Rating: 
Summary: Inspirational and thought provoking
Review: Once again James Halperin gives us a refreshing vision of the future. For the fans of "The Truth Machine," Halperin expands upon concepts laid out his fist novel. From Cryonics to Artificial Intelligence, he provides a great scope of understanding when it comes to applying these emerging technologies to reality. Although "The First Immortal," is a stand alone novel, the tie-ins and references to characters and events in "The Truth Machine," create a very solid base of realistic and futuristic foresight. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves technology and science, anyone who fears deaths or knows they don't want to die, or to anyone who is hopeful for the future of humanity. Thank you for a truly inspirational book, and remember, "Inspiration is the greatest gift anyone can give to the world."
Rating:
Summary: Thanks for a wonderful book
Review: I wanted to share with everybody a message I sent earlier to Jim Halperin. Dear Mr. Halperin, I have just finished reading your wonderful book, "The First Immortal". I have been reading it over lunch for the past couple of weeks, lunch being the only time I have for reading novels. It worked well because I got to stretch the pleasure over a longer period of time, and I think that your book lends itself extremely well to installment reading. In particular, I had time to mull over the new ideas that you introduced me to. Here and there, I was a bit disappointed by chauvinism, for example, in terms of selection of names for future prominent figures or companies (almost no orientals), or the idea that AIs could not figure out solutions to real serious problems without the creativity of humans. However, the book is gripping, uplifting, and most important, very thought provoking. While your vision of the future could possibly be way off, you enriched my understanding of some of the opportunities and the dangers that the future may hold for us. Sincerely, Rafi Haftka, University of Florida Department of Aerospace Engineering, Mechanics and Engineering Science
Rating:
Summary: Excellent read
Review: Not only was this book a thrill to read but it made you stop and think about what the future might be like for all of us.
Rating:
Summary: I predict TFI will help change the nature of humanity.
Review: I recently finished TFI, and must say that it is a most transcendent book. Once the power of its message becomes widely heard, it is bound to change the nature of human thought. All of philosophy to date can be reduced to the question of how we deal with our mortality. A person who suffers from a fatal disease can hardly think about the greater issues of human life. In fact, we are at present, all suffering from a fatal disease. The First Immortal presents us with the possibility that we may, against all odds, recover. The early Christians gladly suffered martyrdom believing, no, understanding that death is not the end. The concept of resurrection is an immensely powerful force. For what do the religions of the world offer us but the idea that death is not the end? This is one of the several messages of hope inherent in Christianity. The story of Christ's resurrection surely implanted in us the idea that death itself could be overcome. I believe that when TFI is telecast (a miniseries, I understand?), there will be an explosion of interest in and discussion of the possibilities which Halperin has expounded. Perhaps the "Third Day", on which Jesus said He would arise represents the third millennium: if so, that day is at hand. Rather than disproving religion, it seems to me that there will arise a natural synthesis of science and religion, though a religion shorn of medieval superstition. Then Humankind may begin to ponder questions, which to date have been bounded by our mortality. Many thanks to the author for the hope this book has given us all!
Rating:
Summary: "Fascinating view of the not-to-distant future "
Review: TFI brings a new paradigm to the forefront. After reading the book, I find myself wondering how long it will be before freezing our bodies at death becomes commonplace. Might be harder for the older generations to accept but younger generations may consider the practice the only way to go by the time they face the decision. This book is well written and meticulously researched which brings considerable credibility to the basic premise. The various news bulletins posted throughout the text * the author's vision of what tomorrow will bring * are fascinating and provoke thoughts about the technology explosion and advancements we are likely to see in the not to distant future. -- J. Benson
Rating:
Summary: In many ways better than The Truth Machine.
Review: First of all I must say that 'The Truth Machine' is one of the most thought provoking books--fiction or nonfiction--that I have ever read. I truly wonder if this world could ever come together without some added help. I would like to think that humanity would not need the aid of machines to save itself...but I cannot seem to escape what I thought to be the most important aspect of TTM--individuals, not just governments and dictators, will (indeed, can) wipe out millions of people and we would be powerless to stop it--even of there was a world government. How do we stop atrocities from ever happening in the first place? It does little good to capture perpetrators after the fact. When we live in a world where MIT students can build low yield nuclear bombs in about six weeks using junk and Radio Shack parts--how do we keep that technology out of 'dangerous' hands? Do we really need a Truth Machine? I recently finished reading The First Immortal. I don't want to say that I was disturbed, that word carries too much negative baggage. I guess I can say that I have been thinking about it for days. I enjoyed the story in and of itself. I think the 'personal' aspect of this book is better than the Truth Machine's. This book had an even greater impact on me than did TTM. The implications of technology that are discussed are far more personal, at least in my view, than those in TTM. I guess I already feel that honesty and openness should be the way to live. I don't know if I would want to live in a world where humanity lives forever. I would like to see the future, but don't you think that our mortality defines our existence? I think the problem of addiction would be even greater than is shown in the book. Indeed, I think that much of humankind would become incredibly unmotivated....how do we stop that from happening? I truly have enjoyed Halperin's first two books and look forward to the next. I hope he'll keep close reigns on anyone who wishes to turn this excellent book into a TV or movie production. I can think of too many great pieces that have been gutted and lessened by the transfer to the screen.
Rating:
Summary: an interesting exploration of future medical technology
Review: Most science fiction postulates some far future technology without much context of how it might develop or fundamentally change people and their social interactions. The First Immortal, by contrast, blends a possible development path for new technology with general social reactions and consequences as seen through the eyes of one family. This approach not only gives an interesting story but provides many ideas to ponder long after you finish reading. For instance, the book addresses a number of legal issues and the nature of personal identity that follow from the technological developments described. To me, this book is an example of science fiction at its best: using a story to explore broad social consequences of plausible technological developments.
Rating:
Summary: Among the best S/F ever.
Review: I have read S/F for 20 years avidly. This is absolutely one of the best! Here is an entirely believable future. The transition from past history to future history is seamless. I have trouble finding anything that doesn't really look probable. It is based on the most current scientific concepts, like the best stories I grew up with. While he develops characters with flaws, his future is decidedly optimistic and leaves me great hope for my future. This is classic hard S/F that doesn't rely on fantasy and sex to sell. It sells itself on novel scientific ideas clearly presented in the context of believable people.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully, realistically optimistic book
Review: Ben Crane, WW II Navy Vet, POW, successful doctor, has a personal quest against Death. The book ends with Ben's 200th birthday party- with all his family in attendence, most saved by the hopeful ice. Now, for me, cryonics, nanotech, etc. is old news. I like this book because it shows a realistically imperfect man, achieving extraordinary results with simple, careful plans. Halperin's experience as a successful businessman has helped him portray such persuasive plans that perhaps we should act on them. Strongly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: DoesTHE FIRST IMMORTAL have a flaw?
Review: Well, it makes you want to read too fast, to find out what happens next. But reading fast reduces the impact and makes you miss some important nuances, so you don't get the full benefit. Maybe it will be like the movie TITANIC. Some people have seen it a dozen times. If a lot of people re-read THE FIRST IMMORTAL a dozen times, things could change on this planet faster than otherwise.
|
