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Sex Robots and Vegan Meat: Adventures at the Frontier of Birth, Food, Sex and Death by Jenny Kleeman
stephaniellejem's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
By the end of it, being more human seems a lot more appealing than any of the technologies written about but I respect the work and the dedication people have made to invent so many different things
saracox's review against another edition
5.0
The book is divided into four parts: sex robots, vegan meat, out of body birth bags and end of life methods. These are all things in development around the globe to improve (?) people's lives. Each section is a very interesting read. How they are trying to make sex robots more life like; delving into the socio-economical aspects of them going on to the market. I found it very interesting that the majority of vegan meat developments are not about culturing meat from animal cells than using plant based products. It was also interesting that the majority of people working in this industry are vegan and therefore the taste and texture was difficult to test as very few meat eaters were testing. The birthing bag to me seemed like the strangest concept of all four. But I can definitely see the benefits in terms of reducing still births, monitoring development and the ability to have a child even when your body is unable. The strangest concept was definitely the end of life programs. People were planning their deaths and ways of doing it, and not because they were ill but just in case and ready.
The book was really well written and captivating. All concepts were thought-provoking. A really good read for those interested in scientific developments and the future of our society.
The book was really well written and captivating. All concepts were thought-provoking. A really good read for those interested in scientific developments and the future of our society.
lilpisso's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
yell_like_you_mean_it's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
4.75
Sex Robots and Vegan Meat covers 4 controversial topics: Sex robots, vegan meat, birth/ectogenesis and death/euthanasia. These topics are covered in a very journalistic style, with the author interviewing people in the relevant industries. It is very effective in lightly covering "both sides of the argument".
That being said, my only criticism of this book is that I would like the topics to be covered in more depth. Although general statistics are used throughout, for me there is a lack of scientific research covered to contribute to the arguments presented. The book does not really push either side of the argument (which I think is a good thing), but I would have liked to see a more comprehensive debate. However, I do acknowledge this is not necessarily the purpose of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The topics are presented in a way that is accessible for a wider audience to comprehend and does well at presenting the key themes related to the topic. 4.75/5 stars.
That being said, my only criticism of this book is that I would like the topics to be covered in more depth. Although general statistics are used throughout, for me there is a lack of scientific research covered to contribute to the arguments presented. The book does not really push either side of the argument (which I think is a good thing), but I would have liked to see a more comprehensive debate. However, I do acknowledge this is not necessarily the purpose of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The topics are presented in a way that is accessible for a wider audience to comprehend and does well at presenting the key themes related to the topic. 4.75/5 stars.
readalittlebitmore's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I’ll start this by quoting a quote from the back of the book; “This book is not science fiction. It’s not about what might happen one day - it’s about what is happening right now, and who is making it happen. In the end, it asks a simple question: are we about to change what it means to be human… for ever?”
.
Well, in this book, Jenny Kleeman investigates and visits the people who is starting to redefine the adventures of birth, food, human relationships and death in a way that might shake the foundation and definition of those up unto this day. Then she writes about it. She interviews a sex doll equipped with AI, she eats meat grown in laboratories - grown from stem cells biopsied from a still alive animal, she watches a featus growing in a plastic bag and she attends members only meetings where people learn how to kill themselves for being able to control that moment when it comes.
.
There are a lot provoking and thought awakening chapters in this book and I’m in lack of better words, in awe of what technology does to the world and to humanity. Connecting this to the thoughts awaken when reading Homo Deus, here we explore the modern man’s problems and possible solutions to those. Some of these made me feel awe in disgust and some in contentment. There is for sure a side to every coin and reading this book made me think of that even more.
Obviously and maybe it goes without saying, but it is quite a far fetched future before these new technologies becomes every day life for our every day man. It is all quite advanced expensive technologies and out there ideas that people are just starting to make real, but it’s still there and fascinates, terrifies and blows minds.
.
Very interesting read to say the least and for people thinking about the future in bigger definitions then what to eat for dinner tomorrow, I’ll absolutely recommend this book. And I recommend reading it together with a few others on the subject of humanity in the future.
.
Well, in this book, Jenny Kleeman investigates and visits the people who is starting to redefine the adventures of birth, food, human relationships and death in a way that might shake the foundation and definition of those up unto this day. Then she writes about it. She interviews a sex doll equipped with AI, she eats meat grown in laboratories - grown from stem cells biopsied from a still alive animal, she watches a featus growing in a plastic bag and she attends members only meetings where people learn how to kill themselves for being able to control that moment when it comes.
.
There are a lot provoking and thought awakening chapters in this book and I’m in lack of better words, in awe of what technology does to the world and to humanity. Connecting this to the thoughts awaken when reading Homo Deus, here we explore the modern man’s problems and possible solutions to those. Some of these made me feel awe in disgust and some in contentment. There is for sure a side to every coin and reading this book made me think of that even more.
Obviously and maybe it goes without saying, but it is quite a far fetched future before these new technologies becomes every day life for our every day man. It is all quite advanced expensive technologies and out there ideas that people are just starting to make real, but it’s still there and fascinates, terrifies and blows minds.
.
Very interesting read to say the least and for people thinking about the future in bigger definitions then what to eat for dinner tomorrow, I’ll absolutely recommend this book. And I recommend reading it together with a few others on the subject of humanity in the future.
jemimaskelley's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.5
its reallly well researched and explores every side of an issue but it never feels dry or boring - great storytelling the whole way through
alongreader's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to enjoy this - the subjects are really interesting - but the writing style just didn't suit me at all. My issue, not the book's, I'm sure other people will enjoy it very much. These subjects really are important and they're interesting to learn about. Just maybe from another book, for me personally.