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hakimbriki's review against another edition
4.0
I rarely find myself doubting whether I enjoyed a book or not after finishing it. I suppose I've never experienced anything quite like Genesis before. The closest thing I can compare this book to is going beachcombing somewhere new, feeling the excitement, finding nothing for most of the day, and then hitting the jackpot at the 11th hour. Genesis shows a lot of promise at first, exposing a dystopian new world brought about by realistic, true-to-life geopolitical conflict. But then... too many things happen in a very short period, which makes it more and more difficult to suspend disbelief as the chapters unfold.
Anax, the main character, shares her interpretation of a number of historic events at what appears to be an interview for a role at "The Academy", a mysterious entity which may or may not be a world government. She introduces us to a bunch of highly obnoxious characters whose motives are never clear. Halfway through the book, two of said characters, a curmudgeonly young man and a smartass AI, engage in a mind-numbing "philosophical" discussion about the nature of consciousness. This part of the book felt unsubstantial and superfluous, and I almost gave up. But once the twist is revealed, the story falls into place bewitchingly. It is then, and only then, that the dialogue, though very poorly written, makes a bit more sense. All in all, Genesis is an interesting take on the Man V. AI debate. The book is short, but very uneven. 3.5 stars.
Anax, the main character, shares her interpretation of a number of historic events at what appears to be an interview for a role at "The Academy", a mysterious entity which may or may not be a world government. She introduces us to a bunch of highly obnoxious characters whose motives are never clear. Halfway through the book, two of said characters, a curmudgeonly young man and a smartass AI, engage in a mind-numbing "philosophical" discussion about the nature of consciousness. This part of the book felt unsubstantial and superfluous, and I almost gave up. But once the twist is revealed, the story falls into place bewitchingly. It is then, and only then, that the dialogue, though very poorly written, makes a bit more sense. All in all, Genesis is an interesting take on the Man V. AI debate. The book is short, but very uneven. 3.5 stars.
mukoya's review against another edition
A short but very enjoyable read. Makes you hmmm a lot
ericbearclaw's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.5
stephxsu's review against another edition
4.0
How can I describe GENESIS in a way that will do it justice? It’s a chilling piece of dystopian literature, a psychological thriller that terrifies even though it takes place entirely in a four-hour-long conversation. It’s not light reading, for sure, and will force you to think long and hard about it days after you’ve finished the book.
On that note, though, I think that all the time you’ll have to put into thinking about this book and the issues it raises is completely worth it. There are long conversations that delve into questions of the worth of humanity and the dangers—and advantages—of artificial intelligence. The ending in particular was so unexpected, so original and yet so appropriate that once you’ve read it you can think of no other way to end the book. I would read this book again and again just to understand the circumstances that led up to the fascinating ending, an ending that will stay with you forever.
All in all, don’t miss GENESIS. It’s not a typical young adult read, that’s for sure, and will be difficult for many people to comprehend, but if you put the effort into it, trust me, it will be very worth it.
On that note, though, I think that all the time you’ll have to put into thinking about this book and the issues it raises is completely worth it. There are long conversations that delve into questions of the worth of humanity and the dangers—and advantages—of artificial intelligence. The ending in particular was so unexpected, so original and yet so appropriate that once you’ve read it you can think of no other way to end the book. I would read this book again and again just to understand the circumstances that led up to the fascinating ending, an ending that will stay with you forever.
All in all, don’t miss GENESIS. It’s not a typical young adult read, that’s for sure, and will be difficult for many people to comprehend, but if you put the effort into it, trust me, it will be very worth it.
labunnywtf's review against another edition
5.0
Surprise is the public face of a mind that has been closed.
WOAH.
WOAH.
FUCKING WOAH.
NO REALLY, WOAH?!
This is the book that's causing me to create the shelf I've thought of after a few different reads, which is the "You're going to need to immediately turn around and read this over again" shelf.
How do I even review this?
I really did think I saw where this was going. And skimming down the reviews, I see a lot of people who had the same smugness I did. Pfft. We're readers. We're dystopian readers. We clearly see where this is going.
NO WE DO NOT.
None of my "this is what is happening" thoughts were right. Well, some of them were a little right, but that ending? That ending punches you square in the face. IN THE FACE
Seriously, this review is saying nothing, just go read it. Thank me later.
WOAH.
WOAH.
FUCKING WOAH.
NO REALLY, WOAH?!
This is the book that's causing me to create the shelf I've thought of after a few different reads, which is the "You're going to need to immediately turn around and read this over again" shelf.
How do I even review this?
I really did think I saw where this was going. And skimming down the reviews, I see a lot of people who had the same smugness I did. Pfft. We're readers. We're dystopian readers. We clearly see where this is going.
NO WE DO NOT.
None of my "this is what is happening" thoughts were right. Well, some of them were a little right, but that ending? That ending punches you square in the face. IN THE FACE
Seriously, this review is saying nothing, just go read it. Thank me later.
eatingwords's review against another edition
3.0
What have I just read? I thought this would be your normal dystopian story. I can tell you that it was not.
It's better to not know what this story is about. There are rougly 150 pages; you just have to find out for yourself. I just say that there is a lot of philosophy and artificial intelligence mentioned.
I liked this story. I liked the different perspectives that the story was told from. I could empathize with Anax, the main character.
I think I will read it again and try to get more out of the story. I think there are still parts that I have missed. So there will be a re-read some time in the future.
It's better to not know what this story is about. There are rougly 150 pages; you just have to find out for yourself. I just say that there is a lot of philosophy and artificial intelligence mentioned.
I liked this story. I liked the different perspectives that the story was told from. I could empathize with Anax, the main character.
I think I will read it again and try to get more out of the story. I think there are still parts that I have missed. So there will be a re-read some time in the future.
savazelena's review against another edition
5.0
I thought I spoiled it for myself with my pattern recognition but it wasn't what I expected it to be so I'm impressed!
sarahassaad_851's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Read it for Year 8 English.
I hate it. It was boring. I didn't like the characters at all. It was philosophical and reflective but not in the interesting way to me.
I hate it. It was boring. I didn't like the characters at all. It was philosophical and reflective but not in the interesting way to me.
trkravtin's review against another edition
An intellectually challenging read with a twist. I have thought about this book many times as an example of an experiential read on multiple levels.
cathiedalziel's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my God!! WTF!! (What the Future!)
A philosophy book based on the future, rooted in Aristotle, Plato's Republic and Socratic thoughts.
The Original Sin is revealed at the end ... and I'm not telling you what it is.
This book had so many wonderful thought-idea-provoking passages that it surely going on my physical bookshelf at home. I got a copy from the library for this read, but this is one book I know I will go back to many times.
THIS IS A MUST READ, and Re-READ FOR EVERYONE!
(How can I go back to trying to finish up "How To Eat a Cupcake" or the Bachman biography I'm in the middle of now, after reading a novel of this magnitude?...)
A small novel, but very powerful; it left my jaw dropping at the end of the story. I tell everyone it is a must read; I gave it 5 stars.
This book had so many wonderful thought-idea-provoking passages. I didn't see the ending coming in this one. Worth the read, just for the surprise. Lots of food-for-thought, philosophy-style. Very short, interesting book, with an intriguing format.
Which came first, the mind or the idea of the mind? Have you never wondered? They arrived together. The mind is an idea. ~Genesis
In the end, living is defined by dying ~Genesis
Time for lots of fresh air...Help us all on this path of evolution.
A philosophy book based on the future, rooted in Aristotle, Plato's Republic and Socratic thoughts.
The Original Sin is revealed at the end ... and I'm not telling you what it is.
This book had so many wonderful thought-idea-provoking passages that it surely going on my physical bookshelf at home. I got a copy from the library for this read, but this is one book I know I will go back to many times.
THIS IS A MUST READ, and Re-READ FOR EVERYONE!
(How can I go back to trying to finish up "How To Eat a Cupcake" or the Bachman biography I'm in the middle of now, after reading a novel of this magnitude?...)
A small novel, but very powerful; it left my jaw dropping at the end of the story. I tell everyone it is a must read; I gave it 5 stars.
This book had so many wonderful thought-idea-provoking passages. I didn't see the ending coming in this one. Worth the read, just for the surprise. Lots of food-for-thought, philosophy-style. Very short, interesting book, with an intriguing format.
Which came first, the mind or the idea of the mind? Have you never wondered? They arrived together. The mind is an idea. ~Genesis
In the end, living is defined by dying ~Genesis
Time for lots of fresh air...Help us all on this path of evolution.