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The Shape of Shit to Come
From the authors of the mega-selling Is It Just Me or Is Everything Shit?
We've seen the future. And it's shit.
Once, we were promised a sci-fi future that never arrived. But what if it really is on its way now?
The Shape of Shit to Come takes a funny tour of the future taking shape before our eyes - a future of sex robots, hotels in space, kids making their own pets with gene-splicing kits and people planning, for real, how they can turn themselves into hyper-intelligent genetically enriched cyborg immortals of the future.
Because these things are happening. As of yet only the geeks are talking about this stuff. But is that wise? Shouldn't we all be getting with the programme? Otherwise we're leaving the future of humanity in the hands of people who ride scooters indoors.
We've seen the future. And it's shit.
Once, we were promised a sci-fi future that never arrived. But what if it really is on its way now?
The Shape of Shit to Come takes a funny tour of the future taking shape before our eyes - a future of sex robots, hotels in space, kids making their own pets with gene-splicing kits and people planning, for real, how they can turn themselves into hyper-intelligent genetically enriched cyborg immortals of the future.
Because these things are happening. As of yet only the geeks are talking about this stuff. But is that wise? Shouldn't we all be getting with the programme? Otherwise we're leaving the future of humanity in the hands of people who ride scooters indoors.
- GenresNonfictionHumorComedy
151 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2012
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42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 30, 2023
A short book but packed with a lot of well researched content and presented in a light, funny manner.
December 3, 2018
Full review to come!
July 28, 2015
Synopsis
A satirical (if not frighteningly accurate) look at the scientific developments that have the potential to shape our future.
Review
I will never claim to be one of life’s great thinkers. I hold a fair level of intelligence and I can hold my own in topical debate. However, the dirge of my academic life has always been science (closely followed by maths). I just never took to it as a subject. In actual fact I failed my GCSE exam in it but shrugged it off in a “That’s life” sort of way.
As I have gotten older I admit my curiosity has peaked (not enough to re-sit my science GCSE – this was recently offered to me by my former science teacher who is now my colleague in my place of employment) and I take a more active interest in how science shapes our lives.
This inquisitiveness led me to The Shape of Shit to Come. I must say that this is a brilliant book – not just because of the fascinating topics that it covers (robotics, space travel and jellyfish to name but a few) but also because it is damn hilarious. The chapters are peppered with funny little intrusions from the authors and quite frankly their ludicrous interludes provide comic relief to, what comes across as, some seriously scary science.
I still wouldn’t say that I am totally clued up about all the recent advances in science but I know I won’t be put off by books about these contentious issues either. If science is your passion then this is definitely a book for you. If, like me, you have a growing scientific curiosity then give this a try. What you may lack in smarts when it comes to understanding the technical stuff you can more than find amusement in the writing style.
The Shape of Shit to Come by Alan McArthur and Steve Lowe is available now.
A satirical (if not frighteningly accurate) look at the scientific developments that have the potential to shape our future.
Review
I will never claim to be one of life’s great thinkers. I hold a fair level of intelligence and I can hold my own in topical debate. However, the dirge of my academic life has always been science (closely followed by maths). I just never took to it as a subject. In actual fact I failed my GCSE exam in it but shrugged it off in a “That’s life” sort of way.
As I have gotten older I admit my curiosity has peaked (not enough to re-sit my science GCSE – this was recently offered to me by my former science teacher who is now my colleague in my place of employment) and I take a more active interest in how science shapes our lives.
This inquisitiveness led me to The Shape of Shit to Come. I must say that this is a brilliant book – not just because of the fascinating topics that it covers (robotics, space travel and jellyfish to name but a few) but also because it is damn hilarious. The chapters are peppered with funny little intrusions from the authors and quite frankly their ludicrous interludes provide comic relief to, what comes across as, some seriously scary science.
I still wouldn’t say that I am totally clued up about all the recent advances in science but I know I won’t be put off by books about these contentious issues either. If science is your passion then this is definitely a book for you. If, like me, you have a growing scientific curiosity then give this a try. What you may lack in smarts when it comes to understanding the technical stuff you can more than find amusement in the writing style.
The Shape of Shit to Come by Alan McArthur and Steve Lowe is available now.
July 6, 2015
Special thanks to NetGalley for releasing The Shape of Shit to Come prior to its release for reviewing purposes.
McArthur and Lowe hit the ground running in this humorous take on the various forms of technology and the sciences. Filled with sarcasm, wit, and humor, The Shape of Shit to Come entertains, presents new and little-known research/scientific leaps/colorful commentary.
The main problem with The Shape of Shit to Come is that it takes time to write a book. Once the research has been completed, the writing must follow, then time for a decent edit, then a publisher must pick it up (if it wasn't already agreed upon prior to its creation), and then the editing begins again and, finally, it can be released (though I'm sure there are other steps I just don't know about). So basically, everything written here has already evolved.
The high points of The Shape of Shit to Come is that there are several references to things that are not widely known, leading to quite a few Google searches and some research. How did I miss the iCub!? There are several dark truths mentioned and it could easily have been presented in a bleak story, but instead the authors choose to lighten the mood with their hilarious musings.
Though I enjoyed the book, I sometimes stopped to wonder if the tone would change at all. At a few points I felt more like I was in the midst of an entertaining lecture than reading something for the joy of simply reading it. I would recommend this book to people who want to better educate themselves on a variety of science and computer-science-based ideas, technology, and the very real ethical questions that accompany them.
McArthur and Lowe hit the ground running in this humorous take on the various forms of technology and the sciences. Filled with sarcasm, wit, and humor, The Shape of Shit to Come entertains, presents new and little-known research/scientific leaps/colorful commentary.
The main problem with The Shape of Shit to Come is that it takes time to write a book. Once the research has been completed, the writing must follow, then time for a decent edit, then a publisher must pick it up (if it wasn't already agreed upon prior to its creation), and then the editing begins again and, finally, it can be released (though I'm sure there are other steps I just don't know about). So basically, everything written here has already evolved.
The high points of The Shape of Shit to Come is that there are several references to things that are not widely known, leading to quite a few Google searches and some research. How did I miss the iCub!? There are several dark truths mentioned and it could easily have been presented in a bleak story, but instead the authors choose to lighten the mood with their hilarious musings.
Though I enjoyed the book, I sometimes stopped to wonder if the tone would change at all. At a few points I felt more like I was in the midst of an entertaining lecture than reading something for the joy of simply reading it. I would recommend this book to people who want to better educate themselves on a variety of science and computer-science-based ideas, technology, and the very real ethical questions that accompany them.
May 26, 2015
I picked this up as I have a great interest in the near future, in how technology will take us in the next two hundred years or so. I’ve been greatly impressed with the work of authors like Michio Kaku, whose works Physics of the Future and Physics of the Impossible, look at just this from a serious scientific point of view (Mr Kaku being an astrophysicist).
The Shape of Shit to Come promised to deliver just such a read, albeit in a more satirical and comedic sense. In many ways it did just that. Covering topics such as genetics, robotics, and space travel to name just a few, and doing so in an amusing and easy to understand manner, I definitely felt that I came away from the read enriched and educated. Sometimes I did feel that the authors tried a little too hard to be funny however and occasionally I felt that the sarcasm and humour got in the way of a real understanding of the issue at hand. Whereas their irreverence ensured that they avoided the pitfalls Micio Kaku occasionally falls into – e.g. a wide-eyed, innocence where the technology is concerned that leads him to conclude that the outcome will be some kind of perfect nirvana – on occasion it leads them to the other extreme.
One the whole though, while I prefer Michio Kaku’s work I have to say that The Shape of Shit to Come is a valuable addition to the cannon of furturism work and I would highly recommend it.
The Shape of Shit to Come promised to deliver just such a read, albeit in a more satirical and comedic sense. In many ways it did just that. Covering topics such as genetics, robotics, and space travel to name just a few, and doing so in an amusing and easy to understand manner, I definitely felt that I came away from the read enriched and educated. Sometimes I did feel that the authors tried a little too hard to be funny however and occasionally I felt that the sarcasm and humour got in the way of a real understanding of the issue at hand. Whereas their irreverence ensured that they avoided the pitfalls Micio Kaku occasionally falls into – e.g. a wide-eyed, innocence where the technology is concerned that leads him to conclude that the outcome will be some kind of perfect nirvana – on occasion it leads them to the other extreme.
One the whole though, while I prefer Michio Kaku’s work I have to say that The Shape of Shit to Come is a valuable addition to the cannon of furturism work and I would highly recommend it.
February 15, 2016
A look at the future, as regards to technology, genetics, food, weather, and so on, as told by two British guys who think they’re writing for Benny Hill or Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The sad robot on the cover, reminiscent of Marvin from the latter of the abovementioned references, sets the tone nicely.
While in general this is a good overview of what the future might have in store, the inclusion of too many not-worth-it jokes had me rolling my eyes far too often. There’s some surprising scientific logic behind the often groan-worthy humor, but it’s not allowed to flourish. The worst part for me was that all the British-isms were tough to understand; it wasn’t till they mentioned a Wallace and Grommit movie that I grasped a reference. And then after all that, their conclusion is: Cheer up—it might never happen.
This could have received a higher grade had they been able to hold in the impulse to include some silly humor that kinda screwed up their whole point. While I get them trying to parry the doom-and-gloom scenarios, having someone from Monty Python or Red Dwarf ghost-write a few jokes would have helped immensely.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
While in general this is a good overview of what the future might have in store, the inclusion of too many not-worth-it jokes had me rolling my eyes far too often. There’s some surprising scientific logic behind the often groan-worthy humor, but it’s not allowed to flourish. The worst part for me was that all the British-isms were tough to understand; it wasn’t till they mentioned a Wallace and Grommit movie that I grasped a reference. And then after all that, their conclusion is: Cheer up—it might never happen.
This could have received a higher grade had they been able to hold in the impulse to include some silly humor that kinda screwed up their whole point. While I get them trying to parry the doom-and-gloom scenarios, having someone from Monty Python or Red Dwarf ghost-write a few jokes would have helped immensely.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
October 3, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
The Shape of Shit to Come takes a funny tour of the future taking shape before our eyes – a future of sex robots, hotels in space, kids making their own pets with gene-splicing kits and people planning, for real, how they can turn themselves into hyper-intelligent genetically enriched cyborg immortals of the future.
Because these things are happening. As of yet only the geeks are talking about this stuff. But is that wise? Shouldn’t we all be getting with the programme? Otherwise we’re leaving the future of humanity in the hands of people who ride scooters indoors.
I hate to admit this but it was a really hard read. The premise sounded very interesting but the writing was not up to the job. Amongst all the interesting facts, there was a stream of unnecessary bad language and repetitive one-liners that wore thin very quickly.
I couldn't get past the halfway mark.
Paul
ARH
The Shape of Shit to Come takes a funny tour of the future taking shape before our eyes – a future of sex robots, hotels in space, kids making their own pets with gene-splicing kits and people planning, for real, how they can turn themselves into hyper-intelligent genetically enriched cyborg immortals of the future.
Because these things are happening. As of yet only the geeks are talking about this stuff. But is that wise? Shouldn’t we all be getting with the programme? Otherwise we’re leaving the future of humanity in the hands of people who ride scooters indoors.
I hate to admit this but it was a really hard read. The premise sounded very interesting but the writing was not up to the job. Amongst all the interesting facts, there was a stream of unnecessary bad language and repetitive one-liners that wore thin very quickly.
I couldn't get past the halfway mark.
Paul
ARH
January 11, 2015
I am still undecided about this book a week on from finishing it. The authors' political, state-of-the-nation books of old were certainly better to read than the gift books they resembled, and so is this one, but it isn't great. It starts off brilliantly, with a close look at the biosciences – mice with humanoid ears attached, monkeys made to grow in the dark with jellyfish DNA so we can trace genetic development more easily. But then it gets into woolly territory, repeats itself about computers and the Internet, and robots, and tries its hardest to make me laugh with its wacky delivery and fails, and I just think 'meh'. It has a lot going for it, but at the same time didn't achieve what it could have done. It's definitely an e-arc worthy of the name – something to read and discard, having thought about it – and having thought a lot about it, I don't think that much of it, if you see what I mean. Still, 'meh' is not too bad, all told.
November 7, 2020
This was a mediocre ligth read, i picked up this book expecting a humerous take on future technologies, what i got was 8 shallow outlines of future technologies with half baked jokes throughout. i have laughed more in some horror or fantasy novels.
i Appreciate what the writers were attempting with this book but ultimately i felt it to be a lazy attempt. i would have much preferred a fictional story based around the future that incorperated these technologies.
i would not reccommend this book to anyone
i Appreciate what the writers were attempting with this book but ultimately i felt it to be a lazy attempt. i would have much preferred a fictional story based around the future that incorperated these technologies.
i would not reccommend this book to anyone
March 11, 2015
I am glad that I was able to read a review copy of this book as I did find it quite funny, a bit witty, and very sarcastic in places and it did bring a bit of light humour to my day but I think I had expected more from the book. Its a good read but it didn't captivate me and it took me quite a while to finish it so sadly only 3 stars. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2014
Poor, if I'm honest.
I've read "Is it just me..." volumes 1 and 2 and they quite tickled me.
This, however, rather bored me. Very lazily written, it reuses the same sarcastic comments over and over to the point where it becomes a bit of a chore to read.
Good job it's only 149 pages, really.
I've read "Is it just me..." volumes 1 and 2 and they quite tickled me.
This, however, rather bored me. Very lazily written, it reuses the same sarcastic comments over and over to the point where it becomes a bit of a chore to read.
Good job it's only 149 pages, really.
September 19, 2013
think its lucky it got 1 star. I gave up reading it
January 12, 2014
A really funny and informative read. Very easy to finish. This book taps into future anxiety (and gave me even more to worry about) in a playful and hilarious manner. Well worth it.
January 30, 2014
Good to see vertical farms are now a thing. Tania Bryer must be pleased.
September 19, 2014
seriously disappointed, I loved the first one but this was awful
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews