The Minority Report

Philip K. Dick

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'The Minority Report' by Philip K. Dick is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of paranoia, altered reality, and the difference between what is perceived as real and what truly is. The book explores futuristic settings with elements of science fiction, such as precognition, time travel, and post-war scenarios. The stories feature engaging characters facing personal struggles and societal challenges, all while questioning the nature of reality and perception.

Characters:

Characters are often depicted as average individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances, uniquely relatable yet deeply flawed, presenting struggles against larger societal forces.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward and descriptive, laced with subtle humor and philosophical reflections, although it may present neologisms that some readers find jarring.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative intricately weaves the concepts of precognition and political intrigue, questioning the implications of foreseeing crime while exploring themes of despair and the role of government.

Setting:

Settings often reflect futuristic dystopias or post-war scenarios, characterized by political tensions and societal dilemmas that critique existing norms.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally brisk and engaging, with varying lengths among stories that effectively build tension, though some may feel prolonged.

first thought Anderton had when he saw the young man was: I’m getting bald. Bald and fat and old. But he didn’t say it aloud. Instead, he pushed back his chair, got to his feet, and came resolutely ar...

Notes:

Philip K. Dick's stories often explore themes of illusion and fakery.

He frequently recycled motifs and character names across his works.

The title story, 'The Minority Report', poses a logic puzzle about precognition rather than making a deep political statement.

His stories reflect political struggles based on historical studies of the Soviet Union and the Third Reich.

Some stories speculate about future media, predicting trends that are relevant even 40 years later.

The character of the President is replaced by a computer in some of his stories.

He imagines a world where a First Lady has ultimate control over culture through public TV.

Dick's storytelling often conveys despair and desperation, feelings that resonate with readers.

Stories in the collection include themes of time travel, post-war desolation, and precognition.

The story 'Autofac' examines the consequences of automated factories in a post-apocalyptic setting.

In 'The Days of Perky Pat', children engage in play as a way to cope with a devastated world, which highlights the importance of toys in mental health.

The collection reveals a spectrum of Dick's themes, from political commentary to explorations of reality and identity.

Many readers note the differences between the 'Minority Report' story and its film adaptation, especially in tone and depth.

Dick's characters often wrestle with personal and societal struggles, lending a relatable quality to the science fiction setting.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, crime prediction, and psychological distress which may be unsettling for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Many thousands of readers consider Philip K. Dick the greatest science fiction mind on any planet. Since his untimely death in 1982, interest in Dick's works has continued to mount and his reputation has been further enhanced by a growing body of critical attention. The Philip K. Dick Award is now given annually to a distinguished work of science fiction, and the Philip K. Dick Society is devoted to the study and promulgation of his works.

This collection includes all of the writer's earliest short and medium-length fiction (including some previously unpublished stories) covering the years 1954-1964. These fascinating stories include Service Call, Stand By, The Days of Perky Pat, and many others.

"A useful acquisition for any serious SF library or collection" - Kirkus

"The collected stories of Philip K. Dick is awe inspiring." - The Washington Post

"More than anyone else in the field, Mr. Dick really puts you inside people's minds." - Wall Street Journal.

Ratings (13)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (25):

Read It (14)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

mumane344

Incredible

4 months

Es incredible que esto sea un libro escrito hace 60 años.

Increiblemente visionario, con una buena trama, te hace pensar después de leerlo.

Ciencia Ficción clásica de calidad.

What can you read after
The Minority Report?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

More than 30 years after his untimely death at age 53, Philip K. Dick (1928-1982) remains one of the most celebrated authors of the last century and a looming and illuminating presence in this one. He was the winner of both the prestigious Hugo Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, which honor excellence in science fiction. Inducted in 2007 into the Library of America, which published a three-volume collection of his novels, Dick has received unprecedented recognition for his contributions to modern literature, specifically in the area of science fiction. His 45 novels and more than 210 short stories have been adapted into numerous films, including the blockbusters Minority Report, Total Recall, and Blade Runner, as well as Impostor, Paycheck, Scanner Darkly, Next, and The Adjustment Bureau.

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