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shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
Middle readers will enjoy this action-packed robot escape story. Cog, short for Cognitive Development, has already learned that making mistakes is a good way to learn. So he goes for it! With the help of a robot sister, dog, car and trash collector, Cog manages to save both the day and Gina - the brilliant engineer being held prisoner by the evil Nathan at uniMIND corporation. As the robots learn about free will/freedom of choice, kids will find some interesting concepts to think about.
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This book is wonderful because of its incredibly unique middle-grade voice. The MC is a robot boy, and his perspective on the world is humorous and sometimes incredibly insightful. The story focused on friendship and the concept of free will (in a way that middle graders will relate to). It would be perfect for the slightly younger MG crowd since it’s a little lighter fare than the current MG trend (and also shorter), but that didn’t prevent it from having some impactful messages. I found this to be a delightful read!
modernhobbitvibes's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
I know I say this about every fictional robot but I would DIE FOR THESE ROBOTS, that is all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Confinement
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Kidnapping
fallingletters's review
5.0
Review originally published 12 April 2020 at Falling Letters..
I realize now that I didn’t take enough notes while reading to give Cog the review it deserves. I do recall my initial impression: a surprisingly strong and nuanced read, for such an unassuming little book. I was very glad it wasn’t 400+ pages.
Cog is a lovely story with great pacing. The personalities of each robot is clearly differentiated. They contribute to moving the story forward in a meaningful way. Cog’s unique narrative voice is one of the book’s best assets. I laughed out loud at many of his comments, especially about what he’s learning. I kept reading because I wanted to find out what happened to Gina and how Cog would get away from uniMIND.
The straightforward entertainment of the robots’ interactions and the getaway plot would be enough to make this a fun read. There’s a good mix of levity and gravity. van Eekhout further strengthens the story by exploring artificial intelligence, free will, and personal agency. Cog offers plenty to reflect on without being too preachy or allegorical.
This book was a Cybils 2019 finalist. It’s also nominated for the 2019 Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction.
The Bottom Line: Coming in under 200 pages, Cog still packs in all the elements for a great middle grade read. (Not just for scifi fans!)
I realize now that I didn’t take enough notes while reading to give Cog the review it deserves. I do recall my initial impression: a surprisingly strong and nuanced read, for such an unassuming little book. I was very glad it wasn’t 400+ pages.
Cog is a lovely story with great pacing. The personalities of each robot is clearly differentiated. They contribute to moving the story forward in a meaningful way. Cog’s unique narrative voice is one of the book’s best assets. I laughed out loud at many of his comments, especially about what he’s learning. I kept reading because I wanted to find out what happened to Gina and how Cog would get away from uniMIND.
The straightforward entertainment of the robots’ interactions and the getaway plot would be enough to make this a fun read. There’s a good mix of levity and gravity. van Eekhout further strengthens the story by exploring artificial intelligence, free will, and personal agency. Cog offers plenty to reflect on without being too preachy or allegorical.
This book was a Cybils 2019 finalist. It’s also nominated for the 2019 Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction.
The Bottom Line: Coming in under 200 pages, Cog still packs in all the elements for a great middle grade read. (Not just for scifi fans!)
bhavini_patel's review against another edition
4.0
(This book was an Advance Reader's Edition received from Harper Collins, but review and opinions are my own.)
Cog is an adorable book. The rag-tag team of robots show the power of choice and learning from mistakes.
Cog is an adorable book. The rag-tag team of robots show the power of choice and learning from mistakes.
tnagumo's review
5.0
Wow.
The first chapter promised a picaresque adventure of a boy-shaped robot.
Then you met Nathan.
I'm not going to spoil it. Suffice it to say that this author's ability to tell stories about humanity's dark side in an entertaining, exciting, truthful, yet age-appropriate way (see The Boy at the End of the World) is remarkable. The ending is hopeful yet does not gloss over the darkness the main characters must keep at bay.
Honestly, while the book was a quick read (as an adult reader who reads fast), I kept thinking about how close we got to the edge of the precipice (literally and figuratively), and the dread that still lingered after I put the book down. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers who like adventure and excitement mixed in with some deep ideas.
The first chapter promised a picaresque adventure of a boy-shaped robot.
Then you met Nathan.
I'm not going to spoil it. Suffice it to say that this author's ability to tell stories about humanity's dark side in an entertaining, exciting, truthful, yet age-appropriate way (see The Boy at the End of the World) is remarkable. The ending is hopeful yet does not gloss over the darkness the main characters must keep at bay.
Honestly, while the book was a quick read (as an adult reader who reads fast), I kept thinking about how close we got to the edge of the precipice (literally and figuratively), and the dread that still lingered after I put the book down. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers who like adventure and excitement mixed in with some deep ideas.
jelundberg's review
5.0
I picked up this book at the library for my 11-year-old daughter because Greg is a friend and my daughter likes robotics. She inhaled the novel in a day and a half, telling me how much she loved it, and especially the little robodog Proto (rarf!). It took me a few days longer than her, but I also loved this to pieces. Absolutely wonderful.
valerieelseswhere's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this escapade of misfit robots and their heartfelt learning to be themselves.
meep4090's review
adventurous
funny
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
its a good thick book about robots, explosions, hot dogs, and platypuses.