Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? in Philip K Dick

Oct 09, 2016 James Rennard rated it it was amazing

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This is probably one of the worst ideas I've ever had, writing a literary review for a book so well-known and influential as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. In fact, making it an even more appalling idea, this is my first book review, ever. So, you've been given warning.

Philip K. Dick, whether one is aware of him as an author or simply aware of the numerous films adapted from his works, is rightfully appreciated as one of the most enigmatic authors of the 20th century. While anyone that cl This is probably one of the worst ideas I've ever had, writing a literary review for a book so well-known and influential as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. In fact, making it an even more appalling idea, this is my first book review, ever. So, you've been given warning.

Philip K. Dick, whether one is aware of him as an author or simply aware of the numerous films adapted from his works, is rightfully appreciated as one of the most enigmatic authors of the 20th century. While anyone that claims to understand PKD's writings should be given wide berth, there is no doubting that some individuals feel an instantaneous connection to the theoretically augmented realities, or non-realities, created by his mind. I, for one, fell consciousness-first into the first of the few PKD novels I read (A Scanner Darkly). In all honesty, I wasn't prepared for what I found, was entranced by the words between the words, and knew that I needed time to figure out what had just happened, as previously unused, latent synapses began firing in my brain. I decided to take a break from PKD. Yes, I realize that I had only read a single writing, but it was that significant of a shock to my understanding of reality, drug use, and the effects of relational trauma and experiences on the mind that I knew I shouldn’t rush onward.

I wasn't prepared for what came next, a foray into other 20th century authors of science fiction and mind-bending writings. Now, understand that it wasn't as if I had sought out the most outrageously heretical authors or books of our time to read. No, I selected acclaimed books and authors of renown, like Aldous Huxley (Brave New World), George Orwell (1984), and Anthony Burgess (A Clockwork Orange). Okay, so maybe I was already addicted to the pseudoliterary drug, optically delivered by Philip K. Dick, but I was in a phase of denial only satisfied by novels that also stimulate the mind in ways unknown to most of today’s modern writers.

Upon visiting one of our local used bookstores, though attempting to curb a primal desire for more PKD, I found myself in the science fiction section standing before the “D to F” sticker. After a few dithering moments, I walked out of the shop carrying the first VALIS book (VALIS), Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, The Man in the High Castle (The Man in the High Castle), The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch(The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch), and Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said (Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said). Before one presents judgement, please also note that I purchased Dark Matter (Dark Matter).

If permitted, it would be a pleasure to reflect upon my first reading of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. The novel is a lighthouse to members of the human race struggling to cope with feelings and beliefs locked inside a life that is expected to look and behave in accordance with societal norms. Those that have experienced the turmoil of an inner identity which conflicts, either entirely or in part, with that which is considered normal human emotion, behavior, or reality should immediately connect with a number of the novel’s characters.

Beyond the relational meanings in the novel, the story itself is wonderfully written and engaging at all levels. I believe that it has been said before, but PKD is a writer’s writer. Not only does he tell the story, he engages the reader in thinking and questioning what they would do, how they would react, and where their minds would go if faced with a similar situation; grasping their heart strings, activating mental processes, and forcing one’s hands to their head in utter frustration, but also in relief that whether animal, android, or human, we all play a part in this reality; or in many cases, this non-reality. ...more

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Jan 13, 2014 Jordan Smith added it

Maybe my favorite of Dick's works. Blade Runner was a good film, but didn't began to really capture this in a way, which admittedly is no easy task. I like how (spoiler alert) you sort of don't know if Deckard might be an android, it gets really existential at some points. And you really don't know how you should feel about androids in this world, I felt like they were basically human. But then again... ...more

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