Fantasy and Science Fiction for Children and Teens
I, Robot The Robot Series: Book 1 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Recommended age range: 12 and up List Price: $7.99 |
Description:
I, Robot is actually not one story, but a collection of short stories loosely tied together. Some of the stories are poignant, some are funny, but all concern robots. Most have to do with the "Three Laws of Robotics," which Asimov invented:
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 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.
In most of the stories, the implications of the three laws are explored. What happens when two of the laws conflict? Is it ever possible for a robot to harm a human, and under what circumstances? Can what a machine thinks is best for humans be different than what the humans think is best? It's an example of Asimov's brilliance that he explored the ramifications of the laws he invented, ramifications that aren't always positive. Others have borrowed ideas from Asimov, but few have explored and even questioned those ideas in the way that Asimov did.
Mom's rating: 4.5 wands 
Mom's Review:
I first read these stories in the fifth grade, back in the 70s, and they were originally published in science fiction magazines in the 40s. A few are outdated, but most are as interesting as they were decades ago. That the stories have held up so well shows why Asimov is considered one of the masters of science fiction. The first story in the book is, in my opinion, the weakest of the lot, so if the first story doesn't hold your interest, don't give up on the book, just skip it and go on to the second one, Runaround, which is actually my favorite.
Ultimately, the book is about humanity as much as it is about robots. The framework holding the stories together involves a character named Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, and her lifetime of experiences and achievements with robots. Dr. Calvin emerges as the most interesting character in the book, and while some of her characteristics are stereotyped, it's really remarkable that Asimov created a woman character with such a highly specialized, technical background at the time that he did, when most women were expected to be homemakers. I wonder if Asimov was inspired by Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, a real-life woman who was a pioneer in the development of computers?
Although the reading level may be difficult for some children, there's really nothing overly scary or inappropriate in this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves science fiction or who is interested in robots.
All Editions:
Paperback ISBN 0553294385 $7.99 Buy Now | Hardcover ISBN 0553803700 $18.00 Buy Now | Audio Cassette ISBN 0739312693 Buy Now | Audio CD ISBN 0739312707 Buy Now |
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