2015 Reading Challenge [Closed] discussion

Originally I had hoped to find a really cheesy harlequin romance but wasn't able to find one for 1968 at the used book store.

So then I did a search for books that came out that year and this is one that I have heard of (probably because of blade runner) and was able to get it from the library.

It is a quick read Samantha. I had a difficult time putting it down.
For such an easy read it does stick with you. The ideas are very thought provoking.

Hi Anastasia, that was a super quick read and such a strange world.

I totally loved the humor in the parts that focused on Rick's desire for an animal. I thought that the animal shop owners sounded a lot like a car salesman ( I think that was the desired reaction).

Mercerisum and the ideal of an empathetic society was interesting but have to wonder if there would be a way to tell and android from a human based on the tests they used. Not sure I think humans are really that empathetic...Perhaps that was some of the point.

I believe the story is supposed to take place in 2019 so it makes you wonder how advanced people in 1968 thought we would be 47 years later. So far no, mars travel, no off world living, no hover cars and no androids.

Kirin wrote: "There might not be androids but there are definitely robots that are serving the function of humans. Latest being robots to comfort sick kids in hospital. Crazy!!"

That is crazy! Does it work?

Kirin wrote: "Samantha wrote: "Kirin wrote: "There might not be androids but there are definitely robots that are serving the function of humans. Latest being robots to comfort sick kids in hospital. Crazy!!"

T..."
Thanks for sharing! Not quite an android but a good start.

Samantha I found the ability to choose your mood using a machine disturbing.
In some ways the androids were more feeling than the humans.
He did a great job of covering so many problems in society in such a short story.

Anastasia, I thought that the mood machine disturbing as well but suppose it could just be a replacement for drugs or in my case wine.

Kirin, that robot looks the same to me, interesting concept to get someone to learn by teaching.

Odd to be reading it after finishing Fahrenheit 451, but the mood machine & how they used it is fascinating. And I've never seen "Blade Runner". I'm noticing how Dick couldn't create a world where women have more range. The interactions between Rick & his "secretary" remind me of "Mad Men" and other 50's interpretations. Interesting book so far.

Tiffany wrote: "Odd to be reading it after finishing Fahrenheit 451, but the mood machine & how they used it is fascinating. And I've never seen "Blade Runner". I'm noticing how Dick couldn't creat..."

Great observation about women and seems spot on about the interactions between Dick and his secretary.