This book is a hoot. I remember purchasing it in Benton Harbor, Michigan while Dad was involved with getting parts for the car or something like that, a process which would usually take him hours as he browsed through the hardware stores and auto shops looking for bargains. He had a rusted yellow VW bus then within which I read the story. It was a hot sunny day spent in parking lots.

The first thing that impressed me about the novel was its title. "Simulacrum" was a new word for me, a nice big one which later I looked up though the contexts of its use made its meaning clear enough.

The second thing that impressed me was the idea of several actresses consecutively playing the head of state, the first lady, who went on agelessly while her male consorts, the presidents, passed away, one after another. I hadn't heard of the Great White Goddess yet, but this representation of her had power.

Although I'd read some Dick previously, I don't think I knew it at the time. In any case, this was the first of his books that I thought funny.