I, Robot (Robot, #0.1) in Vampires, Weres and Fae!

Apr 01, 2022 Keli rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: now-i-know-what-the-hype-was-about, ru2022

Synopsis- The three laws of Robotics:
1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov changed our perception of robots forever when he formulated the laws governing their Synopsis- The three laws of Robotics:
1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov changed our perception of robots forever when he formulated the laws governing their behavior. In I, Robot, Asimov chronicles the development of the robot through a series of interlinked stories: from its primitive origins in the present to its ultimate perfection in the not-so-distant future--a future in which humanity itself may be rendered obsolete.

Here are stories of robots gone mad, of mind-read robots, and robots with a sense of humor. Of robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world--all told with the dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction that has become Asimov's trademark.

Review- There are books or authors that should just be read even if they don't resonate or have the same impact that they did at the time of original publication. These are books that are not just classics but are the foundation upon which others built. Isaac Asimov is one of those authors. He is arguably the daddy of hard science fiction. His books are essential reading for sci-fi fans. At least for anyone who wants to claim they are well read in the genre.
I've managed to avoid most "must read" classics for my entire reading life until recently. I read my first (and last) Jane Austen a few years back. I read my first Dickens just last year, along with my first Asimov. I wasn't a massive fan of Foundation. Unlike Ms Austen, I could stomach the idea of reading another Asimov. So when this came up as a random selection from my tbr, I went for it instead of deleting it.
I liked it better than Foundation, but it still lacked excitement, though that might be more because it's short stories. Some stories were more interesting than others. I particularly liked the Mind Reading robot story. Especially as we got to understand a bit more about Susan Calvin in that one. I also enjoyed the stories involving Powell and Donovan. These were probably the most entertaining, in the traditional sense, as they contained humour and a bit of suspense with the science. Actually, as I write this I've realised that I liked all the stories and each one was essential to the overall narrative. Even though the writing was very much of its time in tone, particularly in relation to women, I can't find too many faults. This is a well-deserved four star book. And if Asimov could have been as forward thinking in gender roles as he was about science and technology, I think it would have been a five star read.

Rating - Four robot self-awareness is creepy stars. ⭐⭐⭐️⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Devoured the book, couldn't put it down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Really liked it, consumed within days
⭐⭐⭐ - Enjoyed a fair bit, better than average
⭐⭐ - Meh
⭐ - Absolute drivel ...more

1 like · Like · see review