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The Casual Writer's avatar

My only familiarity with this title is that movie from the 2000s which, to be honest, I don't think I actually saw? But off the bat, it sounds remarkably different from my impression of that movie.

I'm also not a sci-fi reader, but I do like a mystery story, so now I'm intrigued.

I imagine it'd be a fun audiobook, and almost come off as a radio episode or something!

Edit: I just wanted to add that you've very succinctly described the issue with how our technology is used today. I had a prof in grad school teach a course on Spirituality and Technology, and I bet he has so much more to say now than back then.

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Kailani B.'s avatar

I haven’t seen the movie either, but I might check it out. An audiobook version might be a good choice, if your interested in trying it.

Thanks for commenting!

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Nick Richards's avatar

Asimov fan here, and yes, his characters are not his strength, but his plots are interesting, and he really, really knew science and history, so his plots tend to make sense.

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Kailani B.'s avatar

Good to know. Do you have a favorite book of his?

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Nick Richards's avatar

Well, it’s a lift, but his Foundation series is justifiably good. But if you enjoyed I, Robot, maybe try The Caves of Steel, which introduces his most famous robot character who is key to his other books. If you like that, sort of a murder mystery, you can move on from there.

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Susan Adams's avatar

Well, now, your review makes me want to read this book or listen to the audio version! Thanks it sounds very intriguing😃

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Kailani B.'s avatar

I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts!

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Scoot's avatar

Thank you for trying out this book! I'm always nervous making recommendations so it's a relief you enjoyed it, and more than that you introduced me to a new perspective on the story. I hadn't considered how the "howdunnit" angle parallels mystery stories. But you're right--getting these payoffs rapidfire throughout the book make it an easy and enjoyable read.

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Kailani B.'s avatar

I’m glad I didn’t hate it, and that I could give a new perspective. Thanks for recommending it!

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Carolyn Mario's avatar

Well now, I don't really do robots. And I don't sorta do sci fi. And I've never been an Asimov fan. But golly gee whiz, I liked this review. I think Asimov would've approved.

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Kailani B.'s avatar

I can see your side of things. Thanks for reading my review anyway!

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K.M. Carroll's avatar

I've only read a couple of Asimov books. According to my dad, who read him extensively, Asimov's publishers made him put in more and more smut until he stopped writing altogether. Foundation's entire premise bores me to tears so I never bothered with it. Positronic Man is more like I, Robot, just a little story about a robot slowly becoming human, lots of philosophical musings about what makes us human. It's very sweet and you can see Asimov's atheism crack a bit by the end. He dares to hope for eternity. He also has a kids series with fairytales in space, but I was only able to find one of those.

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Kailani B.'s avatar

I’m sure his publisher regretted that choice. Well, I hope I can find a couple more of his books to read. I’ll add your recommendation to my list.

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