WOW... This book!! One of the best books I've ever read, I think. I was hooked from start to finish. This is a beautifully-written dystopian work, which resonates so much with the capitalist society we live in. Robots being in control (in.. what.. the 22nd-24th century?) is such ominous foreshadowing; and, not to mention, we get Spofforth's perspective as a robot who is trapped in this life he doesn't want to go on living anymore. But I haven't even touched base with Paul, who gradually realises there is more to life than what he has been taught; there is more to life than being selfishly private. And he discovers all this through literature!! Amazing!! Absolutely phenomenal! Tevis executes this so well. AND the overarching romance between Paul and Mary Lou is so, so important. This is a must-read. I feel like I've spoiled this too much but oh well.. I can't get my mind straight after reading this.