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kpanagod's review
4.0
I think this is an excellent collection of science fiction short stories. Humanity is the central theme of each tale- exactly what qualities differentiate humans from robots?
I know the stories weren’t initially published with the intention of being compiled together so I’m not too critical of the lack of an overarching plot and I thought the narrative of Susan Calvin reflecting on these events was a good way to tie the stories together
I know the stories weren’t initially published with the intention of being compiled together so I’m not too critical of the lack of an overarching plot and I thought the narrative of Susan Calvin reflecting on these events was a good way to tie the stories together
onthebrookeshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
emma_liz's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mayareadsitall's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mystiktrance's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
willoughbye's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
maebee25's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bumblyduck's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Asimov is considered one of the biggest sci-fi writers of the 20th century for a reason, and this anthology of interconnected short stories proves it more than his other incredible works.
The beginning of his grand world-building, that is still steeped in realism, I, Robot tells the story of a parallel universe of humans where their journey is ever changed via the creation of the titular Robots.
Asimov does what audiences find now that many fantasy writers do not, he doesn't break his own rules. The universe of his stories centre around 3 rules, the Laws of Robots, and while each story finds a way to analyse and bend and twist each one, never do they snap. His stories challenge the wits of both his characters and readers alike, intelligence being the swords used in the battles and tensions of each tale.
These three laws - a Robot cannot harm, or cause harm through inaction to, a human being; a Robot must obey commands given by human beings unless they break law one; and a Robot must preserve themselves unless that breaks law one or two - are explored in each of the short stories, and tackled from every angle thought of, as there is a constant building tension of the robots gaining more sentience and human-like mannerisms, pushing these rules to their limits.
The characters, the human ones especially, are incredible well written. Dialogue is witty and smart but natural and steeped in the realism of Asimov's world, their intelligence, stubbornness, arguments and friendships believable and very, well, human. The main protagonist would be Dr Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, every bit as cold and blunt as she is intelligent and perceptive, through her eyes the readers gain an understanding on the robots and their limitations, as well as the ways they challenge them. The other two most standout characters whose journey the readers follow are that of Gregory Powell and Mike Donovan scientists, engineers and guinea pigs, they have such fun dialogue to read as their stubbornness and intelligence clash constantly yet their friendship remains steadfast, even as they end up in worse and worse situations.
The stories themselves are told in a chronological order, through the lens of Dr Susan Calvin as she is interviewed at the end of her life, looking back across the growth of technology and robots. The particular short story that stood out most would be Little Lost Robot, centering around Calvin herself as her mind is tested by a robot that is defective yet possesses a human-like intelligence. It is also the one most adapted to the screen in one way or another and for good reason - though we don't talk about the Will Smith film. The story has the perfect marriage of pacing and tension building, as this battle of the minds takes place and the situation grows more dire.
It is an incredible read, full of strong and creative world-building, witty and realistic characters, and brain turning situations. You don't need to be a fan of sci-fi for this to be a must read for your shelves.
The beginning of his grand world-building, that is still steeped in realism, I, Robot tells the story of a parallel universe of humans where their journey is ever changed via the creation of the titular Robots.
Asimov does what audiences find now that many fantasy writers do not, he doesn't break his own rules. The universe of his stories centre around 3 rules, the Laws of Robots, and while each story finds a way to analyse and bend and twist each one, never do they snap. His stories challenge the wits of both his characters and readers alike, intelligence being the swords used in the battles and tensions of each tale.
These three laws - a Robot cannot harm, or cause harm through inaction to, a human being; a Robot must obey commands given by human beings unless they break law one; and a Robot must preserve themselves unless that breaks law one or two - are explored in each of the short stories, and tackled from every angle thought of, as there is a constant building tension of the robots gaining more sentience and human-like mannerisms, pushing these rules to their limits.
The characters, the human ones especially, are incredible well written. Dialogue is witty and smart but natural and steeped in the realism of Asimov's world, their intelligence, stubbornness, arguments and friendships believable and very, well, human. The main protagonist would be Dr Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, every bit as cold and blunt as she is intelligent and perceptive, through her eyes the readers gain an understanding on the robots and their limitations, as well as the ways they challenge them. The other two most standout characters whose journey the readers follow are that of Gregory Powell and Mike Donovan scientists, engineers and guinea pigs, they have such fun dialogue to read as their stubbornness and intelligence clash constantly yet their friendship remains steadfast, even as they end up in worse and worse situations.
The stories themselves are told in a chronological order, through the lens of Dr Susan Calvin as she is interviewed at the end of her life, looking back across the growth of technology and robots. The particular short story that stood out most would be Little Lost Robot, centering around Calvin herself as her mind is tested by a robot that is defective yet possesses a human-like intelligence. It is also the one most adapted to the screen in one way or another and for good reason - though we don't talk about the Will Smith film. The story has the perfect marriage of pacing and tension building, as this battle of the minds takes place and the situation grows more dire.
It is an incredible read, full of strong and creative world-building, witty and realistic characters, and brain turning situations. You don't need to be a fan of sci-fi for this to be a must read for your shelves.
meedamian's review against another edition
4.0
All stories were IMO really good, except one called "Reason", which I thought was rather stupid.