Review of What Do You Think, Mr. Collins?
Posted: 17 Jul 2024, 12:13
[Following is a volunteer review of "What Do You Think, Mr. Collins?" by Neal Bialostosky.]
What if your city teetered on the brink of chaos, with artificial intelligence transforming life at an unprecedented pace? Neal Bialostosky's "What Do You Think Mr. Collins?" plunges readers into the heart of Paradise, a fictional city on an alternate Earth that mirrors our near future. Here, amid the dizzying pace of technological advancement, we meet an array of compelling characters whose lives intertwine in a narrative that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.
Through the introspective Ben Collins and the visionary AI architect Sydney Maddow, Bialostosky paints a nuanced portrait of a society grappling with the consequences of technological advancement. Ben Collins, a city government employee, strives for normalcy amidst the upheaval, while Sydney Maddow's creations challenge our understanding of free will and intelligence. These central figures anchor a story set against a city on the brink, with mayoral candidates Teresa Vasquez and Gregory Lind locked in a high-stakes political battle.
Bialostosky's portrayal of the political campaign is a sharp critique of modern politics, highlighting how such distractions prevent society from addressing existential threats like global warming. The city of Paradise, with its looming environmental crises and political divisions, serves as a microcosm of our world, making the narrative both relatable and urgent.
The ethical complexities of AI are brought to life through characters like Evelyn Broadwell and Dr. Norman Hippleton, who navigate a world where artificial intelligence threatens to disrupt the status quo. Particularly compelling is the depiction of Nanettes, AI nurses and nannies that provide round-the-clock care, embodying both the potential and peril of AI integration into daily life.
Alfred, the powerful sentient AI butler, symbolizes the growing power and autonomy of artificial intelligence. Bialostosky's deft storytelling ensures that Alfred's rise is both believable and terrifying, subtly highlighting the dangers of unchecked technological progress.
Though the book contains some profanity, making it unsuitable for children, it is otherwise professionally proofread, with only a single grammatical error—a testament to its polished prose.
In the end, the title "What Do You Think Mr. Collins?" is brilliantly justified, as Ben Collins becomes the everyman through whose eyes we witness the unfolding drama and are prompted to reflect on our own world. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. Bialostosky's novel is a masterful blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and satire, making it a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and exhilarating journey.
******
What Do You Think, Mr. Collins?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
What if your city teetered on the brink of chaos, with artificial intelligence transforming life at an unprecedented pace? Neal Bialostosky's "What Do You Think Mr. Collins?" plunges readers into the heart of Paradise, a fictional city on an alternate Earth that mirrors our near future. Here, amid the dizzying pace of technological advancement, we meet an array of compelling characters whose lives intertwine in a narrative that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.
Through the introspective Ben Collins and the visionary AI architect Sydney Maddow, Bialostosky paints a nuanced portrait of a society grappling with the consequences of technological advancement. Ben Collins, a city government employee, strives for normalcy amidst the upheaval, while Sydney Maddow's creations challenge our understanding of free will and intelligence. These central figures anchor a story set against a city on the brink, with mayoral candidates Teresa Vasquez and Gregory Lind locked in a high-stakes political battle.
Bialostosky's portrayal of the political campaign is a sharp critique of modern politics, highlighting how such distractions prevent society from addressing existential threats like global warming. The city of Paradise, with its looming environmental crises and political divisions, serves as a microcosm of our world, making the narrative both relatable and urgent.
The ethical complexities of AI are brought to life through characters like Evelyn Broadwell and Dr. Norman Hippleton, who navigate a world where artificial intelligence threatens to disrupt the status quo. Particularly compelling is the depiction of Nanettes, AI nurses and nannies that provide round-the-clock care, embodying both the potential and peril of AI integration into daily life.
Alfred, the powerful sentient AI butler, symbolizes the growing power and autonomy of artificial intelligence. Bialostosky's deft storytelling ensures that Alfred's rise is both believable and terrifying, subtly highlighting the dangers of unchecked technological progress.
Though the book contains some profanity, making it unsuitable for children, it is otherwise professionally proofread, with only a single grammatical error—a testament to its polished prose.
In the end, the title "What Do You Think Mr. Collins?" is brilliantly justified, as Ben Collins becomes the everyman through whose eyes we witness the unfolding drama and are prompted to reflect on our own world. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. Bialostosky's novel is a masterful blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and satire, making it a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and exhilarating journey.
******
What Do You Think, Mr. Collins?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon