Rating: 
Summary: Philip K. Dick Can Dream It For You Wholesale
Review: A number of Philip K. Dick's works have been made into motion pictures, most notably "Blade Runner", "Total Recall", and "Minority Report". However, the greatest PKD moment exists in a film called "The Matrix", not written by the author but a movie which most certainly derives inspiration from his works. In it, the character Morpheous offers a choice to the protagonist Neo - a return to blissful ignorance or revelation of the Matrix, seen by Neo and other restless computer acolytes as a digital enigma that requires uncovering. Neo chooses to learn about the Matrix, for such knowledge represents a tangible victory of his many pursuits. Before taking that step, Morpheous ominously forewarns "Remember, I am only offering you the truth". Neo gets his victory, but in a way and with a result he never could have imagined. This sequence is pure Philip K. Dick.No other author has ever made victory seem quite so inconsequential. Although not as well-publicized and recognized a name in 20th century science fiction as Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, or Arthur Clarke, the works of Philip K. Dick resound more strongly with each passing year. Dick seems to possess a talent for prognosticating humanity's collected Pandora's boxes in the same way Jules Verne was able to foretell the coming accomplishments of the 20th century. As an author whose primary body of work came in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, many of Dick's clever assumptions about mankind's stride into the future are already coming due in today's society. What were once cautionary tales now read as bitter satires on mankind's most irresponsible impulses. A trademark of Dick is that his protagonists are almost always clever and resourceful enough to win the day over whatever problems they face. What makes Dick such a joy to read is the subversive nature of the path his heroes tread from beginning to end. By the conclusion of most Dick stories, there are so many strange twists and turns that the major problems of the main character only lead to bigger and more distressing issues to be dealt with. It is through Dick's cleverness in storytelling that he manages to take what would be a worthy stand-alone story and elevate it by tying it with overarcing social themes that the reader can relate to. All this background is nothing more than a tribute to a science fiction author whose works equal if not surpass those more well-known names upon whom much praise is heaped. The Philip K. Dick Reader is a perfect introduction for anyone interested in seeing if the author is for their tastes. The Reader is a collection of some of his best short stories, including the two that serve as the basis for "Total Recall" and "Minority Report". For any casual reader looking for a good book, for any science fiction reader sifting through the run of the mill pulp for some gems, for any literary aficionado who wants to encounter a supurb author they might have missed, the Philip K. Dick Reader is a highly recommended purchase.
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Summary: Great collection from a master
Review: Great set of stories here, of course I love everything he did so I may be a little prejudiced. I have his complete collection, all 5 volumes, but I bought this READER too, just so I could have a compact edition of some fine stories.
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Summary: "Minority Report" is a preview of our future
Review: I bought this book for one reason, and wasn't disappointed. My brother, a film producer, told me about the buzz around Dick's short story contained here, "The Minority Report." It's being made into a movie. The story goes like this: instead of arresting criminals after the crime, the Precrime unit analyzes data, predicts which people will commit crimes, and detains them before they commit the crime. It sounds outrageous, but think of how much better the "victims" feel. I've only given away the first few pages, so don't worry.(...) The Minority Report turned out to be a compelling, thought-provoking and realistic read. I kept going with the rest of the book, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
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Summary: I loved this book
Review: I found this book fascinating, I lost 3 nights of sleep just because i couldn't put it down. I loved almoast every story, this is a great example of why Philip K Dick is one of the most influential authors in Sci-Fi history. This is a must read for any Sci-Fi fan or anyone in search of a good thought provoking story.
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Summary: One of the Best Books I Own
Review: If you are new to Philip K. Dick, this is your book.
If you are interested in reading the original stories that have adapted into major blockbuster movies "Screamers" (Second Variety), "Total Recall" (We Can Remember It For You Wholesale), "Minority Report" (The Minority Report), and "Paycheck" (Paycheck), this book's for you.
I was introduced to Philip K. Dick after I had seen "Minority Report" in theatres; I loved it so much I saw it twice. It is easily the best movie I have ever seen.
So I looked around for the short story. They released it as a single book, although it's a very short story, but it was a waste of my good earned money.
My school librarian found this at a bookstore after I had asked if she had it in. She bought it, I payed her, and I couldn't be more happier with this book.
I have read a few, "Fair Game", "The Hanging Stranger" (my favorite), "Paycheck", and a couple of others. I could read them again and again. This book is entertaining, sick, twisted, weird, and fun to read. There's something for everyone who is a science fiction fan. Personally, I prefer stories like "The Hanging Stranger" and "Paycheck", which has been adapted into a Ben Affleck flick (I would've much rather prefered Colin Farrell from "Minority Report", but oh well) being released this Christmas.
Buy it. It's worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: The future ain't what it used to be
Review: In many ways Dick is a poor writer. His ability to create images by discriptive language and his ability to create interesting and believable charcteres are adequate at best (and there are those who think that this faint praise is vast exaggeration). At his best, however, Dick approaches genius as he contrives plots that beautifully illuminate a philosophical idea that he is exploring. Thus he explores the distinction between perception and reality in We Can Remember It For You Wholesale and asks what it is to be human in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Such gems are the exception, however, not the rule. Still, many of these stories leave one dissatisfied. Far from timeless, they arise out of the beatnik fifties for the most part and beatnik philosophy permeates these stories. Several repeated themes or attributes ring hollow in the world of today. For example, smoking tobacco is nearly universal in Dick's future but has been condemned to obscurity and shame today. Similarly, many stories are set in the aftermath of a nuclear showdown between the US and the USSR. Another frequent theme is precognition and one wonders if Dick did not see himself in that light. If so, he misjudged both himself and us. He was not as foresightful as he thought he was and we are better than he thought we were. It should be mentioned that Hollywood has not been kind to Dick. The directors of such movies as Total Recall (based upon We Can Remember It For You Wholesale) have taken an idea from a beautiful little story, added explosions and bikini babes, and created a blockbuster that bears only the slightest resemblance to its inspiration. It is perhaps fitting that Hollywood should so mangle these stories since a common theme of many is the creation of an illusion that supercedes the reality. All in all, and given that Dick is surely one of the best science fiction writers of the last century, Dick serves to illustrate that science fiction has yet to find a truly great author. Science fiction needs an author who can do for science fiction what Stephen King and Dean Koontz have done for the horror novel; to elevate it above its niche. Dick was a good idea man. Too bad he wasn't a better writer.
Rating:
Summary: The future ain't what it used to be
Review: In many ways Dick is a poor writer. His ability to create images by discriptive language and his ability to create interesting and believable charcteres are adequate at best (and there are those who think that this faint praise is vast exaggeration). At his best, however, Dick approaches genius as he contrives plots that beautifully illuminate a philosophical idea that he is exploring. Thus he explores the distinction between perception and reality in We Can Remember It For You Wholesale and asks what it is to be human in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Such gems are the exception, however, not the rule. Still, many of these stories leave one dissatisfied. Far from timeless, they arise out of the beatnik fifties for the most part and beatnik philosophy permeates these stories. Several repeated themes or attributes ring hollow in the world of today. For example, smoking tobacco is nearly universal in Dick's future but has been condemned to obscurity and shame today. Similarly, many stories are set in the aftermath of a nuclear showdown between the US and the USSR. Another frequent theme is precognition and one wonders if Dick did not see himself in that light. If so, he misjudged both himself and us. He was not as foresightful as he thought he was and we are better than he thought we were. It should be mentioned that Hollywood has not been kind to Dick. The directors of such movies as Total Recall (based upon We Can Remember It For You Wholesale) have taken an idea from a beautiful little story, added explosions and bikini babes, and created a blockbuster that bears only the slightest resemblance to its inspiration. It is perhaps fitting that Hollywood should so mangle these stories since a common theme of many is the creation of an illusion that supercedes the reality. All in all, and given that Dick is surely one of the best science fiction writers of the last century, Dick serves to illustrate that science fiction has yet to find a truly great author. Science fiction needs an author who can do for science fiction what Stephen King and Dean Koontz have done for the horror novel; to elevate it above its niche. Dick was a good idea man. Too bad he wasn't a better writer.
Rating: 
Summary: A magnificent collection of short stories
Review: It should come as no surprise that this is an excellent collection of short stories. Philip K. Dick's work was the inspiration for such movies as "Blade Runner", "Screamers", and "Total Recall". Each story allows the reader a brief glimpse into a seemingly normal world, only to watch it twist into something unexpected and sometimes disturbing. Mr. Dick's writing style lends itself to short fiction; he crafts his tales with precision and clarity, leaving out extraneous details. Each story lures the reader into a new and strange world, captivating them till the very end.
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Summary: PKD Reader and Selected Stories
Review: Just to clear up some confusion here, The Philip K. Dick Reader is NOT the paperback edition of Selected Stories. These are the stories featured in The Reader: Fair Game; The Hanging Stranger; The Eyes have it; The Golden Man; The Turning Wheel; The Last of the Masters; The Father-Thing; Strange Eden; Tony and the Beetles; Null-O; To Serve the Master; Exhibit Piece; The Crawlers; Sales Pitch; Shell Game; Upon the Dull Earth; Foster, you're dead; Pay for the Printer; War Veteran; The Chromium Fence; We can remember it for you wholesale; The Minority Report; Paycheck; Second Variety. These are the stories featured in Selected Stories: Beyond lies the Wub; Roog; Paycheck; Second Variety; Imposter; The King of the Elves; Adjustment Team; Foster, you're dead; Upon the dull Earth; Autofac; The Minority Report; The days of Perky Pat; Precious Artifact; A game of unchance; We can remember it for you wholesale; Faith of our Fathers; The electric ant; A little something for us Tempunauts; The exit door leads in; Rautavaara's Case; I hope I shall arrive soon. For those not familiar with the stories, I'd probably give the nod to The Reader, although serious fans will want both despite all of the overlap. For those entirely new to Philip K. Dick, I'd recommend one of the short story collections before any of the novels. Dick is a rather peculiar writer, and his short stories are more accessible than the longer stories, I think. Also, if you're only familiar with the author as the source for "Total Recall" and the movie version of "Minority Report," both of these collections have the original stories. Dick's short stories tend to read like original "Twilight Zone" episodes, often with "punch-line" endings. While the more sophisticated sci-fi readers of today may find the twist endings a little trite, the stories generally offer up a multitude of interesting "what if" ideas before getting there. Recurring themes include paranoia, xenophobia, technology vs. nature, war and its devastating effect on society, metaphysics, and uncertain realities, probably the most revisited theme in P.K. Dick's work. If you want to try the novels, my recommendations are 'Time out of joint', 'Radio Free Albemuth' and 'The Divine Invasion.'
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Summary: question
Review: Might someone please list the stories included in this volume? I really don't need editorial, just the titles. I can't exactly purchase something if I don't know what I'll be getting.
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