without much story motivation.
I want to say that even though I had a tough time enjoying this as a story, I would absolutely suggest that anyone who has an interest in AI, transhumanism, or identity theory should take a look at this title. I found myself really considering some ideas that I hadn't before.
I want to start by saying that the premise of this title caught my attention right away. We are currently living through a world of massive changes in AI technology, and Nadia Uddin tries to tackle some of the major questions we face as a species. Our story takes place amidst a season of great change for two brilliant siblings who must weather the storms of grief, loss, and family secrets while also trying to crack the secrets of consciousness and artificial intelligence. The scope of this book is pretty phenomenal given the page count.
I enjoyed the opening of the book and the development of the characters and the sci-fi elements of the story, but I feel like the story got a little lost after that point. To a large extent, this felt like two different stories. One story about the siblings, Sam and Aisha's, relationship after the loss of a parent, and a totally unconnected story about Edison and his goals of creating a truly conscious AI. Sam and Aisha's story raises a lot of questions about religion, family, identity, grief, and a whole host of problems that plague modern society and individuals. The second story raises nearly as many if not more questions about AI, consciousness, transhumanism, and more. My problem is just in the short and somewhat forced manner in which these issues are explored. It also felt like some of the characters flopped back and forth quite quickly between very different philosophies and camps of thought without much story motivation.
I want to say that even though I had a tough time enjoying this as a story, I would absolutely suggest that anyone who has an interest in AI, transhumanism, or identity theory should take a look at this title. I found myself really considering some ideas that I hadn't before.
March 2, 2023
There's so much this book does well. First and foremost, the writing itself is beautifully executed. The tone is mature and introspective, the sentences flow naturally, and the diction is just right. It's refreshing to read a debut novel from a writer who really knows how to write.
The story itself is a careful rumination on loss and regret, with a laser focus on family dynamics. The two main characters are effectively fleshed out early on, so we get a very real sense of their dueling personalities. The use of 3rd person limited narration is similarly effective, as the story reads as if it were from those characters' perspectives, thoughts and all. For a story that is essentially a character study, which serves as a microcosm of the human experience, the narrative voice is really the foundation of this novel. And as the story increasingly toys with its sci-fi elements--virtual memory reconstructions, AI, and Turing Tests--they only reinforce the themes that were already established.
Edison in the Hood sits neatly on the precipice between soft sci-fi and family drama. The futuristic elements feel like tools by which the characters can explore their family's past, and they (perhaps falsely) provide some hope of reconciliation. Meanwhile, the key to self-actualization is, of course, not derived from technological advances but personal growth.
Overall, Uddin tells a compelling story with a strong narrative voice, distinct characterization, and compelling imagery from a not-too-distant future. While the pacing is similarly effective, with various developments along the way in both technology and character drama, there were times when I was hoping for those twists to come sooner. One of the bigger reveals, which arrives at the climax, is something that might be inferred very early on in the story. This might be intentional, as the novel is not so much a mystery or thriller, and we're perhaps meant to see these things that the characters aren't yet ready to accept. Nevertheless, the story feels natural in how it unfolds, and every new development serves a distinct purpose.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-executed character study on grief, family, personal discovery, or one's purpose in life. The fantastical elements are really just icing on the cake, here.
The story itself is a careful rumination on loss and regret, with a laser focus on family dynamics. The two main characters are effectively fleshed out early on, so we get a very real sense of their dueling personalities. The use of 3rd person limited narration is similarly effective, as the story reads as if it were from those characters' perspectives, thoughts and all. For a story that is essentially a character study, which serves as a microcosm of the human experience, the narrative voice is really the foundation of this novel. And as the story increasingly toys with its sci-fi elements--virtual memory reconstructions, AI, and Turing Tests--they only reinforce the themes that were already established.
Edison in the Hood sits neatly on the precipice between soft sci-fi and family drama. The futuristic elements feel like tools by which the characters can explore their family's past, and they (perhaps falsely) provide some hope of reconciliation. Meanwhile, the key to self-actualization is, of course, not derived from technological advances but personal growth.
Overall, Uddin tells a compelling story with a strong narrative voice, distinct characterization, and compelling imagery from a not-too-distant future. While the pacing is similarly effective, with various developments along the way in both technology and character drama, there were times when I was hoping for those twists to come sooner. One of the bigger reveals, which arrives at the climax, is something that might be inferred very early on in the story. This might be intentional, as the novel is not so much a mystery or thriller, and we're perhaps meant to see these things that the characters aren't yet ready to accept. Nevertheless, the story feels natural in how it unfolds, and every new development serves a distinct purpose.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-executed character study on grief, family, personal discovery, or one's purpose in life. The fantastical elements are really just icing on the cake, here.
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