Books matching: obsession with technology
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- #1
Save:A sharp, darkly funny tech satire that's as unsettling as it is entertaining - perfect for those who love their sci-fi with a heavy dose of weird and thought-provoking humor.
'Machine Man' by Max Barry is a darkly funny and clever novel that follows the story of Charlie Neumann, a misfit mechanical engineer who loses his leg in an accident and decides to build his own replacement. Thrilled with the result, Charlie becomes obsessed with replacing more and more of his body with superior mechanical parts, leading to unforeseen consequences. The book satirizes society's dependence on technology and explores the ethical dilemmas of enhancing the human body to extremes, all while maintaining a quirky and introspective writing style that keeps the reader engaged.
AS A boy, I wanted to be a train. I didn’t realize this was unusual—that other kids played with trains, not as them. They liked to build tracks and have trains not fall off them. Watch them go through...2008•285 pages - #2
Save:A polarizing and utterly Cronenbergian literary debut: grotesque, inventive, and intensely weird - perfect for his fans, but probably too out there for the uninitiated or those seeking a tidy conclusion.
Consumed by David Cronenberg is a provocative and bizarre tale exploring themes of obsession, technology, and sexuality. The plot follows two journalists, Naomi and Nathan, as they delve into a global conspiracy surrounding the death of a French philosopher's wife. The narrative weaves together disturbing details of cannibalism, sexual deviance, and dark thoughts, all portrayed through a writing style that is described as both compelling and strangely beautiful.
NAOMI WAS IN THE SCREEN. Or, more exactly, she was in the apartment in the QuickTime window in the screen, the small, shabby, scholarly apartment of Célestine and Aristide Arosteguy. She was there, si...September 2014•319 pages - #3
Save:A smart, challenging exploration of rationality versus fate - unsettling at times, but deeply rewarding for those seeking a cerebral (and classic) literary experience.
"Homo Faber" by Max Frisch follows the story of Walter Faber, an engineer working for UNESCO, who embarks on a journey to Latin America for a work project. Through a series of coincidences and encounters, Walter's belief in a rational world is shaken, leading him to a young woman named Sabeth with whom he falls in love. The novel delves into themes of modern man's failure in a society driven by science and rationality, showcasing Walter's transformation and realization of the limitations of his worldview. The plot unfolds through a mix of stream of consciousness narrative and flashbacks, slowly revealing the consequences of Walter's choices.
We were leaving from La Guardia Airport, New York, three hours late because of snow storms. Our plane, as usual on this route, was a Super Constellation. Since it was night, I immediately prepared to...1957•236 pages - #4
Save:A smart, funny, and disturbing vision of the near future - equal parts satire and warning shot. Loved by some, loathed by others, but definitely a conversation starter.
In 'Super Sad True Love Story' by Gary Shteyngart, readers are taken on a journey through a dystopian future America where materialism, social media, and global financial crises shape the society. The novel follows the love story between an aging protagonist, Lenny, and a materialistic young woman, Eunice, as they navigate a world obsessed with technology and consumerism. The writing style incorporates a mix of diary entries, text messages, and chat logs to provide a glimpse into the characters' inner thoughts and relationships, offering a satirical commentary on modern life and relationships.
Others will die around me. They will be nullified. Nothing of their personality will remain. The light switch will be turned off. Their lives, their entirety, will be marked by glossy marble headstone...July 2010•394 pages - #5
Save:A classic of weird sci-fi and brutal satire - bleak, bizarre, and totally unique. Worth a try if you like your fiction bold and bracing.
'Moderan' by David R. Bunch is a collection of linked short stories that serve as fables, delving into a dystopian future world known as Moderan. The stories explore a society dominated by men who are part flesh and part futuristic metal, driven by a perpetual desire for war, conquest, and total domination. Through a satirical lens, the author critiques the hubris, vanity, and denial of the leaders in High Cold War America, as well as the destruction of the natural world. Bunch's unique writing style incorporates a distinct vocabulary and sentence rhythm, creating a world where technology and dehumanization reign supreme.
FLESH seemed doomed that year; death’s harpies were riding down. The once-beautiful, sweet and life-sustaining air was tinged with poison now, and man drank at his peril from the streams that had once...1971•267 pages - #6
Save:Smart, darkly funny, and loaded with existential angst - Ferris's offbeat exploration of faith, belonging, and online identity is worth checking out if you enjoy witty character studies and don't mind getting a little lost in the weeds.
'To Rise Again at a Decent Hour' by Joshua Ferris follows the story of Paul O'Rourke, a New York dentist who discovers someone impersonating him online, leading him to question his identity and beliefs. The book delves into themes of religion, identity, loneliness, and the impact of social media on one's sense of self. Ferris weaves together humor, introspection, and mystery as Paul navigates through a series of bizarre events, including an encounter with a fringe religion and a deep dive into Jewish history.
The writing style of the book is described as a mix of humor, wit, and introspection, with long sentences and paragraphs that can be initially challenging but eventually draw readers into the story. Ferris' ability to create complex and relatable characters, particularly the protagonist Paul O'Rourke, is highlighted, as well as his skill in blending comedy with deeper explorations of human emotions and relationships.
THE MOUTH IS A weird place. Not quite inside and not quite out, not skin and not organ, but something in between: dark, wet, admitting access to an interior most people would rather not contemplate—wh...May 2014•352 pages - #7
Save:A short, thought-provoking classic - at once eerie, smart, and quietly moving. Even if the twist is easy to spot, the questions it raises and the mood it creates make it well worth your time.
'The Invention of Morel' by Adolfo Bioy Casares is a novella set on an imaginary, nameless island where a criminal fugitive hides from its inhabitants. The story unfolds as the narrator falls in love with a mysterious woman named Faustine and uncovers the eternal secret that binds all to the island. The book delves into themes of love, immortality, and the blurred lines between reality and unreality, all while maintaining a sense of mystery and suspense. The writing style is described as clever, eerie, and reminiscent of early science fiction, with flashes of inspiration that keep the reader engaged throughout the tale.
ArOUND 1880 Stevenson noted that the adventure story was regarded as an object of scorn by the British reading public, who believed that the ability to write a novel without a plot, or with an infinit...1940•108 pages - #8
Save:Shocking, unsettling, and brilliantly written - or just too much for some. "Crash" is a modern classic if you want to be challenged and disturbed, but absolutely not for everyone.
'Crash' by J.G. Ballard delves into the disturbing world of a group of individuals brought together by their sexual fascination with car crashes. Set in West London, the book intricately weaves together scenes of eroticism stemming from automobile collisions, juxtaposed with explicit and somewhat repulsive sexual encounters. The narrative explores the interplay between technology and sexuality, portraying characters as psychological mechanisms navigating a world dominated by machines and perverse desires.
The novel presents a dark and perverse exploration of the dehumanization of modern society, where characters derive sexual pleasure from staging and participating in extreme car accidents. Ballard's writing style is graphic and violent, with a focus on the grotesque details of the characters' obsessions with car crashes, leading to a climax of macabre ecstasy amidst broken metal, glass, and bodily secretions.
I BEGAN to understand the real excitements of the car-crash after my first meeting with Vaughan. Propelled on a pair of scarred and uneven legs repeatedly injured in one or other vehicle collision, th...1973•264 pages - #9
Save:A dark, chilling thriller with techno-horror vibes and a twisted killer - great for fans of gritty suspense, but the romance and resolution may not wow everyone. Definitely recommended for those who like their stories scary and intense!
'Webcam' by J.A. Konrath is a thrilling tale that follows Detective Tom Mankowski as he investigates the mysterious deaths of webcam models, particularly those named Kendall. The killer, known as The Snipper, targets these women and inflicts gruesome torture upon them. The story delves into the psychological implications of the crimes, the twisted motives of the killer, and the race against time to catch him before more lives are lost. With a mix of suspense, horror, and a touch of romance, the plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring themes of fear, obsession, and the dark side of human nature.
The writing style of J.A. Konrath in 'Webcam' is described as captivating and engaging, with hidden twists that keep readers guessing. seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines, including the killer's perspective, the detective's investigation, and the personal struggles of the characters. Through vivid descriptions and shocking revelations, the author creates a chilling atmosphere that immerses readers in a world of fear and suspense.
2016•304 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Konrath Dark Thriller Collective ) - #10
Save:A mind-expanding, beautifully written showcase of Ballard’s unique genius. Intense, immersive, and ideal for those craving stories that make you think.
The Complete Short Stories by J.G. Ballard is a collection of mind-bending and thought-provoking short stories that delve into themes such as time, consumerism, capitalism, and human obsessions. Ballard's writing style is described as vivid, insane, and masterful, transporting readers into a world where reality and fiction blur. The stories are characterized by their exploration of subliminal advertising, the concept of time, and the impact of technology on individuals.
By midnight Madame Gioconda's headache had become intense. All day the derelict walls and ceiling of the sound stage had reverberated with the endless din of traffic accelerating across the mid-town f...2001•784 pages
