Reviews with content warning for Violence - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Overall fairly engaging and something I can see myself rereading in the future.

At what point is there no difference between us and a machine - when that machine has stopped being a simple tool and has a will of its own? No, of course, because they can't possibly have empathy, a requirement to be human. Or is it a requirement? What is empathy? The simulataneous feeling of emotion of another, perhaps. Or maybe... It's really as simply as Identifying with another.

At least that might be the case with some of the Nexus-6 androids. Interesting for it to be revealed near the climax that empathic religion of Mercerism, Humanity's dangling example of betterment over the androids, is a hoax of a religion (at least from a logical Andy standpoint). In any case the differences in felt empathy between our main character and the other bounty hunter conveys that this humanly intrinsic sense of emotions for others isn't quite equal across the board.

A showcase of how humans can't help but catergorize in order to create hierarchy. The "Special" character in the mix did not necessarily strike me as someone of low grade intelligence, judging by his internal thoughts. Just as a lonely man suffering from society and his given place in it. He may be seen as human but he sure as hell isn't treated much better than the androids.

Ironic that the majority of earth wants to go to the colonies while androids want to come to earth. Perhaps showing that the andy's have more of a human element than some humans.

I had been meaning to read a Phillip K. Dick novel for some time now, first physical copy I was able to get my paws on.

Backyard approves.

Content Warnings

erikwmj's review against another edition

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challenging reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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kerttuli's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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cnohero's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny medium-paced

<Spoilers>
I have complex feelings about this book.

Pros: Excellent writing, and world building. Good science discussion for it's time. I found the desire to have a pet, and the scarcity both funny and sad.

Cons: I didn't find the characters very likeable.
(Rant) The sci-fi trope of men wanting to have sex with android women is just disturbing to me...

Content Warnings

cjc's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I enjoyed this book, but did not love it. It is the basis of the Blade Runner movies and challenges the reader’s notion of what it means to be humans, however; the plot felt stale to me and the characters a little stiff. I don’t regret reading it because of the thoughts it helped me develop, but it certainly was not my favorite.

Content Warnings

coffeeshopvibes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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