Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? – Review

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

by: Philip K. Dick

genre: sci-fi

*read on my Sony Reader

Not that long ago I finished reading my first novel on my Sony Reader.  I wanted to read something that suited such a device and while I was looking around for the perfect book I thought something Science Fiction, finally deciding Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick.  I haven’t read anything by Philip K. Dick before and much of that has to do with the fact that I really have an aversion to the sci-fi genre.  But I heard good things about this book so thought I would give it a go.

Now, after just saying I have an aversion to sci-fi I have to say that I loved this e-book.  The story of rouge robots and robotic animals made this an interesting story.  I particularly enjoyed the environmental aspects of this story.  In essence Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? takes place after Earth has all but been abandoned (for life on Mars) and looks at the the reasons why people left this planet, as well as looking at what life is like for those left behind.

I cannot recall if it’s fully explained what has happened to Earth but we do know that there are very few species left.  Due to so few animals remaining the cost to owning one is quite high and is sign of wealth.  Not only is it a sign of wealth to have a creature but it seems to be vital for people to have an animal to call their own.  So there are companies that build robotic animals that look like the real thing.  And the main character has a robotic sheep and has to deal with electrical problems with his sheep. 

It didn’t take very long to read this book and it kept my attention throughout.  I must say I’m really glad that I decided to read this.  It is a wonderful story and has me wanting to read more sci-fi (I cannot actually believe I wrote that).  Because I’m not all that familiar with this genre could any of you suggest novels worth reading in this genre?  And please don’t say Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card because it’s the last sci-fi I read and really did not like it.

Others that have reviewed this book include:

The Open Critic has a great discussion of this book.
http://theopencritic.com/?p=54

Fandomania looks at the book and the film version (Blade Runner).
http://fandomania.com/book-review-do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep/

Steven Wu’s seems to have really enjoyed the book as well he gave it 9 out of 10 on Steven Wu’s Book Review.
http://www.scwu.com/bookreviews/h/DickPhilipKDoAndroidsDreamofElectricSheep.shtml

And remember if you’d like your review added just send me an email and I’ll add your review to the list.  And it doesn’t matter if you liked it or not!

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What Makes You Laugh?

It’s hard to believe that it hasn’t even been a week yet.  Not quite a week ago I got the email asking if I would like a copy of Fool by Christopher Moore, and low and behold the book gods have brightened my pupils!  Fool has arrived!

I am really looking forward to reading this one.  Thank you so very much Harper Collins Canada!  I’m almost finished Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (probably finish it this evening) and then I’ll be starting Fool right away.  

In anticipation of this book, and due to the ongoing discussion over at the CBC Book Club, I’d like to know what books have you read that made you laugh?  I have a number of books that I find funny but I really want to hear what you have to say.  Feel free to elaborate on why you think the book(s) you’ve selected are humorous.  Then on April 27th I’ll compile the list that have been collected here to do a survey to see what you think is the funniest book!  

I hope you’ll participate!  Anyone that participates will have their name entered into a draw you’ll win the winning novel!!!

Weekly Review #15

Another week down and yet another lies ahead.  There have been a number of happenings this week that are worth noting.  

1. Thank YOU!  I wanted to take an opportunity to thank all of you that have been regulars and those of you just discovering That’s the Book!  The primary reason for wanting to take this opportunity right now is because comments have reached over 500 this week.  I appreciate all comments that are left here because they have often helped me to consider different aspects of novels while I read.  It’s wonderful to be a part of such a rich and vibrant community online.  As an added thank you there is a gift for the person that made the 500th post.  An email has been sent to Kim L. from Bold. Blue. Adventure. letting her know that 500 is thanks to her.

2. As I’m writing this a copy of Christopher Moore’s Fool is making its way to me.  I was shocked to receive an email from Harper Collins Canada this week.  And even more shocked to see that the email was asking me if I would be interested in getting a copy of Moore’s most recent novel, Fool.  I was absolutely thrilled with this offer and I’m sure it came across in my response:

I would love a copy of this book!!!  I love Christopher Moore, and I work for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival so this is a perfect book.

Thank you so much for offering me this.  I couldn’t be more thrilled!!

Aaron

I don’t think I could have come across as more of a blathering idiot.  But I’m a huge fan of Christopher Moore and have been waiting to get my hands on a copy of this book, I was actually about to get a copy the next day, so to have them send this to me excited me to no end.

3. I also got some reading finished this week.  I finished Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and got a start on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick (which is being read on my new Sony Reader) as well as Bernhard Schlink’s The Reader.  I should get The Reader finished today, as I don’t go back to work until tomorrow.  

This weeks Theatrical Thursday will be all about The Reader.  Until next time happy reader.

Sony Reader a Preliminary Review

After the last few days of great anticipation for the Sony Reader PRS-505 my inner geek was jubilant when there was a rapping on my door.  I wasted no time putting books on there so I would have something to read at work, putting all other reading on hold to test out this machine.  What’s the first book I’m reading on my Sony Reader you may ask.  Well, I couldn’t think of anything more appropriate than Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

I’ve always been skeptical about these devices and if I would ever enjoy it.  After spending a day with it I know that I enjoy using it thus satisfying both my inner geek and inner bookworm.  The screen is similar to the pages of a book but technology cannot duplicate that.  It’s a wonderful device and would actually recommend getting one.  But this is after one day’s use.

The one aspect that is truly missed using this is the smell and feel of having a novel in your hands.  There is something to be said about having an actual book, reading is more tactile than I first thought.  But this will definitely come in handy when reading huge tomes, the kind that have the ability to cause bodily harm due the weight.  I’ll be sure to use it for those books.

Do keep your eyes peeled for a more thorough review of this device in weeks to come.