The Bicentennial Man

In my opinion, "The Bicentennial Man" is the best science fiction short story ever written. Andrew is a robot owned by the Martin family and he is loyal as the laws of robotics dictate. However, he is also very unusual, his positronic brain allows for thoughts far beyond what other robots can conjure. He is so unusual that the manufacturer discontinued all manufacturing along that line to avoid the possibility of creating another. Andrew's goal is to become human and over serious political and social opposition he finally manages to be granted full status as a human. However, before he can achieve that pinnacle, he first must arrange for his "natural death." It is a compelling story of what it means to be human as well as how humans interact with each other and face their fears of other intellects. The remaining stories in this collection of short science fiction stories by Asimov are also good, just outclassed by the quality of "The Bicentennial Man." This is the fourth time that I have read this book, roughly once every ten years since it was first published. It remains one of my favorite books and I will certainly be opening it again in another ten years.

I found the story of a robot wanting to become more human fantastic. We take for granted all of the things that we experience and feel...and a robot wanted to experience the same things we did. I found it touching when he wanted to do what we find either dull or average. To him it was all new and wonderful.

Bicentenial Man, now made into a movie? It was one if Asimov's better works, but not his absolute best. Near the end of his career, Issac started pulling all his novels together in the last books of his Foundation Series. To fully appreciate his work, Foundation, Foundation & Empire and Second foundation are required reading. Also Caves of Steel presents the theme of the "human" robot. If you want to grok fully the Foundation conclusion. I Robot would also be very helpful, if you enjoy Asimov.Check out the musical interpretaion by The Alan Parsons Project, I Robot. It is a tribute, if you will, to the book. By someone else who obviously HAS read it.

I'm a science fiction lover. So, I'm an Isaac Asimov lover. I read The Bicentennial Man a lot of time ago. I just couldn't put it down. Think it's one of the Sci/Fi stories ever wroted. I've read it a lot of times. I just fell in love with the story. If you haven't read it yet... ...What are you waiting for.

I am *not* just popping off when I make that statement. "The Bicentennial Man" contains within it all the best of Asimov's writing, and a theme (a robot decides it's time to become more of a man, and does whatever it takes to realize his dream) that has the elements of courage, love, devotion, friendship, and determination that any truly great story could have. The other stories are excellent, but buy the book for "The Bicentennial Man." You *won't* be disappointed.