01/2008 Winner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Phillip K. Dick

GWC Community Book Club Winning Nominees and Polls
#21

I just finished the book a few moments ago. Wow, excellent novel. I stumbled a little bit in the first few pages as Dick basically crams the entire context of the world, Mercerism, “Emotion Boxes”, Buster Friendly, World War Terminus and the animal fetish of this brave new world into three pages.

Although I kept reflecting on the movie I enjoyed this book far more once I completely separated the book from the film in my mind. My recent viewing of “I am Legend” contributed to the experience as having the image of a completely desolate cityscape in my mind made the descriptions of the decaying apartment buildings come alive.

[spoiler]I understand why Dick uses Mercerism, but I had trouble with the execution of the idea. The ending of him “fusing with Mercer” baffled me…finding the electric toad in the desert…I assume that this whole element is meant to represent Deckard’s achieving empathy…but I would love to hear other thoughts on this.[/spoiler]

My favorite part of the book has to be when Deckard is taken in as a android to the false police station. For a moment I actually believed that perhaps the entire story was about to get turned on its head and the Deckard was an android who had gone a little off the rails.

All in all…great book. I am not sure I agree with the idea that the book and the movie can exist in the same universe. The bleak radioactive desolation of the book stands in stark contrast to the polluted overcrowded world of Blade Runner.

#22

I like this bit from chapter 8:

“it was an odd sensation, knowing intellectually that they were machines, but emotionally reacting anyhow”

Is that Deckard or Baltar thinking that? :wink:

Small request: even though this is a 1968 book, please use spoiler tags – I’m only about half-way through! :slight_smile:

#23

Sorry if I spoiled any of the book for you Mike P. I went back and put spoiler tags on my post. Once again, sorry; I feel like an ass now.

#24

No, don’t feel that way… just a friendly reminder. No biggie. :slight_smile:

#25

I liked the book, BUT is it just me, or are all of the characters not particularly memorable or engaging? I think the best was book-Rachel, whom I didn’t particularly like, but thought was an interesting character. Maybe Deckard’s lack of personality is intentional. Nobody in the book is on par with Rutger Hauer’s Roy Baty.

RE: Deckard finding that thing in that place (I don’t know how to do spoiler tags), Solai seems right: Maybe it represents his achieving empathy.

#26

I went to a second bookstore looking for the andriod/sheep book, but since they didn’t have it, I picked up a different Dick book entitled “The Penultimate Truth” in Chuck’s honor. I should send it to him after I’m done.

— Dismal the reader

#27

I don’t know, I thought Isidore was kind of a memorable and striking character. A very convincing portrait of a desperately lonely person. It rang really true to me (not that I consider myself desperately lonely, mind! <g>)

#28

Yeah, you’re right: Him too.

#29

I finally found a copy of the book last night… I’ve only just started, but I’m really enjoying it. Maybe I’m just not observent, but I didn’t realize Blade Runner took place after a massive world war, and that’s why that simple guy lived in an empty appartment building, and why the facination with fake animals, like the owl and snake.

— Dismal the reader

#30

I so wish I could join in, I have just found this place after randomly coming across the podcast. Unfortunately, I have to read boring papers instead so I can try and finish writing my thesis :frowning:

#31

Everyone needs a break from time to time. :slight_smile:

#32

Pixielass – Welcome! Participate as much as you can. I randomly found the podcast too almost a year ago - this is a great community and forum, so stick around (especially when you need thesis-writing breaks!) :slight_smile:

#33

Thanks guys, any excuse to procrastinate :slight_smile: At least I can listen to the podcasts at the same time as thesis stuff

#34

…speaking from experience, a quick visit to the forum is a great way to clear your head. AND procrastinate.

#35

Again, you’re right. A week after I’ve finished the book, J.F.I. is the one character that has stuck with me. But again, overall, I dug the book.

#36

I don’t want to go too far off topic, but the Blade Runner directors cut brief case set rocks! I picked it up today–last one in the store. It was kind of expensive, and I will probably end up living on Ramen Noodles for a few weeks, but it was worth buying! Its not just that the movie that is visually cleaned up that’s interesting, but all the extras give a fascinating look into both the book and movie.

#37

If you don’t want the briefcase and unicorn and other frills, I think Barnes & Noble has all the same content from the fancy set for $25 or so.

Not criticizing your purchase, Lucky! Just letting folks know there is another option out there. Me, I will probably just rent the “final cut” from Netflix (albeit there is a long wait).

#38

Yeah I know, I resisted the urge to buy it when I was in the store, but the voices told me to get it. I normally don’t go that overboard when I buy DVDs, but it has been worth every penny. Can you still get the making of features if you order it off netflick?

#39

If we don’t get some more chatter about the books here, I’m afraid the hosts may have to consider mandatory pop quizzes and book reports.

I got the Blade Runner set for Xmas, and my girl got a My Little Pony… which I just noticed is actually a unicorn. Should I read into that?

I know, the unicorn wasn’t in the book…

#40

That I don’t know. Usually Netflix lets you add bonus material disks, so I would expect so.