Author: Issac Asimov
Plot:
In the future, mankind has perfected the technology of mass producing humanoid robots. Robot servants serve and cook the food. Robot doctors perform surgeries, and scientists use robots to study hazardous environments. Utter compliance and obedience is ensured by the three laws of robotics:
A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction,
allow a human being to come to harm.
A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings,
except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such
protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
In this collection of 18 short stories, author Issac Asimov explores human hubris in assuming simple laws can control a complex intelligence.
Alex's Opinion:
I think this is actually the first sci-fi book I ever read, and I sure got off on the right foot! Asimov is a great (not to mention prolific) writer, often referred to as one of the fathers of science fiction. While i've read a few of his longer novels, I particularly enjoy Asimov's short story writing- he drops you straight into the middle of some situation with no background information, and the writing drives you to understand what is happening, like a mini mystery. Another thing I like is that unlike much of the robot science fiction books of the time, or even currently, the robots aren't evil- more often than not you find yourself rooting for them, encouraging their rebellious streak. The plot ideas are original, and the take away message from each story is thought provoking- often Asimov is trying to demonstrate humanity through the struggles of the various robots.
Who would like it:
This is "hard science fiction", which I enjoy, and is a nice contrast to lighter science fiction like Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (also an excellent book). If you haven't read Asimov or hard science fiction before, but want to try it out, I think this is a great starting point. If you like short story mysteries, reading "Robot Visions" might make a science fiction fan out of you as well! Also a good read for people who like introspective ideas on what it means to be human- because aren't we all just big biological computers?
Read it:
Also, the movie Bicentennial Man
was based on one of the short stories in this book- the lead role, a robot trying to become legally human, is played by Robbin Williams, and he does a great job. Another favorite actor of mine, Will Smith, plays the lead human roll in the movie I, Robot
, which is based on Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics"- another enjoyable movie.
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