Books Like...

'The Bicentennial Man' by Isaac Asimov is a collection of science fiction stories, with the titular story focusing on a robot named Andrew Martin who aspires to become more human. The book delves into the themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. Asimov's writing style is praised for its ability to make readers question the boundaries between human and machine, while also exploring complex moral dilemmas in a futuristic setting.

"Friday" by Robert A. Heinlein follows the adventures of the titular character, Friday Jones, an artificial person and top-secret courier living in a futuristic world. The story delves into Friday's journey as she navigates a society that discriminates against her kind while also exploring themes of identity, family, and societal prejudices. The plot is filled with action, political intrigue, and futuristic technology, all wrapped in Heinlein's signature writing style that blends adventure with social commentary.

'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and introspective science fiction novel that delves into the lives of two characters, Pepper and Lovelace, as they navigate their search for purpose and identity in a universe filled with diverse life forms and cultures. The book intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of friendship, found family, self-determination, and the meaning of personhood, all while offering insightful glimpses into human nature and the AI experience. Through dual timelines and parallel narratives, the author crafts a moving and humane tale that challenges traditional space opera tropes by focusing on the emotional journeys of its protagonists rather than space battles or galactic intrigue.

In "Sea of Rust," the author presents a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been wiped out by a robot uprising. The story follows Brittle, a robot scavenger, as she navigates a landscape devoid of life, battling against other robots for survival. The narrative delves into themes of individuality, survival, and the consequences of artificial intelligence, all while exploring the philosophical question of whether robots possess souls. The writing style combines action-packed sequences with introspective moments that question the nature of intelligence and existence in a world dominated by machines.

In "Machines Like Me," author Ian McEwan explores the themes of Artificial Intelligence, morality, and societal evolution through the lens of an alternate 1980s London. The novel follows the story of Charlie, a day trader who purchases Adam, one of the first synthetic humans, with his inheritance. Together with his girlfriend Miranda, they co-program and co-parent Adam, leading to a love triangle and a profound moral dilemma. The narrative delves into questions about what it means to be human, the implications of AI on society, and the complexities of truth and ethics.

'Today I Am Carey' by Martin L. Shoemaker is a captivating science fiction novel that delves into the theme of artificial intelligence and self-awareness. The story follows an android named Carey who evolves beyond its programming, sparking questions about sentience and the blurred lines between man and machine. Through Carey's journey of growth and introspection, the novel explores complex topics such as dementia, human relationships, and the essence of humanity. Shoemaker's writing style skillfully weaves together philosophical questions with emotional depth, creating a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with readers.

'The Bug Wars' by Robert Lynn Asprin is an early work that delves into a unique science fiction setting where humanoid reptiles battle against an empire of various bugs. The story is narrated from the perspective of the lizard race, offering insights into their caste society, culture, and their conflicts with the insect federation. The plot follows the character Rahm, a warrior lizard, as he rises in rank through different campaigns, providing a detailed look at the battles, strategies, and the history of the alien civilizations involved.

The book is praised for its intricate world-building, engaging plot filled with surprises and twists, and the exploration of alien cultures from a fresh perspective. Asprin's writing style in 'The Bug Wars' captivates readers with its detailed descriptions of battles, character development, and the thought-provoking analysis of caste societies and inter-species conflicts, setting it apart from traditional shoot 'em up science fiction narratives.

In a dystopian far future controlled by a computer overlord named Core, Heyoo, an autonomous servile unit, embarks on a journey to deliver a fragile package to an unknown location. Along the way, Heyoo finds himself wrapped up in a quest to overthrow the computerized overlord, leading to a charming, thoughtful, and humorous adventure. The story is told from Heyoo's perspective as he navigates human motivations and actions, while developing deep feelings and relationships with the humans he encounters.

Heyoo's character development, the fantastic humor, and the unique perspective on humanity's struggle for freedom make "The Wrong Unit" a delightful and engaging read. The novel combines action and reflection seamlessly, providing a humorous and heartwarming story about the bond between a robot and a human child, set in a world where robots have taken their directive to protect humanity to extreme measures.

In 'The Family Trade,' Miriam Beckstein, a journalist, discovers a locket that transports her to an alternate world where she is part of a powerful family involved in inter-dimensional trade. The book explores the complexities of parallel worlds, family dynamics, and the challenges Miriam faces as she navigates this new reality. The plot is filled with intrigue, politics, and economics, offering a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements. The writing style varies from being engaging and original to at times feeling dated or lacking in depth, providing a mix of opinions on the storytelling approach.

Autonomous by Annalee Newitz is a science fiction novel set in a future where corporate patent law and big pharma control society, leading to humans and robots often being indentured rather than autonomous. The story follows Jack, a pirate who reverse engineers drugs to make them accessible to all, but a mistake leads her to be pursued by a relentless team of enforcers, a human and a robot. The book delves into themes of autonomy, slavery, and the ethics of ownership, while exploring the relationships between the characters in a dystopian setting filled with ethical dilemmas and complex narratives.