"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick (Review)

      "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"                                 Book Review

                    

Basic Info:

Originally published: 1968

Author: Philip K. Dick

Followed by: Blade Runner 2: The Edge of Human

Publisher: Doubleday

Characters: Rick Deckard, Roy Batty, Pris, Rachael, Buster Friendly, Iran Deckard, Irmgard Baty, Bryant, Garland, Bill Barbour

Genres: Science Fiction, Philosophical fiction

Review: Confusing, interesting and definitely original Sci-Fi novel.

I read this novel a few months ago, and read it again recently, and both times I felt confused and lost when I reached the end. I mean, I understand the issues that Dick is addressing, but I'm completely failing when it comes to figuring out what the author's views are. Normally, in any book, it's pretty clear from the start what the author's views are, but in this novel, Dick views all the topics from every angle, plays around with them, extends the ideas, until I'm not even sure whether he believes in God or not; I think, in the end, that Dick didn't really have any views of his own; only questions, and that's the point of this book, I think; to insert his questions, challenging you to find a solution to them. 

The themes addressed here are numerous; the most important theme being whether it's moral to kill any form of being, (in this question, the android) that has feelings. But there are many other themes dealt with: the idea of a religion invented to create or further empathy, the bliss and pain of self-delusion, and many, many other themes.  So if you don't mind having your mind boggled and twisted, go ahead and buy it! (But this book does feature some mature content, mostly presented in a cynical, almost medical, scientific way, but none-the-less unsuitable for young audiences.) 

"X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz, Kekla Magoon (Review)

                                  X: A Novel Book Review  

Story:

Malcolm Little’s parents have always told him that he can achieve anything, but from what he can tell, that's nothing but a pack of lies—after all, his father's been murdered, his mother's been taken away, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer have gotten him laughed out of school. There’s no point in trying, he figures, and lured by the nightlife of Boston and New York, he escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and reefer.But Malcolm’s efforts to leave the past behind lead him into increasingly dangerous territory when what starts as some small-time hustling quickly spins out of control. Deep down, he knows that the freedom he’s found is only an illusion—and that he can't run forever.
X follows Malcolm from his childhood to his imprisonment for theft at age twenty, when he found the faith that would lead him to forge a new path and command a voice that still resonates today.

Review:

I was very excited for this book, but my expectations weren't met. It was definitely well written, with the story flashing back and forth in time, but still, X never really captured the imagination, or gave insights into Malcolm's character; rather, it just gives a more detailed and novelized version of Malcolm's youth, without really lifting off the ground. Some plot points bored me, and I had the uncomfortable feeling that the book was slightly glamorizing Malcolm's depraved, and criminal life. Still, an OK read, which gets 5/10 stars from me, and on Goodreads 2/5. 

"Die Trying" by Lee Child (Review)

               Die Trying Book Review

Basic Info: 

Originally published: July 1998

Author: Lee Child

Preceded by: Killing Floor

Followed by: Tripwire

OCLC: 37546904

Genres: Novel, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery

Review: Violent, excellent Thriller could have been slightly bettered.

Die Trying was slightly different to all the other Reacher thrillers I've read so far, because for the first time, the vulnerable side of Reacher is shown, in a way that I can't tell without giving a spoiler away; let it suffice that for the first time, Reacher actually gets scared. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this adrenaline-filled read, although I have some complaints.

For one, the story focused too much on the FBI people following the kidnapped Reacher and Holly, and my attention wavered a few times. I just want Reacher!

Then the character of Holly was annoying in several scenes; for instance when Reacher tells her not to do something, but she does it anyway, although she regrets it bitterly afterward. And she's a bit of a feminist in my opinion; actually, she's a lot of a feminist!

But still, I really liked this tough, violent ride, and will definitely read more Reachers. My rating is 7/10, or on Goodreads, 3 1/2 stars.

"Persuader" by Lee Child (Review)

                 Persuader Book Review

Basic Info:

Originally published: May 13, 2003Author: Lee ChildPreceded by: Without FailFollowed by: The EnemyGenre: ThrillerNominations: CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger

Review: Brutal, mature thriller pits Reacher against an old enemy.

This Reacher thriller was very good, albeit it had some seriously disgusting violence. I was totally creeped out, until Reacher took care of the bad guy/s, which I'm so grateful for. While they were still alive, I almost had trouble sleeping, but Lee Child knew that the readers would probably want Reacher to seriously hurt the bad guys, which he did, although he took some pretty bad hits too.

Anyway, this time round, Reacher goes undercover for the DEA, to find a missing agent, suspected to be abducted, by a suspected drug dealer. But Reacher is only in for personal reasons, which slowly and gruesomely unravel as the story progresses, driving Reacher inevitably toward the bloody climax.

 

Persuader is narrated in two tenses: the present, where Reacher is undercover, and the past, where Reacher relates the events which led up to his thirst for justice and revenge. The characters are mostly engaging, beside Reacher of course, although I thought that Reacher's romance with the DEA agent was just unnecessary and stupid, but OK. But still, overall, Persuader was an awesome read, and a definite win...9/10 or on Goodreads, 4/5.