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By: CHCH 558
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2024-09-05 16:43:00 |
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Most of us didn't like the characters; some felt they were not real characters and were only there as part of the plot, or that the characters lacked personality. However the book generated an interesting discussion around AI, technology and ethics. |
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By: WELL 206
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2024-01-18 13:08:21 |
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Wasn't everybody's cup of tea. Altered reality didn't sit well with some of our group. Interesting moral dilemmas discussed, as was the future of AI in store for us. |
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By: NELS 089
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2023-11-08 14:49:51 |
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People enjoyed the story's premise. Some struggled with the ethics re A.I. - a lot of discussion followed. |
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By: TAUR 059
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2023-11-04 15:48:03 |
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A book that we were all generally in agreement on all aspects, doesn’t happen often. No-one liked the alternative history/ politics. The characters did not resonate with us. Would have liked more info on who gave Adam what characteristics to understand if what he learned via the internet influenced him more than those characteristics. We all loved the AI “person” concept and the ethical/moral questions it raised. All agreed the book was well-written and what we would expect from the author. |
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By: AUCK 349
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2023-05-25 11:20:56 |
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Definitely a Top Ten read for us. His anticipation of what A.I. means for our future is quite extraordinary! |
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By: CHCH 323
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2023-04-26 13:13:15 |
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Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this. |
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By: HAMIL 066
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2023-03-27 12:22:06 |
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Overall our group felt the characters in this book were unlikeable and in some cases disturbing. However the story generated a great deal of discussion about the consequences of decisions people make, and what out future might be like! |
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By: CHCH 523
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2023-03-05 21:50:16 |
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Only one person actually finished the book - no-one enjoyed any aspect of it at all. Way too 'wordy' and descriptive. |
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By: KATIK 001
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2023-02-27 13:55:06 |
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A multi layered story which matures on subsequent readings. Two of us had read this work previously and felt more had been gained from the intricacies and depth of the writing. Some read and enjoyed the basic storyline and skipped over the 'extra padding' but, well into our discussion, realised there were more implications in bringing androids to our way of life than was expected. This led to wanting a reread! (3 cheers for the library). Interesting and vibrant discussion at our meeting. Another winner. |
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By: DUNED 100
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2023-01-12 11:11:16 |
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Not everyone got around to reading the book this month. However, those of us who did found it intriguing, with a great premise. The ethics of AI and what constitutes 'life' made for a lively discussion. |
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By: AUCK 143
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2022-06-23 11:39:15 |
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Generally this book was very much enjoyed by the group. One member disliked McEwan's manipulation of historical fact. It was an exploration of human nature and social issues. He is a most accomplished author. |
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By: CHCH 422
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2022-05-05 11:28:38 |
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This book did create quite a lot of discussion but overall it wasn't a title the group enjoyed. For many it wasn't a genre they connected with although they do like to be challenged in this area. There was mention that the mix of fact and fiction was a challenge and knowing which was which. The word 'frustrating' summed up the general view of the group. |
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By: TAUR 049
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2022-03-30 15:46:15 |
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Most of us appreciate Ian McEwen's writing style but often don't like the places he takes us - this was no exception. Great discussion took place on the many themes within the narrative. |
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By: AUCK 381
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2022-02-08 10:08:04 |
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Very interesting debate stemmed from this wonderful book. |
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By: MARTIN 001
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2022-01-10 11:15:43 |
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Everyone thought it an excellent book. Well developed plot. Disturbing and provoking. Some thought it the best Ian McEwan book. Lots of good discussion on Artificial Intelligence and the world's future. |
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By: NELS 040
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2021-11-26 13:08:45 |
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Not attempted by some. Enjoyed by the majority. Many preferred other McEwan titles. |
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By: QUEEN 015
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2021-11-17 12:38:52 |
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Loved it. Great subject matter and brilliant writing. Although one of our members found his writing a bit "arrogant". |
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By: NELS 040
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2021-10-27 10:07:38 |
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Some of the group were wary of the subject matter so did not read this book, but those that did rated it highly. |
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By: CHCH 518
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2021-06-09 14:38:29 |
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The group struggled with the alternative history timeline and found the book a difficult read. Eight of our nine members had not ever read an Ian McEwan book. The one member who loved the book would rate it a 5. We had a lively discussion though. |
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By: WELL 045
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2021-05-10 14:34:47 |
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We found this book challenging, but we thought the discussion notes were fantastic. |
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By: TEKAPO 001
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2021-05-10 14:33:56 |
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I personally loved the book, but the group was divided down the middle. Loads of discussion, so I would call it a big success (as it's what you want out of book group). |
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By: WELL 100
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2021-03-26 13:45:40 |
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Some of the group found this novel very bleak, but it generated a lengthy discussion. |
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By: TIMAR 013
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2021-03-26 13:44:27 |
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Challenging at times. Thought provoking and a little disconcerting. Great discussion. We worry about A.I. in the future. |
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By: MAST 008
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2021-03-08 14:48:26 |
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Most members felt it was one of the best books we have had, with most people scoring it 8-9 out of 10, with one 7.5. A general comment was that it was not a book we would individually choose, and it raised some very diverse and interesting topics. |
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By: PALMN 019
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2020-10-23 14:40:58 |
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Positive: Highly engrossing and thought provoking. Revision to history was well done. Very well-written. Negative: A little slow to start for some members. |
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By: WELL 123
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2020-10-20 15:05:18 |
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Reactions varied but good discussion especially about A.I, and the pros and cons of human morality and robot morality. |
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By: NELS 062
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2020-09-23 13:14:46 |
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Great story telling and writing were appreciated, and promoted a lot of discussion. Thought provoking moral issues. |
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By: AUCK 038
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2020-08-31 14:04:06 |
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Mixed reactions - either loved it, or didn't relate at all! |
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