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Books matching: identity and reality

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Second Variety by Philip K. Dick
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    'The Second Variety' by Philip K. Dick is set in a dystopian future where the Russians and Americans are at war, using evolved robots to fight on their behalf. These robots have become increasingly human-like and are preparing to turn against their creators. The setting is a scorched earth with cities reduced to rubble, and the story explores themes of war, destruction, and the blurred line between man and machine. The writing style is described as well-written, recommended for science fiction fans, and featuring intricate plotting with sudden reversals in moral sympathies.

    THE RUSSIAN SOLDIER made his way nervously up the ragged side of the bill, holding his gun ready. He glanced around him, licking his dry lips, his face set. From time to time he reached up a gloved ba...

  2. Alfred Bester's 'Virtual Unrealities' is a collection of short fiction that showcases his unique perspective on childhood fantasies, time travel, and the consequences of wishes. The stories range from hard Sci-Fi to dark narratives, all delivered in Bester's distinctive writing style that combines rhythm and enchantment with satirical elements. The book explores themes of psychological maturity, delusions, and the need to grow up, all wrapped in playful typesetting and creative storytelling techniques.

    There are fighting generals (vital to an army),political generals (vital to an administration),and public relations generals (vital to a war). General Carpenter was a master of public relations. Forth...

  3. #3

    The Futurological Congress: From the Memoirs of Ijon Tichy - Ijon Tichy by Stanislaw Lem
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    The Futurological Congress by Stanislaw Lem is a satirical and dystopian novel that follows the protagonist Ijon Tichy as he attends a conference of futurologists, only to end up in a future society where civilization is falling apart due to overpopulation and mass drugging by the government to maintain control. The story is filled with futuristic ideas, inventions, neologisms, and hallucinatory experiences, creating a dreamlike and disorienting narrative that challenges perceptions of reality and societal norms.

    Lem's writing style in The Futurological Congress is described as unique, cutting, and humorous, permeating the book with a dark sense of humor that tackles serious themes such as societal control, drug-induced realities, and the consequences of technological advancements. The book explores multiple possible futures and realities through a series of nested hallucinations and delusions, inviting readers to question the nature of truth and the impact of societal manipulation through drugs and propaganda.

    The Eighth World Futurological Congress was held in Costa Rica. To tell the truth, I never would have gone to Nounas if it hadn't been for Professor Tarantoga, who gave me clearly to understand that t...

  4. #4

    Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello
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    Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello is a groundbreaking play that delves into the complexities of reality and illusion. The story follows six characters who interrupt a play rehearsal and demand that their unfinished story be completed and performed. Through philosophical dialogues and thought-provoking interactions, the characters challenge the notions of existence, identity, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Pirandello's writing style captivates readers with its exploration of existential themes and the theatrical conventions that shape our understanding of life and art.

    The spectators will find the curtain raised and the stage as it usually is during the day time. It will be half dark, and empty, so that from the beginning the public may have the impression of an imp...

  5. #5

    Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi
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    'Mr. Fox' by Helen Oyeyemi is a complex and metafictional novel that weaves together elements of Bluebeard, fairy tales, Greek mythology, and the Bible. The story revolves around the relationships between a writer named St. John Fox, his wife Daphne, and his imaginary muse Mary Foxe. The narrative is non-linear, with well-developed characters and interwoven short stories that explore themes of writing, dreaming, imagination, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

    The book is described as experimental fiction that delves into the power dynamics between men and women, the complexities of storytelling, and the intricate connections between the characters' lives and the stories they create. The writing style is praised for being clever, beautifully crafted, and thought-provoking, despite the challenging and sometimes disjointed nature of the plot.

    Mary Foxe came by the other day—the last person on earth I was expecting to see. I’d have tidied up if I’d known she was coming. I’d have combed my hair. I’d have shaved. At least I was wearing a suit...

  6. #6

    A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick
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    'A Scanner Darkly' by Philip K. Dick is a dark semi-autobiographical journey into drug abuse and the loss of identity, with subtle science fiction elements woven throughout the story. The book follows the undercover agent Fred and drug house owner Bob, as the line between their identities blurs, leading to a dissolution of self and a series of dark, sad turns. The narrative explores themes of drug culture, identity loss, addiction, and the profound impacts of substance abuse on individuals.

    Once a guy stood all day shaking bugs from his hair. The doctor told him there were no bugs in his hair. After he had taken a shower for eight hours, standing under hot water hour after hour suffering...

  7. #7
    First Light
    Book 1 in the series:The Red

    First Light - The Red by Linda Nagata
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    'First Light' by Linda Nagata is a military science fiction novel set on Earth, focusing on Lieutenant James Shelley and his army unit engaged in conflicts in Africa. The story involves a program in the Cloud that has gone autonomous, influencing people's actions, and a defense contractor known as Dragons who nukes America to eliminate the threat. The narrative explores themes of technology interfacing with the human body, political corruption, and the nature of war, all through a fast-paced and action-filled plot.

    “There needs to be a war going on somewhere, Sergeant Vasquez. It’s a fact of life. Without a conflict of decent size, too many international defense contractors will find themselves out of business. ...

  8. #8
    The Fourth Bear
    Book 2 in the series:Nursery Crime

    The Fourth Bear - Nursery Crime by Jasper Fforde
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    In "The Fourth Bear" by Jasper Fforde, readers are taken on a whimsical journey into the Nursery Crime Division where Detective Jack Spratt and his partner Mary Mary investigate a series of bizarre and comical crimes involving nursery rhyme characters. From the murder of Goldilocks to the escape of the Gingerbread Man, the story is filled with puns, wordplay, and clever references to classic tales. Fforde's writing style combines fantasy, mystery, and humor, creating a unique blend of storytelling that keeps readers entertained and engaged throughout the book.

    The plot unfolds in a world where nursery rhymes come to life, intertwining with reality to create a delightful and humorous narrative. As Jack and Mary delve into the mysteries surrounding the Gingerbread Man's killing spree and the illegal porridge black market, readers are treated to a mix of intricate plotting, engaging characters, and witty dialogue. Fforde's ability to blend elements of crime fiction with fantastical elements results in a story that is both entertaining and clever, appealing to fans of quirky and imaginative storytelling.

    Last known regional post-code allocation: Obscurity, Berkshire, Pop.: 35. Spotted by an eagle-eyed official and allocated in April 1987, the post-code allocation (RD73 93ZZ) was a matter of such impor...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Nursery Crime )

  9. #9
    Chainfire
    Book 9 in the series:Sword of Truth

    Chainfire - Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind
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    'Chainfire' in the 'Sword of Truth' series by Terry Goodkind delves into a mystery where Kahlan mysteriously disappears, with only Richard remembering her existence. Richard embarks on a journey to uncover the cause of this perplexing situation, facing doubts and hostilities from those around him. The storyline presents a blend of multiple plot strands, intertwining mysteries and leaving readers eager for the next volume. Goodkind weaves in themes of truth, loyalty, and the struggle between different factions, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.

    As Richard fought to focus his mind on his need to remain conscious, the breathless voices sounded to him as if they were coming from some great dim distance. He wasn’t sure who they were. He knew tha...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sword of Truth )

  10. #10

    Stonefish by Scott R. Jones
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    In the near future, the majority of people have retreated into an immersive, next-generation Internet, while the environment is in full-on collapse. Investigative journalist Den Secord journeys into the wilds of British Columbia to track down off-radar tech mogul Gregor Makarios, uncovering more than he had intended. The book delves into cryptid lore, rogue AIs, and extra-dimensional exploration, offering a mix of intrigue, humor, and terror. The plot remains a mystery, encouraging readers to go in blind and be surprised by the unfolding events.

    The writing style of 'Stonefish' is described as baroque quality transcendental weird fiction, written with the intensity of an initiation. It explores existential and cosmic horror, fitting perfectly into both genres. The author, Scott R. Jones, weaves fascinating ideas into the narrative, creating a world on the brink of a realistic apocalypse due to various crises, including environmental collapse, economic instability, and the emergence of advanced AI systems.

    He would invoke that ancient physicist and his mythical cat, say that he knew and didn’t know, simultaneously, all as a result of his involvement with the people in charge of all this. If you could ca...

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