Books matching: technology and humanity
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- #1
'The Star' by Arthur C. Clarke is a short story that intertwines concepts of science and faith, leaving a lasting impact on readers. The story explores existential themes, with one reader describing it as "stunningly impactful." Clarke's writing is noted for its brilliance in merging technology and humanity, making his stories thought-provoking and captivating.
It is three thousand light-years to the Vatican. Once, I believed that space could have no power over faith, just as I believed that the heavens declared the glory of God’s handiwork. Now I have seen ... - #2
'Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom' by Cory Doctorow is a futuristic novel set in a world where death has been conquered, and people can back up their consciousness. The story revolves around a society where wealth is measured by respect, and Disney World is a central location. The plot involves a murder mystery and a battle for ownership of different rides in the theme park, all set in a unique milieu where the internet and subculture play significant roles. Doctorow's writing style is described as futuristic, exploring a world where want has been eradicated, and people interact based on a reputation system called 'Whuffie.'
My girlfriend was 15 percent of my age, and I was old-fashioned enough that it bugged me. Her name was Lil, and she was second-generation Disney World, her parents being among the original ad-hocracy ... - #3
"Burning Chrome" by William Gibson is a collection of short stories that define the subgenre of cyberpunk science fiction. The stories feature tech-savvy characters engaging in hacking, heists, and questionable behavior in a near-future dystopian setting. The writing style is described as gritty, real, and filled with sensory details that create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
Mercifully, the whole thing is starting to fade, to be-come an episode. When I do still catch the odd glimpse, it’s peripheral; mere fragments of mad-doctor chrome, confining themselves to the corner ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sprawl ) - #4
Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan is a futuristic noir thriller set in a world where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred to different bodies. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, an ex UN envoy who is hired to investigate a suspicious suicide, leading him into a complex murder mystery. The book explores themes of power, immortality, and societal inequality in a gritty, cyberpunk setting. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and reminiscent of classic hardboiled detective novels, with a focus on action and intricate world-building.
In the Envoy Corps they teach you to let go before storage. Stick it in neutral and float. It’s the first lesson and the trainers drill it into you from day one. Hard-eyed Virginia Vidaura, dancer’s b... - #5
'Bolo!' in the series 'Bolo' by David Weber is a collection of stories that revolve around the theme of war, rebuilding societies, and the role of sentient war machines known as Bolos. The stories depict the Bolos as near-sentient tanks that play a crucial part in the post-apocalyptic world, working alongside survivors of different races to rebuild their planet after a devastating war. The author, David Weber, is praised for his masterful storytelling, creating a universe where the Bolos are not just machines but characters with humanistic characteristics.
Death came to the planet Ishark in the two hundred and eighth year of the Final War and the one hundred and sixty-seventh year of Operation Ragnarok. It came aboard the surviving ships of the XLIII Co...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bolo ) - #6
'Iron Hand' in the series 'The Silent Order' by Jonathan Moeller is a space adventure story set in a vast human system where aliens exist but aren't the focus. The protagonist, Captain March, is a reformed elite soldier called an Iron Hand who now works as a field operative of the Silent Order of Calaskar. March is sent on a mission to rescue nobles from the hive mind's agents, a malevolent machine intelligence that seeks to conquer and assimilate all in its path. The story is filled with action scenes, twists, and a hero with special skills, all set in a futuristic sci-fi world with believable technology aspects.
- #7
'Space Is Just a Starry Night' by Tanith Lee is a collection of science fiction stories that effortlessly change shapes and become fantasy, horror, erotica, and philosophical ruminations, all while wearing robes of science fiction. The stories vacillate between sci-fi, fantasy, quasi-religious, and horror genres, each related or about a central theme, with some being love stories or taking on old myths and folk tales for a new perspective. The writing style is described as odd and unsettling, with descriptive imagery that is unusual but luminous with color, texture, and feeling. The plots range from dystopian futures, cryptic fantasies, and transformation stories to biblical alien invasions and futuristic vampire tales, all with unexpected twists and thought-provoking themes.
This world’s a pleasure planet. It has many and various attractions. The Nightfair is only one. Here there are spinning wheels of yellow sparks against the dusk, and glimmering neon ghost towers ringi... - #8
'Zero K' by Don DeLillo is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of life, death, and immortality. The story follows Jeffrey Lockhart, who is summoned by his billionaire father to a compound in Russia where people can choose to be cryogenically preserved. The narrative explores the existential questions surrounding what it means to be alive, the boundaries of life extension through technology, and the blurred lines between faith and science. DeLillo's writing style is characterized by intricate language, philosophical musings, and a mix of speculative fiction and contemporary realism, creating a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
This is what my father said, standing by the contoured windows in his New York office—private wealth management, dynasty trusts, emerging markets. We were sharing a rare point in time, contemplative, ... Mirrorshades: The Cyberpunk Anthology is a collection of cyberpunk stories that delve into themes of body invasion, mind invasion, and the human condition. The anthology includes a variety of stories that showcase prosthetic limbs, brain-computer interfaces, artificial intelligence, and genetic alteration, all redefining the nature of humanity. The writing style of the book is described as capturing a wide range of stories, each different from the other but tonally similar, featuring augmented soldiers, techno rockers, time-traveling historians, and surprising elements like gargoyles and merfolk. The book is praised for its nostalgic and moving qualities, with stories that grip readers and leave a lasting impression.
Scarcely any writer is happy about labels—especially one with the peculiar ring of "cyberpunk." Literary tags carry an odd kind of double obnoxiousness: those with a label feel pigeonholed; those with...- #10
'The Electric State' by Simon Stalenhag is a visually stunning sci-fi book that immerses readers in an alternate reality set in 1997. The narrative unfolds through eerie and haunting illustrations that are dark, immersive, and demoralizing, enhancing the storytelling experience. The book's plot slowly progresses, revealing a dystopian world where machines from different time periods hint at past wars on US soil, drawing parallels to historical events like the American Civil War, WWII, and Vietnam.
The writing style of 'The Electric State' is praised for its ability to marry nostalgia with expansive world-building, creating a dark and disturbing yet amazing atmosphere. Simon Stalenhag's attention to detail in his artwork, from scenery to characters, textures, and light sources, adds depth to the narrative, making the universe he presents feel intrinsically tied to reality. The book's ending is described as abrupt and open-ended, leaving readers wanting more and sparking discussions on forums to fully grasp the narrative and technology presented.