Philip K Dick discussion

Philip K. Dick is my absolute favorite author. I have never read a story that didn't hold my interest the entire way through. But I'm half way through what I've seen hailed as his best novel; VALIS, and I'm at a point where I can't wait until I'm finished with reading it. It's without a doubt Dick's most philosophical and theological novel, but (at the risk of sounding crass) I wasn't prepared for a schizophrenic philosophy on who or what God is according to Horselover Fat (Dick). Perhaps the end will wrap things up a little more neatly, after all, it's still a science-fiction novel. But so far the entire book has been a bloody mess.
Anyways, perhaps this wasn't even post worthy, I suppose I posted this to see if anybody else feels similar about VALIS. Am I the only person who can barely make any sense out of this novel? Shed some light on a fellow 'Dickhead'.

Nathan Mark wrote: "Philip K. Dick is my absolute favorite author. I have never read a story that didn't hold my interest the entire way through. But I'm half way through what I've seen hailed as his best novel; VALIS..."

If you haven't read a biography of PKD, VALIS can seem to be something of a jumble. I recommend reading the Sutin biography or looking into Dick's Pink Beam experiences before attempting VALIS.

Paul wrote: "Nathan Mark wrote: "Philip K. Dick is my absolute favorite author. I have never read a story that didn't hold my interest the entire way through. But I'm half way through what I've seen hailed as h..."

Actually I have. I own 'A Life of Philip K. Dick' (which even contains a short comic about PKD and the pharmacy girl's necklace), so I know about a few of his experiences that lead to VALIS and I have heard other people describe it as a "schizophrenic". But I suppose I didn't expect to absorb nothing from it. I'll read an entire chapter and have no idea what's going on. But what can I say, It's Philip K. Dick and ultimately I love his writing.
Thanks for sharing your input.

I have to add: Have you watched Radio free albemuth? That is a must. You can view it free on Youtube. Let me know if you need help finsing it!

I haven't seen it. But I have seen a trailer on YouTube and now that you mention it, I'll try to watch it a.s.a.p.
My thanks.

I had started reading "Valis" a few days ago. But it did feel kind of weird even for P.k Dick. I was enjoying the book immensely but maybe it was not the exact time to go through it so I have put it back in my shelf. But it is good to know it is here waiting me. The same happens with Alan Moore "Voice of The Fire", from an author I idolize but I still do not feel like reading this book.

Daniel wrote: "I had started reading "Valis" a few days ago. But it did feel kind of weird even for P.k Dick. I was enjoying the book immensely but maybe it was not the exact time to go through it so I have put i..."

That's exactly how I feel about VALIS. If I knew what I was getting into, I probably also would have re-shelved it for another time but I'm already half way through it. The only problem is; if a book isn't "up my alley" at the moment, I won't absorb it. It'll definitely end up on my list of re-reads I have in mind, along with UBIK.

I actually loved UBIK from the very first time I read it. Despite the strangeness it might cause on us, it is still a book that follows a plot, a very intelligent, crazy and dark one though.

Daniel wrote: "I actually loved UBIK from the very first time I read it. Despite the strangeness it might cause on us, it is still a book that follows a plot, a very intelligent, crazy and dark one though."

Oh, I loved it. Without a doubt, but I definitely wasn't prepared for it at the time. I'm actually writing an UBIK screenplay. But apparently a lot of people are.

Nathan Mark wrote: "Philip K. Dick is my absolute favorite author. I have never read a story that didn't hold my interest the entire way through. But I'm half way through what I've seen hailed as his best novel; VALIS..."

I didn't find it hard to follow. I'd recommend reading Steppenwolf. VALIS reminded me of that one a lot. It's less narrative and more emotions and thought experiments. Sort of like a Hesse novel.

Mathew wrote: "Nathan Mark wrote: "Philip K. Dick is my absolute favorite author. I have never read a story that didn't hold my interest the entire way through. But I'm half way through what I've seen hailed as h..."

Sounds like my cup o' tea.