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Japanese Robots Love to Dance
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… in the not-so-distant future, In a world where technology and humanity collide, robots strive to meet the high demands of their creators, often finding themselves entangled in legal dilemmas that require more than just circuits and code. Enter Gary Legal, the savvy attorney who champions the rights of robots, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
"It's tough being a robot - unrealistic expectations from humans, long hours, lack of social interaction. And what can you do when unscrupulous owners break the law? Humans have attorneys, and so should you. Sometimes, you just need a good lawyer to do what a robot can't."
Gary Legal, Attorney at Law
… in the not-so-distant future, In a world where technology and humanity collide, robots strive to meet the high demands of their creators, often finding themselves entangled in legal dilemmas that require more than just circuits and code. Enter Gary Legal, the savvy attorney who champions the rights of robots, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
"It's tough being a robot - unrealistic expectations from humans, long hours, lack of social interaction. And what can you do when unscrupulous owners break the law? Humans have attorneys, and so should you. Sometimes, you just need a good lawyer to do what a robot can't."
Gary Legal, Attorney at Law
- GenresScience Fiction
310 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
About the author
Margret A. Treiber
24 books28 followersAlso going by the moniker of “Ew! It’s Margret”, Margret “The Margret” Treiber has been voted “most likely to display awkward and inappropriate behavior in public” by a random group of drunks downtown.
Besides being odd and writing speculative fiction, Margret serves as editor-in-chief for the speculative humor magazine, Sci-Fi Lampoon. When she’s not writing or working at her day job corrupting technology, she helps her birds break things for her spouse to fix.
Her fiction has appeared in a number of publications. Links to her short stories, novels, and upcoming work can be found on her website at http://www.the-margret.com and on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Margret-A.-Tre....
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Besides being odd and writing speculative fiction, Margret serves as editor-in-chief for the speculative humor magazine, Sci-Fi Lampoon. When she’s not writing or working at her day job corrupting technology, she helps her birds break things for her spouse to fix.
Her fiction has appeared in a number of publications. Links to her short stories, novels, and upcoming work can be found on her website at http://www.the-margret.com and on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Margret-A.-Tre....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 22, 2024
Fans of Futurama should find the irreverent, off-beat future familiar (in the best kind of way). Through the interconnected stories of Japanese Robots Love to Dance, Treiber creates a future that feels both parody and plausible all at once. The cast of characters is as varied in personalities as it is in metal alloys--and through the book's various vignettes, Treiber delivers occasionally poignant moments interspersed between the fun antics. The prose is without flourish, yet effective enough to tell the story well. Sometimes, showy/sophisticated writing can get in the way of the story--Treiber's prose is transparent, which makes for super light reading!
For people who enjoy scifi--but tire of the mopey and pessimistic tone that sometimes colors the genre--JRLtD is a welcome reprieve! Enjoy it before your optical lenses are repossessed by the company that owns the copyright to your visual processor
For people who enjoy scifi--but tire of the mopey and pessimistic tone that sometimes colors the genre--JRLtD is a welcome reprieve! Enjoy it before your optical lenses are repossessed by the company that owns the copyright to your visual processor
August 17, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
At a Glance:
Japanese Robots Love to Dance is a fun, quirky, series of interconnected stories that (mainly) follow Gary Legal. When I read the blurb, I figured the focus of the stories would center around Gary Legal. While some certainly do, the majority are the folks that require his representation telling their story or their facts. As an attorney, I was impressed with some of the accuracy that was incorporated, the idea of surprise evidence not existing, the ordering of statements, and even the objection. But, this is first and foremost a goofy novel (I say that lovingly). Despite that, the world that is built is rather intriguing, and there are a lot of things I have more questions than I do answers, but that's not a bad thing--it's a personal preference. The cover made me a little worried, but don't let the cover deter you from this novel.
What I liked:
I liked one story concerning a bank robbery, the prologue, and one story towards the very end. My favorite, and what I think is the best one, is by in large the bank robbery story, as that has excellent characterization and does a lot with what little space it has. It also has some of the most world-building in it, which I liked. I also liked the comedy--it's not going to be for everyone--but if you like irreverent types of comedy, I think you'll like this. Some of it was absurdist, but most of it felt grounded.
I also really liked some characters. Primarily, I loved 209, Ji-Hoon, and Gary (when he's on page). I also liked the majority of the dialogue, as it did feel like real characters talking to one another.
A third thing I loved was when the author chose to use the third person--I think that's their strength, as the first person felt a bit redundant when we had it.
What I didn't like:
I did not like the other characters. When I say that, I mean the main characters. I found "Boy," for example, to not have a ton of character to him. He just seemed like a slacker, and that was all I got.
I also was not a fan of how disorienting moving from story to story was--and sometimes even within the story. At times, it felt like a great expanse of time had passed. Other times, it felt like no time at all. Some flashbacks weren't clear, and I understand that part of that is the style, but it was a personal gripe. There were also a few errors in grammar/syntax that weren't enough for me to put the book down, but I noticed them in the Courtroom scene. This may also be because I am an attorney by trade, so I know that some conventions aren't super well-known. (For example, whenever referring to the specific room, you say Court).
Concluding Thoughts:
Overall, this was a fun, short, and entertaining read. There were some issues, but not enough to either make me dislike the story or hate it. While I think that some stories could have been tightened up and amended here and there, I think that the bulk was worth the read.
Recommended to:
It's hard for me to come up with comparisons, but I will say that if you want to have a book that you can come and go from that is based in a sci-fi world but isn't too heavy-handed, I would recommend it.
At a Glance:
Japanese Robots Love to Dance is a fun, quirky, series of interconnected stories that (mainly) follow Gary Legal. When I read the blurb, I figured the focus of the stories would center around Gary Legal. While some certainly do, the majority are the folks that require his representation telling their story or their facts. As an attorney, I was impressed with some of the accuracy that was incorporated, the idea of surprise evidence not existing, the ordering of statements, and even the objection. But, this is first and foremost a goofy novel (I say that lovingly). Despite that, the world that is built is rather intriguing, and there are a lot of things I have more questions than I do answers, but that's not a bad thing--it's a personal preference. The cover made me a little worried, but don't let the cover deter you from this novel.
What I liked:
I liked one story concerning a bank robbery, the prologue, and one story towards the very end. My favorite, and what I think is the best one, is by in large the bank robbery story, as that has excellent characterization and does a lot with what little space it has. It also has some of the most world-building in it, which I liked. I also liked the comedy--it's not going to be for everyone--but if you like irreverent types of comedy, I think you'll like this. Some of it was absurdist, but most of it felt grounded.
I also really liked some characters. Primarily, I loved 209, Ji-Hoon, and Gary (when he's on page). I also liked the majority of the dialogue, as it did feel like real characters talking to one another.
A third thing I loved was when the author chose to use the third person--I think that's their strength, as the first person felt a bit redundant when we had it.
What I didn't like:
I did not like the other characters. When I say that, I mean the main characters. I found "Boy," for example, to not have a ton of character to him. He just seemed like a slacker, and that was all I got.
I also was not a fan of how disorienting moving from story to story was--and sometimes even within the story. At times, it felt like a great expanse of time had passed. Other times, it felt like no time at all. Some flashbacks weren't clear, and I understand that part of that is the style, but it was a personal gripe. There were also a few errors in grammar/syntax that weren't enough for me to put the book down, but I noticed them in the Courtroom scene. This may also be because I am an attorney by trade, so I know that some conventions aren't super well-known. (For example, whenever referring to the specific room, you say Court).
Concluding Thoughts:
Overall, this was a fun, short, and entertaining read. There were some issues, but not enough to either make me dislike the story or hate it. While I think that some stories could have been tightened up and amended here and there, I think that the bulk was worth the read.
Recommended to:
It's hard for me to come up with comparisons, but I will say that if you want to have a book that you can come and go from that is based in a sci-fi world but isn't too heavy-handed, I would recommend it.
March 28, 2024
JAPANESE ROBOTS LOVE TO DANCE is a quirky, off-beat collection of loosely related legal adventures around plucky, if smarmy, lawyer, Gary Legal. I won’t spoil the plot, but i will give you a reference. It’s kind of like a cyberpunk legal comedy in the vein of Futurama. The style of humour is developed, but niche. I found myself enjoying about half of the book. To me, Gary, Al, and the robot garbage truck were the best characters. Conversely, I couldn’t attach myself to any of the others, and I particularly loathed Boy (yup, that’s his name). He struck me as an ugly Indian stereotype.
Overall the quality of the stories peaks about halfway, with Gary Legal’s first (that we see) courtroom victory over a cult worshipping a Lovecraftian elder god. It’s as wacky as it sounds. From that point onward however, we go on a buddy-style space-road trip that should appeal to som, but featured alot of Boy. I found myself losing interest in the back half of the book, as my favourite characters (besides Gary) vanished.
As it goes, I really enjoyed Al’s development, and his backstory with his creator Ji-hoon. Between those two and Gary, you have a winning combination.
Overall the quality of the stories peaks about halfway, with Gary Legal’s first (that we see) courtroom victory over a cult worshipping a Lovecraftian elder god. It’s as wacky as it sounds. From that point onward however, we go on a buddy-style space-road trip that should appeal to som, but featured alot of Boy. I found myself losing interest in the back half of the book, as my favourite characters (besides Gary) vanished.
As it goes, I really enjoyed Al’s development, and his backstory with his creator Ji-hoon. Between those two and Gary, you have a winning combination.
January 25, 2019
Japanese Robots Love To Dance is a collection of seven stories centered mostly around attorney Gabe Siegel, legal defender of the poor, downtrodden, and mechanical members of society set some time in the future.
Gary, the scion of a wealthy political family, rejected the privileged life laid out for him in order to practice in various legal aid offices, at first in an effort to tweak the nose of his politically-connected father. However, as time passed, the challenge of the cases and a soft spot for his clients, both human and AIs, kept him at it.
Along the way, he was disbarred, changed his name to Gary Legal, and opened his own private law office. The collection explains Gary’s backstory and those of his clients and are quite entertaining. They also explore some thought-provoking situations dealing with artificial intelligence.It is a very pleasant reading experience despite some typos overlooked during the editing process. I very much recommend this book to readers that enjoy light science fiction or maybe crime stories.
November 11, 2018
Robots as you've never seen them before
The book has an unusual style and voice, taking on all kinds of quirky aspects of robots, sentience, and nobility. It's beautiful, thoughtful, humorous, charming, and fascinating filled with characters that will stick with you and scenarios I frankly would never have imagined. If it didn't end on a cliffhanger, I'd be five stars all the way.
The book has an unusual style and voice, taking on all kinds of quirky aspects of robots, sentience, and nobility. It's beautiful, thoughtful, humorous, charming, and fascinating filled with characters that will stick with you and scenarios I frankly would never have imagined. If it didn't end on a cliffhanger, I'd be five stars all the way.
December 10, 2023
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way: Margret A. Treiber’s
Japanese Robots Love to Dance
is a well-written series of loosely-collected stories following our main character, Gabe Siegel, a lawyer who ends up working for various incarnations of Artificial Intelligence (and who changes his name mid-novel to Gary Legal). Through argument, guile, and even deception, Legal wins every case for his robotic clients, from a disgruntled garbage truck to, yes, a robot that loves to dance.
That said, where do I go from here?
Japanese Robots reminded me of another book that combined science fiction and absurdity, and that’s The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This is especially true for the space-based episodes, in particular Legal’s visit to that outer-space Disney World-esque tourist trap promising “digestible food” and a tower of remarkable height.
The last story ends the novel with a Deux Ex Machina (via that noise those damn kid’s listen to in the future, and call “music”) and a cliffhanger. I felt kind of like I’d stepped off a cliff when the story ended as it did, but, as I reflect, how does one end an absurd comedy? With failure? Not very funny. With victory? Also not funny. Shakespeare just had everyone get married, but that’s Ye Olde school. Douglas Adams confronted this issue in Hitchhiker's Guide, and his solution was to write four more novels, rather than resolve anything. After all, “We all know Japanese robots love to dance. Look at that happy little bugger. How can you reprogram him and erase all the joy off his perky little face?”
Don’t expect too much character growth or development from comedy. Same for Japanese Robots. But do expect characters who are individuals unto themselves, with enough deadpan lines to cook fried rice for an army. Sorry, mixing metaphorical ingredients there.
In conclusion, you’re never supposed to say “in conclusion” in your conclusion. That is to say, the book is funny, an entertaining ride, and well worth your time.
I highly recommend.
That said, where do I go from here?
Japanese Robots reminded me of another book that combined science fiction and absurdity, and that’s The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This is especially true for the space-based episodes, in particular Legal’s visit to that outer-space Disney World-esque tourist trap promising “digestible food” and a tower of remarkable height.
The last story ends the novel with a Deux Ex Machina (via that noise those damn kid’s listen to in the future, and call “music”) and a cliffhanger. I felt kind of like I’d stepped off a cliff when the story ended as it did, but, as I reflect, how does one end an absurd comedy? With failure? Not very funny. With victory? Also not funny. Shakespeare just had everyone get married, but that’s Ye Olde school. Douglas Adams confronted this issue in Hitchhiker's Guide, and his solution was to write four more novels, rather than resolve anything. After all, “We all know Japanese robots love to dance. Look at that happy little bugger. How can you reprogram him and erase all the joy off his perky little face?”
Don’t expect too much character growth or development from comedy. Same for Japanese Robots. But do expect characters who are individuals unto themselves, with enough deadpan lines to cook fried rice for an army. Sorry, mixing metaphorical ingredients there.
In conclusion, you’re never supposed to say “in conclusion” in your conclusion. That is to say, the book is funny, an entertaining ride, and well worth your time.
I highly recommend.
December 19, 2023
This is an astoundingly good read. Perhaps that accolade reflects my usual lack of enthusiasm for Sci-Fi / speculative fiction, and hence my unexpected pleasure in finding this stellar example, but if so then only in small part. And who could resist that title!
The book is unconventional in structure — essentially a series of short stories, loosely linked by a theme and a character (or two) (reminiscent of Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge), rather than a linear narrative. Once the reader realises this, and adjusts their expectations accordingly, it works very well.
The first part (after a brief introductory piece, essentially a prologue) is the longest, setting the stage for the rest. The author deftly interweaves, sometimes through dialogue which in the wrong hands can come out as clunky info-dumps but which here is elegantly done, explanations of breadcrumbs dropped earlier. All the pieces of the jigsaw gradually and satisfyingly come together.
The subsequent parts are refreshingly different from the first and from each other, but all take place in some unspecified future world and involve robots and (in one case tangentially) Gary Legal, a quirky, engaging lawyer who has moved from conventional practice to a poorly paid legal-aid type role as advocate of mistreated robots. Sound zany? It is, but boy does it work!
There is humour aplenty, pathos at times, and a vivid and engaging cast of characters. The dialogue crackles. The descriptions of the futuristic environment are just enough to tickle the reader’s imagination without taking over the book.
Among other things, these stories are a timely exploration of AI, its uses, limits and unintended consequences. Some aspects of this are unsurprisingly troubling while others are intriguing. Many of course are both.
If I had to mention a weakness, it would be that Part 5 became a little too Star Wars-ish. But even then the dialogue was so clever it kept me on the hook.
All in all, a tremendous read.
The book is unconventional in structure — essentially a series of short stories, loosely linked by a theme and a character (or two) (reminiscent of Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge), rather than a linear narrative. Once the reader realises this, and adjusts their expectations accordingly, it works very well.
The first part (after a brief introductory piece, essentially a prologue) is the longest, setting the stage for the rest. The author deftly interweaves, sometimes through dialogue which in the wrong hands can come out as clunky info-dumps but which here is elegantly done, explanations of breadcrumbs dropped earlier. All the pieces of the jigsaw gradually and satisfyingly come together.
The subsequent parts are refreshingly different from the first and from each other, but all take place in some unspecified future world and involve robots and (in one case tangentially) Gary Legal, a quirky, engaging lawyer who has moved from conventional practice to a poorly paid legal-aid type role as advocate of mistreated robots. Sound zany? It is, but boy does it work!
There is humour aplenty, pathos at times, and a vivid and engaging cast of characters. The dialogue crackles. The descriptions of the futuristic environment are just enough to tickle the reader’s imagination without taking over the book.
Among other things, these stories are a timely exploration of AI, its uses, limits and unintended consequences. Some aspects of this are unsurprisingly troubling while others are intriguing. Many of course are both.
If I had to mention a weakness, it would be that Part 5 became a little too Star Wars-ish. But even then the dialogue was so clever it kept me on the hook.
All in all, a tremendous read.
June 16, 2024
Halfway home
I was hooked on page 5 of Margaret Treiber’s Japanese Robots Love to Dance when our protagonist, Gary Legal a lawyer with father issues, comes to the rescue of a little caddiebot, a small robotic creature, as he walks his city streets. When Gary upbraids the lady owner for kicking the tiny creature, then takes the little bot home with him and treats it nice, you could swear the little creature was a chihuahua and not a robot.
Don’t worry, little fella, Gabe said. After work we’ll find a repair shop for you.
This kicks off a wonderful story about an Obi Wan Kenobi figure named Ji-hoon who Gary finds after much searching through the mean streets to fix his little caddiebot friend. It is here where we meet the third extremely interesting character in the book, another robot named AI.
Why do you cover your face and wear sunglasses at night? a man asks.
Because I am very ugly, AI replies.
And he gets away with it. (This is a fantastical tale).
This story of our do good lawyer, Gary Legal, of the old Japanese electronics guru Ji-hoon, and the robot AI and how they come together to game and change a cruel and outdated system warms the heart. All three do most everything pro bono. All are good, helpful folks. AI is looking for a new power supply. Ji-hoon helps him out. There coming together seems plausible and right and when Gary Legal goes to court to represent them and the transaction and wins the case against BIG GOV, we can’t help but cheer. This is great sci fi, cutting edge, new, fresh and cool. The odd little have nots winning out against the haves of their world.
The problem I had is that this wonderment only lasts about half the book. Suddenly we are in a runaway garbage truck with a couple of argumentative government agents. Then we jet off to beyond the beyond to take on the case of the god Yerghalon and the wonderful edge the story displayed early on dissolves into puddles of yesterday’s sci fi. My wish. This book was half as long and quit while it was so far ahead.
Four stars, sorry.
I was hooked on page 5 of Margaret Treiber’s Japanese Robots Love to Dance when our protagonist, Gary Legal a lawyer with father issues, comes to the rescue of a little caddiebot, a small robotic creature, as he walks his city streets. When Gary upbraids the lady owner for kicking the tiny creature, then takes the little bot home with him and treats it nice, you could swear the little creature was a chihuahua and not a robot.
Don’t worry, little fella, Gabe said. After work we’ll find a repair shop for you.
This kicks off a wonderful story about an Obi Wan Kenobi figure named Ji-hoon who Gary finds after much searching through the mean streets to fix his little caddiebot friend. It is here where we meet the third extremely interesting character in the book, another robot named AI.
Why do you cover your face and wear sunglasses at night? a man asks.
Because I am very ugly, AI replies.
And he gets away with it. (This is a fantastical tale).
This story of our do good lawyer, Gary Legal, of the old Japanese electronics guru Ji-hoon, and the robot AI and how they come together to game and change a cruel and outdated system warms the heart. All three do most everything pro bono. All are good, helpful folks. AI is looking for a new power supply. Ji-hoon helps him out. There coming together seems plausible and right and when Gary Legal goes to court to represent them and the transaction and wins the case against BIG GOV, we can’t help but cheer. This is great sci fi, cutting edge, new, fresh and cool. The odd little have nots winning out against the haves of their world.
The problem I had is that this wonderment only lasts about half the book. Suddenly we are in a runaway garbage truck with a couple of argumentative government agents. Then we jet off to beyond the beyond to take on the case of the god Yerghalon and the wonderful edge the story displayed early on dissolves into puddles of yesterday’s sci fi. My wish. This book was half as long and quit while it was so far ahead.
Four stars, sorry.
May 29, 2024
Japanese Robots Love to Dance is a collection of loosely related short stories, generally featuring Gary Legal the robot lawyer or friends of his. Ironically, the short story I enjoyed the most had almost nothing to do with him, but I’ll get to that later.
Margret A Treiber’s style centers almost entirely around dialogue, with the vast majority of the stories being light on description or lengthy exposition and instead focusing on the interactions of the characters within. For the most part, this works. The stories are easy to read through, and outside of a few select instances, the dialogue is natural and flows effectively. There weren’t really any points in my read where I was brought out of the text by an odd-sounding sentence or clunky wording.
The stories themselves are hit or miss. Judging by the description, I was expecting most of the book to be satirical and funny courtroom vignettes about robots and lawyers in a future legal system, but that is actually only a minority of these. We spent a lot of time with Al, a sentient A.I. trying to get money to buy its own body and right to autonomy, along with flashbacks to its creation, and another subplot with Boy on a trip through the stars, among others. There are parts where I can see the potential of these stories poking through, some fun exchanges or concepts, but there is some significant travel time between these.
My favorite of the short stories is told from the perspective of a robot cleaning vehicle, which is somehow forced into being an accomplice in a bank robbery. It was a niche story with a good bit of fun and a solid ending to it. There were a few parts of the Al story I liked as well, but it felt like it went on for far too long.
Overall, the book does what it sets out to do effectively, but not much more than that. I think with more variety of stories similar to the cleaning vehicle or legal stories with Gary Legal I would have enjoyed it more, so I will settle for three stars.
Margret A Treiber’s style centers almost entirely around dialogue, with the vast majority of the stories being light on description or lengthy exposition and instead focusing on the interactions of the characters within. For the most part, this works. The stories are easy to read through, and outside of a few select instances, the dialogue is natural and flows effectively. There weren’t really any points in my read where I was brought out of the text by an odd-sounding sentence or clunky wording.
The stories themselves are hit or miss. Judging by the description, I was expecting most of the book to be satirical and funny courtroom vignettes about robots and lawyers in a future legal system, but that is actually only a minority of these. We spent a lot of time with Al, a sentient A.I. trying to get money to buy its own body and right to autonomy, along with flashbacks to its creation, and another subplot with Boy on a trip through the stars, among others. There are parts where I can see the potential of these stories poking through, some fun exchanges or concepts, but there is some significant travel time between these.
My favorite of the short stories is told from the perspective of a robot cleaning vehicle, which is somehow forced into being an accomplice in a bank robbery. It was a niche story with a good bit of fun and a solid ending to it. There were a few parts of the Al story I liked as well, but it felt like it went on for far too long.
Overall, the book does what it sets out to do effectively, but not much more than that. I think with more variety of stories similar to the cleaning vehicle or legal stories with Gary Legal I would have enjoyed it more, so I will settle for three stars.
March 18, 2025
With the world becoming more and more reliant on AI and robotic labour, is it beyond the realm of possibility that, in the future, robots could be legally represented? Maybe not. It's a scary thought that robots could have emotions and reason, which is what makes the human race the dominant species. Could science fiction become science fact or is Margret Treiber's book just a work of fantasy?
For now, yes.
The book's main thread is the story of Gary Legal (formerly Gabe Siegel, the son of an eminent, respected lawyer), whose work mainly involves representing dead beats, until one day he decides to leave his father's firm to branch out on his own, changing his name and, after witnessing the mistreatment of a caddibot, decides to fight for robotic rights. Each story (apart from one) involves his input; however, and his reasons for this change in direction doesn't appear to come out of any concern for them, but more for the intention of annoying his father. Apart from Gary, we meet other interesting characters like Ji-hoon, an elderly Japanese engineer who tries to help Al (a robot, who name was derived from AI) to become human and his grandson Boy (an irritating teen who speaks nothing but irritating slang).
Like many other reviewers, I enjoyed the story of the vehicle involved in the bank robbery the best, although who would physically rob a bank in a digital age? I felt Al's story wasn't completely resolved, although maybe we had to be left to wonder if he got what he was fighting for.
That is not to say I didn't find the book enjoyable. It is well-written and the characters well-developed, I just think I might have preferred one story featuring the case of one robot, not a selection. I was unsure if the book was about Gary Legal or about the rights of robots.
For now, yes.
The book's main thread is the story of Gary Legal (formerly Gabe Siegel, the son of an eminent, respected lawyer), whose work mainly involves representing dead beats, until one day he decides to leave his father's firm to branch out on his own, changing his name and, after witnessing the mistreatment of a caddibot, decides to fight for robotic rights. Each story (apart from one) involves his input; however, and his reasons for this change in direction doesn't appear to come out of any concern for them, but more for the intention of annoying his father. Apart from Gary, we meet other interesting characters like Ji-hoon, an elderly Japanese engineer who tries to help Al (a robot, who name was derived from AI) to become human and his grandson Boy (an irritating teen who speaks nothing but irritating slang).
Like many other reviewers, I enjoyed the story of the vehicle involved in the bank robbery the best, although who would physically rob a bank in a digital age? I felt Al's story wasn't completely resolved, although maybe we had to be left to wonder if he got what he was fighting for.
That is not to say I didn't find the book enjoyable. It is well-written and the characters well-developed, I just think I might have preferred one story featuring the case of one robot, not a selection. I was unsure if the book was about Gary Legal or about the rights of robots.
June 30, 2024
Gary Legal is a Saul Goodman-like attorney, ready with a wisecrack but with a heart of gold, who works for the low and downtrodden. When he sees a robot being mistreated by its owner, he takes pity on him and seeks to revive him, even though it is against all rules and regulations. This robot, or Al as we come to know him, becomes the narrator for an intriguing tale that is futuristic but also feels very close to our own reality.
Al, our compassionate robot narrator, is a Robin Hood figure of sorts—he helps the poor by accessing information, turning on severed power, and doing other small but renegade necessities that help people thrive. Part of the culture he attempts to change is the culture that would have thrown him away in the first place—the culture that seeks to replace instead of improve, that sees value only in the new and in higher currency. In this world, few people see value in him at all—he can be upgraded, or replaced, or otherwise discarded. But his struggle to survive, and the unique worldview he brings along the way, is one of my favorite parts of this novel.
Enter Ji-hoon, the wise-cracking repairman. Al’s interactions with Ji-hoon are a highlight: Ji-hoon pushes Al to think in a more human way, and Al pushes Ji-hoon to consider the world from his point of view. Together, their conversations deal with many of the book’s deeper themes concerning A.I. in the future.
The title and cover of this book suggest something different than what I found inside—it is a humorous book, but far more heartfelt and deep than I thought coming in. A quick, powerful read.
Al, our compassionate robot narrator, is a Robin Hood figure of sorts—he helps the poor by accessing information, turning on severed power, and doing other small but renegade necessities that help people thrive. Part of the culture he attempts to change is the culture that would have thrown him away in the first place—the culture that seeks to replace instead of improve, that sees value only in the new and in higher currency. In this world, few people see value in him at all—he can be upgraded, or replaced, or otherwise discarded. But his struggle to survive, and the unique worldview he brings along the way, is one of my favorite parts of this novel.
Enter Ji-hoon, the wise-cracking repairman. Al’s interactions with Ji-hoon are a highlight: Ji-hoon pushes Al to think in a more human way, and Al pushes Ji-hoon to consider the world from his point of view. Together, their conversations deal with many of the book’s deeper themes concerning A.I. in the future.
The title and cover of this book suggest something different than what I found inside—it is a humorous book, but far more heartfelt and deep than I thought coming in. A quick, powerful read.
January 20, 2025
‘Japanese Robots’ is a sci-fi novel (or perhaps, set of linked short stories) about robots in trouble that need legal representation. The linking character is Gary Legal, a sympathetic lawyer who helps out AI/robots in a succession of stories. I think my favourite is the tale of Ji-Hoon, who builds an AI (AL), which he is forced by government agents to put into a mechanical body as the basis of a weapon. But Al has a conscience and doesn’t want to harm people, so Ji-Hoon sacrifices his career to help Al escape and then, guided by Gary, they set about replacing all the original body parts that belong to the government (leading to run-ins with mobsters and the like). Another tale is about an automatic truck that gets kidnapped by escaping robbers and effectively earns a death sentence (i.e. to be erased) as a consequence: cue Gary again. The stories then get even weirder, with cults and spaceships and aliens…
I have to say I enjoyed this greatly. It is well written and editorially very clean, plus it has a good tempo which makes it easy to read. And above all, it is full of heart (you can’t help rooting for the likes of Ji-Hoon and Al) and is comic in places (the truck could be a comedian). I rarely ever give 5 stars (a book needs to be perfect), but was really tempted here, just for the joy of the thing. But I’d certainly read more by Marget Treiber. So… let’s say 4.4 out of 5, rounding down so I don’t have to break personal rules. But seriously, this is good: buy it!
I have to say I enjoyed this greatly. It is well written and editorially very clean, plus it has a good tempo which makes it easy to read. And above all, it is full of heart (you can’t help rooting for the likes of Ji-Hoon and Al) and is comic in places (the truck could be a comedian). I rarely ever give 5 stars (a book needs to be perfect), but was really tempted here, just for the joy of the thing. But I’d certainly read more by Marget Treiber. So… let’s say 4.4 out of 5, rounding down so I don’t have to break personal rules. But seriously, this is good: buy it!
September 7, 2024
I was intrigued by the fun cover and interesting summary and got my hands on the book by an author I never heard of before. I'm glad I did.
"Japanese Robots Love to Dance" is an engaging sci-fi novel with a unique charm, the type that grows on you steadily but surely. The author's descriptive style is curt yet effective, offering just enough detail to keep you hooked without overwhelming you. The dialogue stands out—credibly written (a hard feat for Sci Fi stories) and cleverly constructed, balancing directness with subtle undertones that keep you invested.
The characters are well developed, making it easy to empathize with them from the start.
The comedic moments are genuinely funny and perfectly timed, providing levity without derailing the story. The f bombs were fun too as they were unexpected! But that made it so much more real.
The world-building is gradual, with futuristic terms that might require some time to digest, but it adds to the immersive experience. While the complexity can be challenging, it's a rewarding read that invites further exploration.
"Japanese Robots Love to Dance" is an impressively well-crafted novel, balancing humor, character depth, and a thought-provoking future world.
Personal thought: I am kinda sad that it would appear robots always end up having more empathy than the average Joe and that's something we gotta fix in our real life. Well deserved 5 stars.
"Japanese Robots Love to Dance" is an engaging sci-fi novel with a unique charm, the type that grows on you steadily but surely. The author's descriptive style is curt yet effective, offering just enough detail to keep you hooked without overwhelming you. The dialogue stands out—credibly written (a hard feat for Sci Fi stories) and cleverly constructed, balancing directness with subtle undertones that keep you invested.
The characters are well developed, making it easy to empathize with them from the start.
The comedic moments are genuinely funny and perfectly timed, providing levity without derailing the story. The f bombs were fun too as they were unexpected! But that made it so much more real.
The world-building is gradual, with futuristic terms that might require some time to digest, but it adds to the immersive experience. While the complexity can be challenging, it's a rewarding read that invites further exploration.
"Japanese Robots Love to Dance" is an impressively well-crafted novel, balancing humor, character depth, and a thought-provoking future world.
Personal thought: I am kinda sad that it would appear robots always end up having more empathy than the average Joe and that's something we gotta fix in our real life. Well deserved 5 stars.
March 14, 2024
A Really Good Fun Read - Great Book for Holiday Travels and No Knowledge of Robots Required! Got this book on a whim, intrigued by the title and, Kindle in hand, I thought ‘Japanese Robots Love to Dance’ would help while away the hours on a long journey and it did not disappoint, it was just excellent. A really good fun read that, if you are into Sci-Fi or not, kept me chuckling the whole time as the hours slipped by.
Lots of dialogue driven plot, that I love and a nice anachronistic clash between technologies of the future which is all woven together in short stories linked to a central character. What’s nice, especially for a book I read while travelling is that you can relate to the main character and a lot of the relationship themes. Gary Legal, as he becomes known, takes us through a world pieced together around consistent themes without drumming it into you, leaving you imagining the future vistas and that left me wanting more.
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and absurdism all mingle together in an unapologetically funny comedy that touches on the more philosophical points of AI’s entry into our world, but generally does so with a quirky joke, one that gently strokes profound philosophical questions as it serves us a Japanese robot, happily busting a groove to a tune the author expertly hums and I, as a reader, happily joined on the dance floor.
Lots of dialogue driven plot, that I love and a nice anachronistic clash between technologies of the future which is all woven together in short stories linked to a central character. What’s nice, especially for a book I read while travelling is that you can relate to the main character and a lot of the relationship themes. Gary Legal, as he becomes known, takes us through a world pieced together around consistent themes without drumming it into you, leaving you imagining the future vistas and that left me wanting more.
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and absurdism all mingle together in an unapologetically funny comedy that touches on the more philosophical points of AI’s entry into our world, but generally does so with a quirky joke, one that gently strokes profound philosophical questions as it serves us a Japanese robot, happily busting a groove to a tune the author expertly hums and I, as a reader, happily joined on the dance floor.
May 30, 2024
Japanese Robots Love to Dance by Margret A. Treiber is a collection of science fiction stories set in the future. These stories are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Gary Legal, a lawyer from a wealthy family, has a soft spot for robots, whom owners treat badly, thinking of them as machines made to serve people. As a person who’s always been gentle with furniture and electrical appliances and named my fridge and vacuum cleaner, I can relate.
I believe that most readers will take robots’ side in these stories, because humans are so mean, unyielding, and powerful.
Some robots (Al) don’t want to be used as killing machines, others (Robot Garbage Track) are afraid of being eliminated. Al helps his neighbors to download costly textbooks and reluctantly agrees to help his friend to rob casinos, and the garbage truck helps the bank robbers to run away from police. But they are very intelligent and good-natured robots, and we don’t judge them for those crimes, admitting their right to freedom and a better life.
Gary’s other client is an ancient deity Yrgohlon, who doesn’t want to be summoned to our world by his crazy worshippers and participate in their disgusting rituals.
I love the ideas in these stories. I find them creative and clever. My favorite was Al and Ji-hoon’s story. Great dialogs! Boy’s slang was not familiar.
Gary Legal, a lawyer from a wealthy family, has a soft spot for robots, whom owners treat badly, thinking of them as machines made to serve people. As a person who’s always been gentle with furniture and electrical appliances and named my fridge and vacuum cleaner, I can relate.
I believe that most readers will take robots’ side in these stories, because humans are so mean, unyielding, and powerful.
Some robots (Al) don’t want to be used as killing machines, others (Robot Garbage Track) are afraid of being eliminated. Al helps his neighbors to download costly textbooks and reluctantly agrees to help his friend to rob casinos, and the garbage truck helps the bank robbers to run away from police. But they are very intelligent and good-natured robots, and we don’t judge them for those crimes, admitting their right to freedom and a better life.
Gary’s other client is an ancient deity Yrgohlon, who doesn’t want to be summoned to our world by his crazy worshippers and participate in their disgusting rituals.
I love the ideas in these stories. I find them creative and clever. My favorite was Al and Ji-hoon’s story. Great dialogs! Boy’s slang was not familiar.
July 27, 2024
Fun and quirky book
Disillusioned by the mainstream legal world, Attorney Gabe Siegel redirects his energy and talents toward seeking justice for clients without a voice, a.k.a., robots. Now known as Gary Legal, he provides legal representation to several robots (and one ancient god) in their fight against their human oppressors.
Gary Legal’s first case involves A.I. software called Al that has been downloaded into a military robot designed to wage war against the US government’s enemies. Al wants more than anything to be freed from having to carry out the military’s destructive wishes and enlists Legal’s services.
We then meet a decommissioned tank-cum-trash collector seeking freedom and a god named Yrgohlon, who wants nothing more than for his worshipers to leave him alone.
The author draws the reader in with detailed descriptions of the future earth. The robots are also well imagined, enabling the reader to empathize with their situation and relate to their desire for self-actualization.
I did struggle a bit with the structure of the book. It reads as a cohesive story for the first half, then morphs into a series of short stories. But overall, an enjoyable read.
Disillusioned by the mainstream legal world, Attorney Gabe Siegel redirects his energy and talents toward seeking justice for clients without a voice, a.k.a., robots. Now known as Gary Legal, he provides legal representation to several robots (and one ancient god) in their fight against their human oppressors.
Gary Legal’s first case involves A.I. software called Al that has been downloaded into a military robot designed to wage war against the US government’s enemies. Al wants more than anything to be freed from having to carry out the military’s destructive wishes and enlists Legal’s services.
We then meet a decommissioned tank-cum-trash collector seeking freedom and a god named Yrgohlon, who wants nothing more than for his worshipers to leave him alone.
The author draws the reader in with detailed descriptions of the future earth. The robots are also well imagined, enabling the reader to empathize with their situation and relate to their desire for self-actualization.
I did struggle a bit with the structure of the book. It reads as a cohesive story for the first half, then morphs into a series of short stories. But overall, an enjoyable read.
January 9, 2025
Japanese Robots Love to Dance by Margret A Treiber is a whacky ride where fantasy meets the legal system. It is fun read that will warm your heart and perhaps make you think twice before throwing out your out-of-date toaster.
Our protagonist, Gabe Siegel, changes his name to Gary Legal to get out of a whole lot of trouble with the law, which is really amusing seeing as he is a lawyer. After saving a pathetic little robot from it being kicked by its owner, Gary learns that at the heart of every robot is not a whirling of computer chips or nodes, but a being that is capable of knowing when it has been hard done by.
After saving himself and changing his name, Gary begins his work as the legal advocate of robots and has a remarkable success rate. And his life takes an unexpected turn as his success in winning cases increases. He has remarkable adventures that readers are going to find engaging and triumphant.
This is a fun and absurd set of short stories that you’ll enjoy. At one level it is very funny, but there is also a poignancy woven into its lines, which will not be lost on some readers.
Our protagonist, Gabe Siegel, changes his name to Gary Legal to get out of a whole lot of trouble with the law, which is really amusing seeing as he is a lawyer. After saving a pathetic little robot from it being kicked by its owner, Gary learns that at the heart of every robot is not a whirling of computer chips or nodes, but a being that is capable of knowing when it has been hard done by.
After saving himself and changing his name, Gary begins his work as the legal advocate of robots and has a remarkable success rate. And his life takes an unexpected turn as his success in winning cases increases. He has remarkable adventures that readers are going to find engaging and triumphant.
This is a fun and absurd set of short stories that you’ll enjoy. At one level it is very funny, but there is also a poignancy woven into its lines, which will not be lost on some readers.
November 16, 2023
In "Japanese Robots Love to Dance," readers are treated to a delightful and whimsical journey into the peculiar life of robots. The story revolves around the challenges faced by robots, from societal expectations to navigating the complexities of their existence. The protagonist, Gary Legal, adds a humorous touch as he takes on the role of an attorney for robots, providing a fresh and entertaining perspective.
The author's clever blend of science fiction and humor creates a unique narrative that explores the uncharted territory of robotic rights and the need for legal representation. The witty portrayal of Gary Legal injects levity into the storyline, making it an engaging read for those who appreciate a good laugh.
"Japanese Robots Love to Dance" is not only a humorous take on the struggles of robots but also a clever commentary on the parallels between robotic and human experiences. The author's storytelling prowess shines in this entertaining tale that combines legal drama with the charm of science fiction, leaving readers amused and thoroughly entertained.
The author's clever blend of science fiction and humor creates a unique narrative that explores the uncharted territory of robotic rights and the need for legal representation. The witty portrayal of Gary Legal injects levity into the storyline, making it an engaging read for those who appreciate a good laugh.
"Japanese Robots Love to Dance" is not only a humorous take on the struggles of robots but also a clever commentary on the parallels between robotic and human experiences. The author's storytelling prowess shines in this entertaining tale that combines legal drama with the charm of science fiction, leaving readers amused and thoroughly entertained.
December 14, 2023
This collection of vaguely-interrelated short stories featuring (but not always from the perspective of) super-lawyer Gary Legal is fun and easy to read. The setting is definitely in the future, but it’s hard to say exactly how far—maybe fifty years for robot technology and about five hundred for space travel? Legal is an affable and generous protagonist, generally working pro bono for causes he deems important, which turn out to be defending robots’ rights. He always wins, usually because things just kind of work out for him rather than any particularly clever maneuvers. Along the way, some classic philosophical quandaries are applied to anthropomorphized robots with the speed, clarity, and precision we’ve come to expect from computerized thinking. The stories are all impeccably written, flow smoothly from the first page to the last, and held my interest the whole time. While the too-easy resolutions to the conflicts in the stories keep me from rating five stars, I highly recommend the book to anyone looking for something light in Sci-Fi.
March 20, 2024
The different parts of this book are all separate stories in which lawyer Gary Legal plays a role. He built a career out of representing robots and AIs in a futuristic world where humans and technology don't always agree with each other.
Even though Legal is the main recurring character, my favourite story was the lengthy Part 2, which takes up about half of the book and covers the adventures of robot Al and electrical engineer Ji-hoon. I would have loved to read more about these two characters. They're referenced elsewhere in the book, through their connection with Gary Legal and Ji-hoon’s grandson Boy, but otherwise the shorter stories and Legal's other clients didn't grip me as much as the shenanigans that Al and Ji-hoon got into (particularly their visits to the casinos).
The titular dance-loving Japanese robot is one of Legal’s clients in a later chapter, but barely gets a mention. So don’t be misled by the title: this is very much a book about the robots’ lawyer rather than about their dancing habits.
Even though Legal is the main recurring character, my favourite story was the lengthy Part 2, which takes up about half of the book and covers the adventures of robot Al and electrical engineer Ji-hoon. I would have loved to read more about these two characters. They're referenced elsewhere in the book, through their connection with Gary Legal and Ji-hoon’s grandson Boy, but otherwise the shorter stories and Legal's other clients didn't grip me as much as the shenanigans that Al and Ji-hoon got into (particularly their visits to the casinos).
The titular dance-loving Japanese robot is one of Legal’s clients in a later chapter, but barely gets a mention. So don’t be misled by the title: this is very much a book about the robots’ lawyer rather than about their dancing habits.
April 21, 2024
Alright. With all honesty, I picked this one up a little bit as a joke. I mean, I usually read serious books where the world is going to end, or some other big cataclysm will unfold. Typical things for fantasy worlds, right? Well, I'll tell you what, it's not all that bad to pick something more refreshing every now and then. I enjoy Japanese culture, manga, and anime. Reading "Japanese" in anything immediately catches my eye. So combine that with "robots love to dance" - what?
Yeah, that's how I got involved with this book.
The moment you open it up, you are greeted with dialogue and that, to me, is something very good. I love dialogue-driven books and stories, and this one did justice on that part.
The plot is packed with originality, the characters distinguished and well formed individuals (ha, is it right to say it like this?)
If you're looking for something new, interesting, with some sci-fi, then you can stop your search here, because this could be the refreshing new read you need.
Yeah, that's how I got involved with this book.
The moment you open it up, you are greeted with dialogue and that, to me, is something very good. I love dialogue-driven books and stories, and this one did justice on that part.
The plot is packed with originality, the characters distinguished and well formed individuals (ha, is it right to say it like this?)
If you're looking for something new, interesting, with some sci-fi, then you can stop your search here, because this could be the refreshing new read you need.
May 29, 2024
'Japanese Robots' is a series of interconnected stories (the titular dancing bots coming from Part 6) taking place in a futuristic world of intelligent machines, Hindi slang (I think), and nasty industrialists and racketeers. While Gary Legal, a guy who does what he does to help, while also ticking off his dad, is an interesting character, the robots themselves and the fleshed-out world are more interesting.
Personality is a tough thing to get across in storytelling--it's awfully common to see wooden prose--but Ms. Treiber's style gives her work a unique feel. Moreover, the bright cyberpunk-lite setting is a good compliment to what is often droll dialogue, as it takes some of the edge off the quips and tempers the sarcasm. That dialogue moves quickly, and Ms. Treiber is able to land a few laugh-worthy lines.
The plotlines are not trailblazing, but they don't need to be, because the world-building is interesting enough. Things do drag a little early on, but it's well worth it to push on.
Personality is a tough thing to get across in storytelling--it's awfully common to see wooden prose--but Ms. Treiber's style gives her work a unique feel. Moreover, the bright cyberpunk-lite setting is a good compliment to what is often droll dialogue, as it takes some of the edge off the quips and tempers the sarcasm. That dialogue moves quickly, and Ms. Treiber is able to land a few laugh-worthy lines.
The plotlines are not trailblazing, but they don't need to be, because the world-building is interesting enough. Things do drag a little early on, but it's well worth it to push on.
April 19, 2024
Imagine a world where robots have feelings, dreams, and desires, just like us. "Japanese Robots Love to Dance" by Margret A.
From the very first page, I am drawn into a world where robots face challenges familiar to humans. The author beautifully portrays the struggles of these mechanical beings - the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, the monotony of long working hours, and the loneliness stemming from a lack of social interaction.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to blend heartwarming moments with thought-provoking themes. As readers follow Gary on his journey, they'll find themselves rooting for him and laughing with him.
But amidst these challenges, there's a spark of hope. The protagonist, a robot named Gary Legal, emerges as a beacon of resilience and determination. When faced with injustice, Gary takes matters into his own hands, seeking the help of a human attorney, because sometimes, even robots need legal aid.
From the very first page, I am drawn into a world where robots face challenges familiar to humans. The author beautifully portrays the struggles of these mechanical beings - the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, the monotony of long working hours, and the loneliness stemming from a lack of social interaction.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to blend heartwarming moments with thought-provoking themes. As readers follow Gary on his journey, they'll find themselves rooting for him and laughing with him.
But amidst these challenges, there's a spark of hope. The protagonist, a robot named Gary Legal, emerges as a beacon of resilience and determination. When faced with injustice, Gary takes matters into his own hands, seeking the help of a human attorney, because sometimes, even robots need legal aid.
December 31, 2024
This book basically starts with an info dump, but it’s done in a good way. You learn a lot about the characters through their dialogue and their references to their past and current situations. This is handled in humorous fashion that keeps the reader laughing and turning pages. Gabe’s personality is established fast. It’s done through showing his actions. I still felt drawn into the story and wanted to know more about the world Gabe is living in. He seems to be in a world without much heart, and he seems to have a big heart. This made me like him and root for him. Normally, I like main characters with and edge, but his soft personality fit well into this world and storyline. It was fun slowly learning the rules of this world with so many robots. The world building didn’t smother the storyline, though. The author did a great job integrating it into the plot. Overall, this was a funny and interesting book. I recommend it for most people of most ages.
January 2, 2025
Blending sharp humor with clever science fiction, this book weaves a tapestry of connected stories that are both hilarious and thought-provoking, set in a future of robots and eccentric legal drama. Set in a world where robots have become the norm, the story follows Gary Legal, a lawyer with a knack for defending robots' rights, along with a colorful cast of AI and human characters.
Stories were packed with wit, including unexpected twists and warm, poignant reflections. The absurdity mixed with real depth in this book is where it shone from quirky situations, to other chapters that explore, richly, the moral tugging, heart rending experiences AI go through amidst a world that never thinks highly about them.
While at times the transition between different stories may be a bit jolting, great character dynamics and themes balance it all out. If you are into imaginative sci-fi sprinkled with some humor, this is a fresh, enjoyable perspective.
Stories were packed with wit, including unexpected twists and warm, poignant reflections. The absurdity mixed with real depth in this book is where it shone from quirky situations, to other chapters that explore, richly, the moral tugging, heart rending experiences AI go through amidst a world that never thinks highly about them.
While at times the transition between different stories may be a bit jolting, great character dynamics and themes balance it all out. If you are into imaginative sci-fi sprinkled with some humor, this is a fresh, enjoyable perspective.
January 10, 2025
If you enjoy quirky SF, this is for you. The writing is spare, heavy on dialogue that sounds natural and often funny. The pages flew by, with me thoroughly enjoying ‘Body Building’, in which Al and Ji-hoon go casino-hopping for a good cause, and ‘Beautiful’, in which bank robbers try to take over a dump truck; the banter is hilarious and the ending unexpected and heartwarming.
The stories are loosely connected, with a lawyer (the self-styled Gary Legal) who takes a stand for the underdog, whether it’s mistreated robots or something else. I was going to say ‘something more sinister’, but you will have to find out for yourself.
The courtroom proceedings are realistic and engaging, with Legal happily resorting to guile and chicanery to get justice for his clients. For readers who enjoy space adventure, there’s that too.
It takes a deft touch to inject poignancy and humanity into any story, let alone comic SF. Neatly done.
The stories are loosely connected, with a lawyer (the self-styled Gary Legal) who takes a stand for the underdog, whether it’s mistreated robots or something else. I was going to say ‘something more sinister’, but you will have to find out for yourself.
The courtroom proceedings are realistic and engaging, with Legal happily resorting to guile and chicanery to get justice for his clients. For readers who enjoy space adventure, there’s that too.
It takes a deft touch to inject poignancy and humanity into any story, let alone comic SF. Neatly done.
January 16, 2025
“Japanese Robots Love to Dance” by Margret A. Treiber, is an amusing, imaginative, and quirky futuristic tale set in a world where robots are commonly used by people to make their lives more convenient. There are strict laws in place that pertain to robots; people are prohibited from having their robots repaired; they are supposed to be returned to the manufacturer, who will replace them instead. The book is a series of vignettes featuring Gary Legal, a savvy and unconventional lawyer. Gary specializes in unusual cases and after rescuing a robot being beat up by its owner, develops a keen interest in the fate of these non-humans. In the courtroom scenes, it is made clear that Gary’s techniques, though often effective, are not necessarily appreciated by the people who preside over his cases. The book is a series of interconnected narratives that follow Gary’s adventures. This book is a good pick for readers of humorous dark comedy/science fiction stories.
February 20, 2025
I just finished the book "Japanese Robots Love to Dance" written by Margret A. Treiber. It’s a fun, quirky collection of stories set in a future world where robots are treated poorly. The main character, Gary Legal, is a lawyer who defends robots and other unusual clients, like an ancient god. The stories are humorous, with witty dialogue and interesting characters, especially Gary and his robot clients. The robots are well developed and you can’t help but sympathize with them as they fight for freedom and a better life. While the book is mostly lighthearted, it also touches on deeper ideas about artificial intelligence and how we treat others. The world building is gradual and the humor keeps it from feeling too heavy. It’s a great read for anyone who enjoys quirky sci-fi with smart ideas and lots of heart. You’ll laugh, think and maybe even want to see what happens next. I think people will enjoy this book.
December 27, 2025
Fans of Futurama should find the irreverent, off-beat future familiar (in the best kind of way). Through the interconnected stories of Japanese Robots Love to Dance, Treiber creates a future that feels both parody and plausible all at once. The cast of characters is as varied in personalities as it is in metal alloys--and through the book's various vignettes, Treiber delivers occasionally poignant moments interspersed between the fun antics. The prose is without flourish, yet effective enough to tell the story well. Sometimes, showy/sophisticated writing can get in the way of the story--Treiber's prose is transparent, which makes for super light reading!
For people who enjoy scifi--but tire of the mopey and pessimistic tone that sometimes colors the genre--JRLtD is a welcome reprieve! Enjoy it before your optical lenses are repossessed by the company that owns the copyright to your visual processor
For people who enjoy scifi--but tire of the mopey and pessimistic tone that sometimes colors the genre--JRLtD is a welcome reprieve! Enjoy it before your optical lenses are repossessed by the company that owns the copyright to your visual processor
January 24, 2024
What a fun book! This book has great writing, a fantastic premise, good characters. This is like a funny, legal version of I, Robot. These stories are all quite funny and have a nice thought-provoking theme throughout. The main character is relatable and funny. The pace is quick and the scope is unlimited as we see the future underworld, leave Earth, face gods (with a small ‘g’ though), learn how to operate a trash compactor in emergency mode, how to rob a casino - or maybe it was how not to rob a casino. Probably both. Anyway it's all just fantastic, wonderful stuff. I never thought about robot and space law before and this was a neat mental trip. Somehow even the courtroom scenes were funny - only possible with good characters.
This was set up for a sequel and I am excited for it! Maybe 25PU-209 will be back, or The Following…they were excellent.
This was set up for a sequel and I am excited for it! Maybe 25PU-209 will be back, or The Following…they were excellent.
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