Author: Isaac Asimov
First published: 1976
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Rating: ★★★★☆
Asimov is really popular for his robot stories, and this book consists of them. These stories are ones I haven't read before, so I was intrigued. But what I didn't expect and didn't expect to enjoy was the way the stories are connected. Between them are author's interludes telling how and why each story was written, and these interludes are witty and clever and very enjoyable. They allow the reader to have a look at how this whole writing business works, and I find it fascinating.
The title story is the longest and one of the most impressive ones, but it's not that the collection has one main idea or is in any way organized so as to comprise one coherent narrative. It just contains stories written during two years, and this is the only reason they are put together. Reading The Bicentennial Man and Other Stories made me want to re-read I, Robot, which I don't remember well, and which contains the first of Asimov's robot stories.
In my book:
Not a starter Asimov book, but definitely recommended if you are already into his robotics.
I want to read my Asimov after reading one of his books. I see why so many people sing his praises.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read many of his robot stories, only a few, but definitely want to :)
ReplyDeleteStart with I, Robot if you haven't read it in its entirety :)
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