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wingdingbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I’m sure I’d have never found this book if not for spotting it at Goodwill. A surprisingly heartfelt read, and further proof that science fiction (specifically near-future) may just be my favorite genre.
roblobsterb52's review against another edition
5.0
I could not put this book down. I read it all within 24 hours. I feel heavy and satisfied, and I can tell this is a book I'll be returning to often.
purrsnikitty's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful story from start to finish. I could read a whole series about Carey, even the mundane parts, and not get bored.
wafer's review against another edition
4.0
Devastatingly tragic. My only critique is that it very much reads like a novella that’s been expanded, so the emotional punches can sometimes be exhausting. It still holds up very well
kappafrog's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a beautiful book. I loved Carey's perspective. I just finished it and am still crying.
Update: Now that the book has sunk in, I have more to say. It's very rare to read a science fiction book that centres people who live in care homes. This book gave me a lot to think about when it comes to the way such people are pushed to the margins of society. The joy Carey and his friends share is something truly special.
While a few parts of the book found my attention less engaged, the book keeps you on your toes with its time skips. I would have liked a little more scientific interest in Carey beyond MCA to be shown, and perhaps more interactions between Carey and other androids. I also can't decide if the ending is tragic or completely fitting or both.
This is a wonderful exploration of a sci fi concept I had never considered before. The book was moving and has really stuck with me since finishing it. I highly recommend this to any sci-fi fan looking for a high concept explored with lots of heart.
Update: Now that the book has sunk in, I have more to say. It's very rare to read a science fiction book that centres people who live in care homes. This book gave me a lot to think about when it comes to the way such people are pushed to the margins of society. The joy Carey and his friends share is something truly special.
While a few parts of the book found my attention less engaged, the book keeps you on your toes with its time skips. I would have liked a little more scientific interest in Carey beyond MCA to be shown, and perhaps more interactions between Carey and other androids. I also can't decide if the ending is tragic or completely fitting or both.
This is a wonderful exploration of a sci fi concept I had never considered before. The book was moving and has really stuck with me since finishing it. I highly recommend this to any sci-fi fan looking for a high concept explored with lots of heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, and Dementia
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Car accident, Death, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, and Terminal illness
Minor: Cancer and Child abuse
sherylcat's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book really creative. I cyborg who was first able to basically emulate whomever you needed to see from your past to help calm patients as they age or get dementia. Then grows into a part of this family that is sweet and endearing. Glad I read a recommendation for this book and gave it a try.
vladco's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this exploration of AI intelligence embodied in an android. The attempt to invest the story with emotional depth didn't work for me, because ultimately the central narrator's multiple, shallow personalities meant that I never grew an attachment to any of the drama. Carey is like a robotic Buddhist: he is programmatically detached from almost all outcomes, and this detachment drains the tension from his relationships. Is that how AI will work? It's a nice speculation and demonstration of one possibility.
lordlaity's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
abundanceofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This is not a novel so much as an experience, one which absolutely gutted me. It is completely different from what I was expecting, incredibly immersive and thought-provoking. At times it was difficult for me to pick up, because I knew I was about to experience a flood of too-real emotions. But once I did pick it up, I could not put it down again (other than to grab more tissues).
It's a shame that a book this unique and incredible has probably the most terrifying cover I have ever laid my eyes on. It is truly the stuff nightmares are made of.
It's a shame that a book this unique and incredible has probably the most terrifying cover I have ever laid my eyes on. It is truly the stuff nightmares are made of.