Books Like...
'Total Recall' by Philip K. Dick seems to be a thought-provoking and mind-bending book that explores themes of reality, memory manipulation, and identity. The book is noted for its inspiration for the movie adaptation, which delves into the concept of altering memories and questioning the nature of reality. Readers find the storytelling intriguing and engaging, with a mix of interesting concepts and unexpected twists that keep them hooked throughout the narrative.
The book is praised for its ability to delve deep into philosophical questions about reality and self-identity, much like the movie adaptation. Readers appreciate the complex and thought-provoking nature of the plot, which challenges the characters and, in turn, the readers to question the boundaries of perception and truth. The writing style is described as immersive, with a blend of science fiction elements and psychological exploration that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact.
If you liked Total Recall, here are the top 80 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'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.
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... 'We Can Remember It for You Wholesale' by Philip K. Dick is a collection of short stories that includes the inspiration behind movies like Total Recall and Blade Runner. The stories are imaginative and unique, often focusing on the aftermath of extreme nuclear war, showcasing the author's range of ideas and thought-provoking narratives. features clever twists similar to those found in episodes of Twilight Zone, reflecting the author's slightly paranoid view of reality and his ability to make readers think about common everyday things in a new way.
- #3
Save:'The Adjustment Bureau' by Philip K. Dick is a short story that follows the protagonist, Ed Fletcher, a real estate agent who misses his reality adjustment due to his talking dog being late with a critical task. This leads Fletcher to witness the fabric of reality split open, revealing a world beyond what he knew. The story incorporates themes of encounters with spiritual beings, religious speculations, and the consequences of having knowledge that is not meant to be shared.
Dick's writing style in this story is reminiscent of an episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE, set firmly in the '50s. The plot unfolds like a mystery, with Fletcher experiencing strange events and ultimately having to make a decision about his newfound knowledge, all while navigating a world controlled by a supernatural entity known as the Adjustment Team.
- #4
Save:In a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been devastated by nuclear war, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with tracking down and 'retiring' rogue androids who have escaped from Mars back to Earth. The novel explores themes of empathy, identity, and the essence of humanity as Deckard grapples with distinguishing between androids and humans in a society where owning real animals is a symbol of status and worth. Dick weaves a dark and thought-provoking narrative that questions what it truly means to be human in a world filled with synthetic beings and dwindling life forms.
The book delves into a dystopian future where technology blurs the lines between real and artificial life, leading readers on a journey that challenges traditional notions of humanity and morality. Through Deckard's internal struggles, the narrative unfolds with a mix of action-packed sequences and philosophical reflections, creating a compelling exploration of the impact of advanced technology on society and individual identity.
A merry little surge of electricity piped by automatic alarm from the mood organ beside his bed awakened Rick Deckard. Surprised—it always surprised him to find himself awake without prior notice—he r... - #5
Save:Philip K. Dick's 'Radio Free Albemuth' delves into a world of parallel universes, paranoia, and a mix of underground politics, theology, and superior aliens. The story revolves around the premise of an alien satellite God broadcasting information to certain individuals on Earth in an attempt to overthrow a US President, drawing parallels to real-life political figures. The narrative explores themes of conspiracy theories, religion, science, and history, all based on Dick's personal experiences and hallucinations, creating a dystopian yet hopeful setting with a touch of autobiographical elements.
My friend Nicholas Brady, who in his own mind helped save the world, was born in Chicago in 1928 but then moved right to California. Most of his life was spent in the Bay Area, especially in Berkeley.... - #6
Save:'A Scanner Darkly' by Philip K. Dick is a dark semi-autobiographical journey into drug abuse and the loss of identity, with subtle science fiction elements woven throughout the story. The book follows the undercover agent Fred and drug house owner Bob, as the line between their identities blurs, leading to a dissolution of self and a series of dark, sad turns. The narrative explores themes of drug culture, identity loss, addiction, and the profound impacts of substance abuse on individuals.
Once a guy stood all day shaking bugs from his hair. The doctor told him there were no bugs in his hair. After he had taken a shower for eight hours, standing under hot water hour after hour suffering... "The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch" by Philip K. Dick is a mind-bending science fiction novel set in the late 21st century where Earth is plagued by extreme global warming. The story follows characters who escape their bleak reality through a hallucinogenic drug called Can-D, which transports them into a fantasy world centered around a game called Perky Pat. When a new, more addictive drug called Chew-Z is introduced by the mysterious Palmer Eldritch, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, leading to a complex, reality-bending nightmare. Dick's writing style is described as rich in ideas, unnerving, and capable of delivering a wild ride that challenges the reader to question what is real and what is fantasy.
His head unnaturally aching, Barney Mayerson woke to find himself in an unfamiliar bedroom in an unfamiliar conapt building. Beside him, the covers up to her bare, smooth shoulders, an unfamiliar girl...- #8
Save:'The Golden Man' by Philip K. Dick is a thought-provoking short story that explores themes of human evolution, precognition, and the consequences of being different in a future society. The story follows a mutant with precognition powers who is able to see the near future, leading to both fascination and fear from those around him. The plot delves into the dark side of a society where the different are easily eliminated, offering a glimpse into a future where the present is the future for the golden man.
Philip K. Dick's writing style in 'The Golden Man' is characterized by his flowing text, imaginative storytelling, and knack for delivering plot twists near the end. The story engages readers with its exploration of time, perception, and the allure of the golden man, all while leaving them with a logical twist that showcases Dick's unique perspective on human nature and societal norms.
“Is it always hot like this?” the salesman demanded. He addressed everybody at the lunch counter and in the shabby booths against the wall. A middle-aged fat man with a good-natured smile, rumpled gra... - #9
Save:In "Solar Lottery" by Philip K. Dick, the story is set in the year 2023 where the world ruler is chosen randomly through a game controlled by the Quizmaster. The plot revolves around Ted Bentley, who unknowingly gets involved in a scheme to assassinate the new Quizmaster, Leon Cartwright, orchestrated by the previous Quizmaster, Reese Verrick. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, introducing elements of a futuristic society, telepaths, and a complex system of governance designed to outsmart human failings. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and blends old and new elements to create a world that feels both familiar and unique, reflecting societal issues and human nature.
There had been harbingers. Early in May of 2203, news-machines were excited by a flight of white crows over Sweden. A series of unexplained fires demolished half the Oiseau-Lyre Hill, a basic industri... - #10
Save:"Galactic Pot-Healer" by Philip K. Dick follows the story of Joe Fernwright, a pot healer living in a dystopian future Earth who is chosen by an alien named Glimmung to join a team of specialists on a distant planet to raise a cathedral dedicated to oceanic gods. The plot is described as iffy, the dialogue terrible, and the character development non-existent, leading to mixed opinions on the overall quality of the book. Despite the unconventional storyline and writing style, the book explores themes of meaninglessness, free will versus predestination, and the interaction between advanced technology and alien mythology.
His father had been a pot-healer before him. And so he, too, healed pots, in fact any kind of ceramic ware left over from the Old Days, before the war, when objects had not always been made out of pla...
