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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Over a writing career that spanned three decades, Philip K. Dick (1928-1982) published 36 science fiction novels and 121 short stories in which he explored the essence of what makes man human and the dangers of centralized power. Toward the end of his life, his work turned toward deeply personal, metaphysical questions concerning the nature of God. Eleven novels and short stories have been adapted to film; notably: Blade Runner (based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), Total Recall, Minority Report, and A Scanner Darkly. The recipient of critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career, Dick was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2005, and in 2007 the Library of America published a selection of his novels in three volumes. His work has been translated into more than twenty-five languages.

First published January 1, 1965 Length: 231 pages Formats: audiobook, ebook, hardback, paperback

Completely bonkers. This sci-fi classic, first published in 1965, takes place in a future where Earth is way too hot, humanity is fleeing to off-world colonies, and everyone’s drugging themselves to escape their miserable lives.

The main fix of choice is “Can-D,” a hallucinogen that lets colonists step into dollhouse-like fantasies, but then along comes Palmer Eldritch with his new drug, “Chew-Z.” It’s marketed as the ultimate escape. But is it really freedom, or is Eldritch pulling everyone into his creepy, god-like control? Spoiler: it’s the second one.

Barney Mayerson, a stressed-out, insecure “Pre-Fash” consultant (basically a guy who predicts trends before they happen) is great at his job but terrible at life. When he gets tangled up with Chew-Z and Eldritch’s freaky omnipresence, things get... weird. Time bends, reality fractures, and suddenly you’re not sure if anything—or anyone—is real.

Dick throws a lot at you: questions about free will, God, reality, and the commodification of pretty much everything. The book is stuffed with ideas, some of them genius, some of them half-baked. The writing is chaotic but hypnotic, like Dick himself was on some Chew-Z while writing it.

I loved the audacity of this story. It doesn’t care if it’s confusing or if the ending leaves you with more questions than answers. And that’s the point, I think - Dick wants readers to feel as disoriented as his characters. It’s also slyly funny, with plenty of digs at religion, capitalism, and humanity’s endless need to escape.

Is it perfect? Nope. Is it a must-read? Absolutely, if you’re into sci-fi that messes with your head.