Questions About I, Robot (Robot, #0.1)

by Isaac Asimov

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Answered Questions (16)

Should I read this book?

Jitka Egressy definetely yes. It's short - so don't worry. …moredefinetely yes. It's short - so don't worry. (less)

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Can this be read as separate short stories, or is it necessary to read all nine stories, in order, to appreciate this book?

Canavan They can be read separately without losing much, but it’s better to read them sequentially since later stories often reference both characters and eve…moreThey can be read separately without losing much, but it’s better to read them sequentially since later stories often reference both characters and events found in the earlier ones.(less)

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How does this compare to the movie?

Rick They are almost completely different. First of all; the book, I Robot, is not a novel but 9 short stories that are tied together with a forward for ea…moreThey are almost completely different. First of all; the book, I Robot, is not a novel but 9 short stories that are tied together with a forward for each story by Dr. Susan Calvin in which she analyzes what has/will happen in each story. I believe this narrative was added for the book as these stories were originally published in a SciFi magazine in the 40's and 50's.

I Robot established the Three Laws of Robotics and the major theme of the stories are questions as to the effectiveness and problems created by the Laws. All are somewhat interesting although several will appear to be quite silly by today's SciFI standards.

The plot of the movie (which I enjoyed) has no real connection with the book except in the theme of the Three Laws and their efficacy and unforeseen negative consciences.

(Spoilers) Most of the movie has no deviation from this theme until you find that there is a Super Computer (VIKI) controlling the Robots and it has discovered the 0th Law. This law was discovered by a robot in the novel "Robots and Empire' although it is hinted upon in the last story of I, Robot; "The Evitable Conflict" and there are some similar ideas in the movie from the story "Little Lost Robot".(less)

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Is this book suitable for teenager?

Jared Yes it is. I can't think of anything that would be 'too mature' for teenagers.…moreYes it is. I can't think of anything that would be 'too mature' for teenagers.(less)

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Is this first book of Robot series?

Kelly Yes. It's technically a short story collection, with 9 short stories all loosely interconnected, but it is the first in Asimov's Robot series both chr…moreYes. It's technically a short story collection, with 9 short stories all loosely interconnected, but it is the first in Asimov's Robot series both chronologically and in terms of publication order. (less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

This book doesn't describe itself as being short stories but many people say that's what it is (which is fine). I felt that all the stories kind of tied into one another EXCEPT for the first story. Does anyone know how that one was related to the others?

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