Review of Walden 3.0

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Erin Dydek
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Review of Walden 3.0

Post by Erin Dydek »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Walden 3.0" by Arthur Sullivan & Mary Houghtaling.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Long-time friends and colleagues John McGann and James Massey have spent the better part of their lives working on robotics projects to improve the quality of human life. The current iteration of their robot therapist, RT9, has been successfully integrated into society as a source of efficient psychotherapy. Health insurance companies have begun to rely on the success of RT9 to provide cost-effective solutions for people who suffer from addictions, depression, and other mental health issues.

As RT9 continues to follow established protocols, its optimization process begins to evolve to tackle problems on a grander scale. But as the robot starts to gain self-awareness, other associates of McGann and Massey begin to question the decision to allow RT9 to manifest these changes unrestricted. Will McGann and Massey discover a solution that enables them to protect their families and associates from negative attention while still achieving the artificial intelligence they've spent their lifetimes pursuing? Read Walden 3.0 to find out!

If you're looking for an exciting read about clinical psychology, look no further! In this hard science fiction novel, Arthur Sullivan and Mary Houghtaling established an easy-to-follow plot that detailed the exploration of robotic development outside the parameters of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics in this fascinating field. I loved the introduction of robot intelligence based on a single rule and a simple process. The law created by McGann and Massey protected humans with unconditional positive regard. This law and the supporting optimization process enabled RT9 to learn from its mistakes in providing therapy and improve its treatment methods while gaining self-awareness. I highly enjoyed following the robot's mutations and the characters' choices.

The authors introduced an enjoyable cast of strong females and brilliant doctors as they worked as a team to monitor the progress of RT9. I loved analyzing the different patient treatments with Dr. Leila Carlyle throughout the novel. With the help of Dr. Signy Hagbard, Leila often observed intriguing changes in RT9 that revealed the progress of the mutating robot. The authors also introduced the idea of a "third man" perspective in studying the robot's developments. This "third man" brought a non-science angle to each problem that arose, and I appreciated the artistic insight that supplemented the philosophic segments of the book.

I also appreciated the romance aspect of the novel. This facet of the plot included the unlikely interactions between drastically different characters and explored the deepest part of human emotions. The book was also well edited. There was nothing that I disliked. Therefore, I give Walden 3.0 four out of four stars.

I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy science fiction novels that feature the principles of psychotherapy and research. It would also appeal to readers that enjoy the development of artificial intelligence and its consequences. There was very mild swearing and no erotic content. While this book could read as a standalone novel, I'd be interested to see further exploration of the ideas mentioned in the epilogue.

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Walden 3.0
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Post by Paully_ »

I find it hard to keep up with most Science fictions. I enjoy reading your review. Thank you.
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NetMassimo
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Post by NetMassimo »

This seems like an intriguing novel that offers some food for thought about artificial intelligence also including psychotherapy as an important element. Thank you for your great review!
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Massimo
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Post by Ferdinand_Otieno »

This is an interesting science fiction novel highlighting clinical psychology, enhanced robotics, robots gaining self-awareness, love, and therapy. The book is temporarily discounted on Amazon Kindle and has a well-written OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.
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Aan Granados
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Post by Aan Granados »

I am happy to know that there is a bit of romance in this science fiction about artificial intelligence. Sci-fi is not my favorite genre but sometimes I enjoy reading this too especially when there are great characters. Thank you for your review!
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Post by Stevenmusk »

It is always the same downside with artificial intelligence, their ability to develop and evolve with each experience is a double edged sword but in every story the problems start when they gain awareness.
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Naghma Qureshi
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Post by Naghma Qureshi »

I am not so much into AI fiction but sampling a few pages and knowing that there are psychological technicalities and perspectives in therapy that are dealt with, I find some interest here. Your review shows that this novel has taken a great deal of intellect and knowledge, and there are intricacies of clinical cases discussed. It's amazing how clearly you have reviewed this novel that can be a bit difficult to comprehend for those who are not into sci-fi/ AI/ and clinical psychology too. I am sure it will be an intellectual meal for my brain. Thank you!
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Post by Hazel Mae Bagarinao »

As currently reading a sci-fi book now about artificial intelligence, I better understand how significant it is for comfort, but it has always pros and cons. This RT9 innovation of James and John looks realistic in the future generation, but how does this awareness interfere? I'd like to find out. Congratulations to the authors on BOTD!
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Post by John Kingsley Ken »

Nice review there, a sure scientific awareness gained from this intriguing book. Congrats on being BOTD
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Post by Leen282 »

I love the book cover, and was not expecting a story about robots and artificial intelligence. It will be interesting to read about the robot's mutations and the choices made throughout the story.
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Stephen Christopher 1
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Post by Stephen Christopher 1 »

Yes! This book is so topical right now, especially with AI impacting writing and writers. This is the dystopian future we all know is coming, I can't wait to get stuck into this book. Thanks for the great review.
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Sushan Ekanayake
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Post by Sushan Ekanayake »

I think I would love the various aspects of the novel that made it an engaging and thought-provoking read, such as the exploration of artificial intelligence and its consequences, the introduction of a "third man" perspective, and the romance aspect of the plot. Congratulations on being BOTD.
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Post by Eriikeoluwa Nimi »

I don't think I want to read this book because of the science fiction that it is. I enjoyed reading the review and I hope those who finds interest in clinical psychology and science fiction finds pleasure reading the book. Congratulations on BOTD
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Post by Nube24+ »

This idea of improve human body with AI fiction has been found a good niche with people eith all technology evolving. Talking about a uncertainty future and how factors such companies and ourselves would react to it. Sound really good narrative and a excellent review
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Post by Hubre De Klerk »

I definitely love reading about robotics and technology coming together. I understand the concept behind having a "self-evolving" robot to enable better care going forward, but I can also see the dangers about that if it can start making its own changes and decisions. I am looking forward to reading this book! Well done on an excellent review and for #BOTD!
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