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mhadick's review against another edition
3.0
It was an interesting read but challenging at times because of the mind-bending ideas worked through in the story. Most of the main characters were shap shifters of one kind or another, so my allegiances changed.
The underlying message, however, is great, and I found it a satisfying read.
The underlying message, however, is great, and I found it a satisfying read.
_woodgate's review against another edition
Big Phil is so obsessed with breasts here it's a wonder Russ Meyers never tried to adapt this for the silver screen. Made me feel blessed that I don't have friends who go to Burning Man. A gnawing, paranoid nightmare in all aspects.
mecano's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
danmeier's review against another edition
5.0
Trippy, funny, and prophetic, A Scanner Darkly makes a bleak future of cultural drug addiction feel all too real.
krisp89's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
towellette's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Absolutely stunning novel, I recommend A Scanner Darkly regularly. The book is both funny and witty and utterly heartbreaking. Go in blind, with nothing more than the blurb—if that.
jamichalski's review against another edition
4.0
Not PKD’s best work on a reading experience, sentence-to-sentence level — it seems this is the beginning of the slide toward the VALIS-era obfuscated prose. Kind of felt like I was re-reading Inherent Vice for a while, both because of the hazy prose and because of the druggy characters/plot. But thematically this book was very effective. Not very sci-fi by his standards, or moralizing, for that matter. Unexpectedly emotional in the end.
pinkeerach's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first Philip K. Dick book I've read, and I have to say I was a bit surprised. I think I was expecting more of an obvious "mind fuck" type book. What I discovered is that Dick's approach is much more subtle. This was a fascinating look at a seemingly alternate universe (at least now, given the original time of its writing) where a crazy drug pretty much ruins your brain. You really get the full effect of the power of the drug through the main character as he conducts a deep undercover operation. It really twisted my brain into knots considering how we identify ourselves, and how the particular drug in the story distorts your way of thinking.
anaxmann's review against another edition
4.0
While reading this book, I could only imagine that the author had experienced the things the main character had (he did). It was so interesting to read about drug addiction written by an addict. I'd like to know if the author has thoughts on what happens after the story ends. Definitely going to continue reading PKD novels.
hezaasan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This novel is hard to describe in a way that doesn't simply recite the novel. I can't say the characters were lovable exactly but they were relatable despite not being like any specific person in my life. Yet the vibe is true to so many people I have known, at the same time. This book launched my brain into a different way of thinking and feeling, and left me just a little bit changed by the experience. I'd call that a win.