Rating: 
Summary: Great concept, poor execution.
Review: I bought the book because I was intrigued by the concept, and unfortunately, all I got was concept. The book was ostnsibly written by a computer as a disinterested 3rd party and that's how I felt most of the time, like a disinterested 3rd party. My time would have been better spent discussing the concept with friends rather than reading the book.
Rating: 
Summary: TTM's insight, research, and speculation changed my life!
Review: I first became aware of The Truth Machine while listening to a broadcast of The Jim Bohannon Show on a late-night drive in December of 1996. Because I tuned in in the middle of the show, I had serious trouble discerning whether the book being discussed was a work of fiction, social science, theology, "pure" science, or techno-ethics. The fact that the radio signal wasn't exactly crystal-clear didn't help matters. I was, however, intrigued. I simply HAD to find out what this book was all about. The next day, the search began... To say that I loved the book is not enough. I honestly believe it has changed my life. An English/Poly Sci major in college, I always considered my self "good" at science and math, but I never felt motivated to challenge myself in these areas. Like so many of my friends in liberal arts, I took my required credit hours in college and moved on. When I discovered John McPhee (thanks to my geologist-fiance') I found that science could be literary. After reading TTM, I realized that science is irrevocably tied to ethics, sociology, theology - everything. I find myself as eager to read a book about genetics as I am to read Donne or Twain or Flaubert. My dreams don't just involve writing a great novel anymore; they are mixed up with becoming a molecular biologist or studying theology. Science is no longer "boring." It is alive and connected to everything I do and I realize this like never before. So I thank the author for helping broaden my proverbial horizons. As a direct influence of Halperin's work, I've been devouring science- and math-based non-fiction. Finding books that aren't completely over my head is sometimes tricky, but I've managed somehow. I'm currently reading Steven Pinker's How the Mind Works. He seems to suggest that creating a machine that mimics human brain operation is impossible. I'm not sure that I agree. (I'm no expert, but I don't think the experts agree either, which is why Gelernter's Machine Beauty and Darwin Among the Machines by George Dyson are next on my list.) My fiance and I are thinking about starting a book group with his science buddies and my literature buddies. We are still working on the reading list, but TTM is definitely the #1 pick. I could go on for days just on the subject of society's struggle with morality in the face of exponential technological growth. (Judging by the length of this message, you probably have no trouble believing that!) Since reading The First Immortal, we've even considered only discussing Halperin's books. While there would be no lack of discussion material, we probably will include other works. I've found that people react in much the same way that I did to The Truth Machine; they want to know more about the brain, nanotechnology, genetics - you name it. Another option we've considered is alternating one scientific work with one classical literary work. I will always be grateful, and I will always be looking forward to James Halperin's next book!
Rating: 
Summary: Pathetic: Don't waste your time or money
Review: Cardboard characters moving through a wooden plot. This oversimplification of the world left me wondering why I wasted my time on it. In the end rather than making me think about 'truth' it made me think about 'writing'. How the author can hope to convey a thought provoking story without the ability to create realistic charcters is beyond me. Since the story is focused on the characters, it winds up being equally unsatisfying.
Rating:
Summary: All I can say is 'wow.'
Review: Words fail me when I think of the impact The Truth Machine has had in my life. In wrestling with issues of truth in my own life, I needed this additional push to become a more honest person. Well, I guess the life threatening operation had something to do with it, too. I am looking forward to The First Immortal.
Rating:
Summary: The Truth?
Review: The Truth Machine is a naive, simplistic view of ethics that the author is incapable of fully understanding. This book would have given George Orwell pause if he were alive today. This book sets up a blueprint for the future that borders the fascistic. It skirts around the issue of whether or not if we have a right to our own thoughts and feelings and where they take us versus the betterment of society; and, if the author would be truthful, it sets a dangerous idea wrapped in high handed moralism and feel good rhetoric. The crime bill in which people are executed after committing their third crime is a right-wing dream come true. State executions for the criminally unwanted. (Berlin, 1930's all over again?)But, hey--it saves money on prisons! And, money is what matters, yes? This book is not so much a story but more of a political tract from an author who believes that lying is the root of all of our social ills. It panders to vox populi opinions of moralistic high-hats and has no regard for personal liberties and freedoms, even the freedom to be deceitful. The only character to bring up the issue of personal freedoms is cast, conveniently, as someone who is dishonest and corrupt. (What a great way to silence critics by casting them as evil due to a differing of opinions!) A dreadful book that should be viewed for what it is, a political monologue that presents mind control in simplistic utopian wishes.
Rating:
Summary: I can't resist adding one more to the heap.
Review: I LOVED the book. So much so that the first thing I did upon finishing it over the weekend was run to the bookstore and buy five more copies to give to close colleagues and friends--[including fellow associates at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an influential environmentalist, and the head of a major foundation that deals with multilateral issues.] I know they will enjoy the novel immensely, and will find it as creatively inspiring as I did. A sensational novel. I'm off to get The First Immortal this afternoon. Truthfully, P.J. Simmons
Rating:
Summary: Vision and an ideal that we can attain.
Review: Let me say from the outset, this is a hell of a good story. At the very least, this book should make you THINK. Too often we accept a story as mind candy, and never think beyond the covers. Not with this book! Putting aside the concept of a truth machine, how many ideas put forth here are just good for us to try to fulfill? The "Swift & Sure" crime bill has great ideas in it. Not only do I hope Halperin makes a mint form book sales, I'd vote for him if he ran for public office!
Rating:
Summary: I can't wait for the movie!
Review: I really loved the book so much I'm tempted to read it again. It was such a good book I thought of it as real and that I was living what was going on.
Rating:
Summary: Truth is One-Dimensional???
Review: A fascinating concept. However, while the author presents his ideas and storyline competently and cohesively, he really neglects his characters. The characters are so one-dimensional, perfect and boring -- all smart, pretty, nice, ethical, etc. -- that by the end you're practically forced to root for the villain... but he's pretty boring, too. Worse, the author chooses to view truth itself in a one-dimensional light. Granted, the truth machine here is basically a more reliable poylgraph test, but the fundamental, existential question of "What really defines the truth?" is barely skimmed here. Geared mainly for the male adolescent crowd.
Rating:
Summary: Prophetic and profound.
Review: This is one of the finest examples of speculative fiction to date. Few people realize that those who envision the future, actually help create it. I do believe truth machines would make our lives far easier and certain. I only hope the we can come together and find some way to create them now, in our lifetime.
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