Philip K. Dick

[Rob H]

I've recently watched A Scanner Darkly and Waking Life(PKD was the focus of a later scene in the movie).

I'd like to give his work or the work of somebody similar a try. Could I please get some suggestions? Thanks.

[RolandJP]

The man in the high castle------Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
By Philip K. Dick

WAR SURF by M. M. Buckner (Ace Books)

ALTERED CARBON by Richard K. Morgan (Del Rey Books)

[Aaron Kashtan]

My favorite of PKD's novels is Ubik, but I also really like The Man in the High Castle, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (which was the basis for Blade Runner) and Galactic Pot-Healer. The Game-Players of Titan and Time Out of Joint were not quite as good. I don't believe I've read any of his other books.

As you may know already, the films Total Recall and Minority Report were based on short stories by PKD.

[glue]

The Man in the High Castle always comes up in these discussions, but I found it really dull. I'm shocked I was able to finish it. It'd be a good idea to pick up one of his short story collections, as (at least in my opinion) he seems to thrive in that format. As for novels, Time Out of Joint is my personal favorite but Dr. Bloodmoney is also really good.

I really want to read Ubik, but I can never find it when I'm book shopping.

[Rob H]

After posting one of these threads, I usually go straight to eBay and put a bid on the books mentioned. I'm currently bidding on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and The Man in the High Castle. Ubik isn't available on Oz eBay so I'll keep an eye out for it in stores.

Are there any particularly good PKD short story collections I should be looking out for?

[glue]

I'd suggest The Minority Report. Lots of really good shorts in there, including the title short (it's approximately 476.8 times better than the movie).