Call number
Genres
Publication
New York: Tor Books, 1999
Pages
350
Description
In the near future, a signal is detected coming from the Alpha Centauri system. Mysterious, unintelligible data streams in for ten years. Heather Davis, a professor in the University of Toronto psychology department, has devoted her career to deciphering the message. Her estranged husband, Kyle, is working on the development of artificial intelligence systems and new computer technology utilizing quantum effects to produce a near-infinite number of calculations simultaneously. When Heather achieves a breakthrough, the message reveals a startling new technology that rips the barriers of space and time, holding the promise of a new stage of human evolution. In concert with Kyle's discoveries of the nature of consciousness, the key to limitless exploration---or the end of the human race---appears close at hand. Sawyer has created a gripping thriller, a pulse-pounding tour of the farthest reaches of technology. Factoring Humanity is a 1999 Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novel.… (more)
Awards
Hugo Award (Nominee — Novel — 1999)
Prix Aurora Award (Finalist — 1999)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1998
Physical description
350 p.; 7.1 inches
ISBN
0812571290 / 9780812571295
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User reviews
LibraryThing member igor.kh
Sawyer has somehow succeeded in sucking all life from the prose of this novel. The story itself does not actually justify the torture of reading it.
This book has made me extremely cautious about picking up any more of Sawyer's novels.
This book has made me extremely cautious about picking up any more of Sawyer's novels.
LibraryThing member Hamburgerclan
The cover pitches this as a tale about a mysterious message from space, which, when finally deciphered, threatens to push humanity to the next stage of evolution. It does finally get to that, but when I started reading the book, I thought I was reading a completely different tale. I won't say any
--J.
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more, so as to preserve the shock for others. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I found Mr. Sawyer's typical scientist hero, Canadian scenery-porn and Godless spirituality to be a bit cliched. On the other, the man is a great storyteller and does an excellent job of taking a science fiction idea and fully developing it. So, yes, check it out and enjoy!--J.
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LibraryThing member revslick
What I love about Sawyer's books is that he's on the cutting edge of blending modern science and spirituality with a dash of psychology for good measure. It's quite an innovative convergence. What I dislike is that most of his novels still seem as if he's learning basic dialogue and social
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interaction much like those awkward moments when you're talking to somebody that has a genius IQ but lacks the social EQ to go with it. On the whole Factoring Humanity is a creative exploration of Jung's cosmic consciousness, but there are enough awkward moments to make it less than satisfying. Show Less
LibraryThing member ajlewis2
So much is all woven together in this book. There is a mystery and family interaction. And there is a brilliant look at life in the universe and how it connects. Included is some good stuff on AI and thoughts about where that is going. And a look at the 4th dimension and Schrodinger's Cat. I loved
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the descriptions of some of the more unusual experiences of our characters (no spoilers here) to include the mechanical one. Sawyer as usual made me think about what really matters. Show Less
LibraryThing member sampe
'Factoring Humanity' is not the best of Robert J Sawyers books, but still it is an interesting read. There is a mixture of traditional science fiction elements such as interstellar communication and artificial intelligence woven into the lives of a dysfunctional family.
Read it if you either already
Read it if you either already
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are a fan of Robert Sawyer, or if you are interested in what can be done with four dimensional cubes. Show Less
LibraryThing member TeeMcp
Prime numbers, aliens, artificial intelligence, Jungian psychology...all the right ingredients for a perfect book, IMHO.
This one has a bit of a slow, soap opera-ish start. Hang in there until chapter 4 or 5. The focus on family dynamics makes sense by then, and is actually integral to the
Sawyer has become one of my new fave authors. Engaging, complex, and well constructed novels with very satisfying endings.
This one has a bit of a slow, soap opera-ish start. Hang in there until chapter 4 or 5. The focus on family dynamics makes sense by then, and is actually integral to the
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plot.Sawyer has become one of my new fave authors. Engaging, complex, and well constructed novels with very satisfying endings.
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LibraryThing member baubie
A fun read with a lot of overtones that have come out in other Sawyer novels. A lot of the plot was forced that made some plot developments frustrating to appreciate but it was still a satisfying read.
LibraryThing member RicMillen
Usual simple story telling that combines an uncomplicated human plot-line and his usual interesting mix of cutting edge and speculative physics. Classic sc-fi with a contemporary touch.
LibraryThing member rondoctor
This is one of Sawyer's better books, although it takes a while to get into it. Be patient and you'll be rewarded. Good story line. Imaginative science. Upbeat. Without giving away the ending, I'll just say that the book begs for a sequel. Sawyer's hallmark is a thin story line that he uses to
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carry his speculations about science and human cultures. His imagination and scientific speculation seems well grounded. The story line and his scientific discourses complement each other very nicely. Reading a Sawyer sci-fi novel is a treat. Show Less
LibraryThing member being_b
Protagonist studying the inscrutable messages of aliens. Ends with some fun Jungian stuff, so that was cool.
Positives: A lot of "cool skiffy concepts" and "science porn." Negatives: Not much character development, a writing style best described as "functional," and an unfortunate tendency to endby leveling up to some "transcendent" experience that is by definition indescribable .
Positives: A lot of "cool skiffy concepts" and "science porn." Negatives: Not much character development, a writing style best described as "functional," and an unfortunate tendency to end
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his stories Show Less