Rudy Rucker: Software [Rating: 6]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have had Rudy Rucker's book Software on my bookshelf forever.

Well shortly after writing that post I pulled it down from there, dusted it off, and read it (I just finished).

The book takes place in the year 2020, and the main character is a retired computer scientist named Cobb Anderson. At the beginning of the book, Cobb is in dread of his "second-hand" heart giving out (and with good reason: he cannot afford another). Then a robot double contacts him with a plan to get him to the Moon, where he will be given immortality—the robot community's "thank you" from enabling them to evolve freewill.

Along the way Cobb pairs up with a young druggie—who has legally changed his name from Stanley Hilary Mooney to Sta-Hi Mooney—and gets him to accompany him to the moon. There the duo find themselves in the midst of a robotic civil war that threatens to seriously affect humanity.

All in all, I'd have to say it was an enjoyable read, but there were parts of it I thought could be better. The ending in particular left a bit to be desired, to the point that if I didn't already have the next book—Wetware—on order I would probably not read it.

On the other hand, what disappointed me about the ending simply might be prelude to some really good stuff, so I am willing to give Wetware a chance.

For some enjoyable reading of a binary kind, take a look at Rudy Rucker's blog sometime!