this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2025
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Audiobook review. Chocky by John Wyndham. An alien makes esp contact with a 12 yr old boy so that it can teach him about the world, the universe and to help humanity.
I'm listening to a lot of 60s science fiction, it seems a bit more creative, less character based, more tech based, than a lot of newer fiction
this book was subtle, I will have to think about it some more
I do like how the message is overwhelmingly positive, humans can do positive things to improve their lives and improve the world. Humans are also co-operative, working together to figure things out.
That takes me back. Read it many many years ago as a teenager. I think you're right about sf being more tech based then. Still can't beat Asimov's robot trilogy for a close (if dated) look at human/tech interactions and the moral dimensions thereof.
Edit: also Alexei Panshin's Rite of Passage - which can horrify but does a rip snorting good job of examining the morality of a closed society. Re-read this recently and it stands the test of time.
These are rereads for me too.
Rite of Passage is now on my list ๐
Anything by Phillip K Dick. I've read his bibliography. Very talented and eccentric writer.
I remember that book!