Genesis

Memorable Reading.

An unexpected read with a philosophical twist, I liked Genesis because the plot twists and story in story kept the premise fresh. This kept the tale unusual and until the totally surprising ending, a brisk and enthralling book. Good Science Fiction. Great fun!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent

Really surprised by this story. Loved it.

I really loved this book. It's a mix of dystopia and philosophy

I really loved this book. It's a mix of dystopia and philosophy that got my mind working but still entertained. At only 86 pages (on my Nook) it was a very quick but powerful read. The twist was surprising and the ending was abrupt but appropriately so. Highly recommended.

A

This is a really pointless book...I wouldn't recomend it.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Unthinkable

This book changed my view on how i see life itself and the meaning of it. And to be careful because curiousity killed the cat but i dont think satisfaction brought it back this time.

Been there done that

Sounds just like the giver re-vamped

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great read

Jarring book done through great skill

one of the best

this story is short, but packs a powerful punch! i couldnt put it down and was left wanting more. a must read for anyone interested in artificial intelligence, evolution, biology, conscience thought, and what it means to be human.

Read This Book

It's extremely difficult to review this book without giving away the most surprising elements of the story. But as a lover of dystopian settings I'll say that this one was pretty awesome. It's one hundred percent worth your time to read.

It's a pretty short story that is quickly read. Having said that, however quick a reader can get through is of no real consequence though as it is as profound and thought-provoking a book as many of the classics. I'm going to get a bit cliche here and say that when all is said and done Genesis is the very definition of a page-turner.

Beckett paints the picture of a stunning locale - futuristic in tone but simplistic in reality. Moreover, he generates innovative and enthralling characters in Anax, Adam and Art. Each obviously has their own individual characteristics but are all also bound together by their love of thought. Their story, told primarily in flashbacks, is a stunning portrait of how one event can be the catalyst to shaping an individual's opinions on humanity, religion and government.

Subtle hints throughout the story foreshadow the end (which I will not spoil here) but, surprisingly, did not give it all away. It wasn't until I went back and re-read certain points that I noticed small references, a word here and there, that reinforced the ultimate resolution to the story. Beckett was quite masterful in that way.

In case you didn't already get the idea, I absolutely recommend that anyone read this book. Even if you aren't a sci-fi fan (it's really not overwhelming in the fantasy elements) I believe you'll find it enjoyable.

Fantastic

This book is very offbeat. You expect it to be something different after reading the synopsis than what it really is...However, I found it to be better and much deeper than expected. While it seems like a simple science fiction novel, it is extremely deep. Every page can be analyzed. It is filled with life philosophy comparable to "Tuesdays With Morrie." It is a much more serious tone however. There are thrills to be had throughout the book due to the suspense. You will often ask "what is going on?" which is why you will push forth to the end. THe end is the best part. It's shocking and puts the whole story into perspective. You will be left wanting to discuss this book for weeks with friends.

Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com

Anax wants to become a member of The Academy. In order to be admitted, she must endure a four-hour interview in front of a three member panel. Anax has been working with a tutor in order to prepare herself.

It is through this interview that the reader learns the history of the world after a devastating plague killed most of the people on the planet. Safe behind the Great Sea Fence, her people keep their island safe by shooting any plane or boat that comes within sight.

The society is based on rigid rules: men and women living separately, parentage being kept from children, and at one year of age children are tested to determine what class they will be placed in based on their genomic reading (Laborers, Soldiers, Technicians, or Philosophers).

History is not what it seems.

Anax learns more about her world during the interview than she did during all her days of preparation. She realizes The Academy isn't what it appears to be, but is it too late to change her current path?

GENESIS is a fast-paced story. It is interesting to read about the post-apocalyptic world Anax lives in. Bernard Beckett does a great job of building the story without revealing too much too soon. The ending will leave you stunned.

Call me Ishmael

I am finding it a little hard to summarize Genesis without totally spoiling everything - or making it completely complicated and boring. I don't know what I had been expected, but the story that I got was beyond intriguing and different from the usual YA or science fiction book. I did not prepare myself for an intellectual discussion on man vs robots, conscious vs artificial thought, or a twisted ending that completely caught me off-guard.

I'll describe Genesis like a slow roast - a little dry on the outside, but full of savory food for thought on the inside. Anax's examination served as a medium to delivering the story of Adam Forde and his role in the development of artificial intelligence. I wish there had been more focus on Anax's character, that we got to know her a little bit better beyond her academic ambitions.

Other than that, this was truly an unexpected treat from fluffy romances and reading slumps. A short but excellent science fiction read! If you liked Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, then you will most likely enjoy Genesis.

Book Review - Genesis by Bernard Beckett

Genesis
Bernard Beckett
Longacre Press
January 2006
ISBN-13: 978-1877361524
150 pages

Are sentient machines destined to displace humans as the next logical progression in the evolutionary chain?

This dystopian, man vs. machine novel is a concise, fast-paced Science Fiction tale told through a series of academic interviews and reveals a very different world then ours in the aftermath of a calamitous plague. There are no spoilers here but I will tell you that the resounding revelation and surprise ending are well worth the price of the book. "Genesis" is a well-written, aptly titled parable that twists an odd philosophy around an intellectual suspense. This much too short piece was a pleasantly surprising and entertaining read.

With components of "1984," "Lord of the Flies," and "On the Beach" this inventive mystery renders itself perfectly to any required reading curriculum and the story components lend themselves well to topical discussions of apocalyptic catastrophes, totalitarian governments, rebel resistances, and rigid political and social regimes. At the same time it is great reading for enjoyment, as well.

4 out 5 stars

The Alternative One
Southeast, Wisconsin

Impulse Buy

I bought this on impulse literally just by it's cover. Best impulse purchase I've made so far. I finished it in one night, and loved the twists it took. I expected the ending slightly, but I was still surprised by it.

Very original and gripping

It is an unique story. Its stage is in a small conference room and there are lots of diagogue. Thought provoking and amazing ending. I would like to read more of this author's works.

This is an EPIC book: A must read for EVERYONE

I read 'Brave New World' about 2 years ago, and I fell in love with the book. I managed to pick up an advanced copy of 'Genesis' from the college I currently attend, and just decided to read it. This is a great book, it starts off a bit slow, and I was a little confused. But by the time you reach the second chapter you are hooked. For two days I could not put this book down! This is a great and wonderful book, I thought I understood everything in the book until the very end, when the 'secret' is revealed. It blew my mind! The ending sent me reeling, I sat for about 2 minutes trying to grasp what had just happened. Great book, everyone must read it!

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