A few weeks ago, while scrounging for online deals, I found a really good deal on the 5-disc Collector's Edition of Bladerunner, the classic 80s sci-fi masterpiece remastered and updated by Ridley Scott for Blu-ray. Of course, like any good sci-fi geek who was born in the 80s, I ordered it. I decided that as I waited for the delivery I would pick up a used copy of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, the Philip K. Dick novel upon which the movie is based.
The book is a testament to late 60s early 70s sci-fi in its overarching theme. From the androids that Rick Deckard is tasked to hunt to the electric animals that people keep as status symbols to the machines that alter mood and offer a type of religious experience, the encroachment of technology on humanity is paramount. In fact, the novel seems to hinge on the humanity of the humans/androids Deckard encounters on his search for his own humanity.For sci-fi lovers, this is a great read, as are many of Philip K. Dick's novels and short stories. For the casual reader, though, this may not be the best choice. Much of the technology could be unbelievable for some and the liberties Dick takes with assumptions of prior knowledge could be troublesome. Personally, though, I loved it.
4/5 Stars
--D
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