Today I Am Carey

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

REMARKABLE DEBUT NOVEL FROM CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR MARTIN L. SHOEMAKER.Shoemaker proves why he has consistently been praised as one of the best story writers in SF today with this touching, thoughtful, action-packed debut novel, based on his award-winning short storyToday I Am Paul.

TODAY

Mildred has Alzheimer's. As memories fade, she acquires the aid of a full-time android to assist her in everyday life. Carey. Carey takes care of Mildred, but its true mission is to fill in the gaps in Mildreds past. To bring yesterday into today by becoming a copy. But not merely a copy of a physical person. A copy from the inside out.

I AM

After Mildred passes, Carey must find a new purpose. For a time, that purpose is Mildreds family. To keep them safe from harm. To be of service. There is Paul Owens, the overworked scientist and business leader. Susan Owens, the dedicated teacher. And Millie, a curious little girl who will grow up alongside her android best friend. And Carey will grow up with her. Carey cannot age. But Carey can change.

CAREY

Carey struggles. Carey seeks to understand lifes challenges. Carey makes its own path. Carey must learn to live. To grow. To care. To survive. To be.

Praise forTodayI Am Carey:

"Kindness, love, and compassion make Carey an empathetic character through which to view Shoemaker's complex, beautiful world."Publishers Weekly

. . . takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, coming of age, and ultimately life itself. . . . Careys development as a character is fascinating. VERDICT This exploration of artificial life in the vein of IsaacAsimovs I, Robotprovides fresh insight into the human experience.Library Journal

Shoemaker's story of an artificial life coming to terms with its own emotional world finds its place among the long and varied tradition of explorations of robothuman relations. . . . Recommended for any reader, genre or otherwise, looking for a pleasant and engaging read.Booklist

"Martin Shoemaker proves conclusively that while a science fiction novel must have the trappings of science fiction, it is at its strongest when it is about people, even an artificial (but emotional) person named Carey."MikeResnick

A dazzling ride through the near future. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Ive never seen anything remotely like it.Jack McDevitt

Martin Shoemaker is a rare writer who can handle the challenges of dealing with future technology while touching the human heart. This is a must-read!"David Farland,New York TimesBest-selling Author

Carey is one of the most delightful robots to come along in a while, and Today I Am Carey is a fine addition to science fictions century-long conversation about our mechanical servants.Analog

"Today I Am Careyisa rare thought-provoking novel"The Daily News of Galveston County

.this book is like an onion. As time passes, the world expands from the center, the core of the onion, moving from layer to layer, new stratum larger than the last. Each richly detailedRecommended for fans of Asimov, classic science fiction, and anyone who just enjoys a well-told tale.Future Science Fiction Digest(Recommended fot book fo the Month)

Praise for the work of Martin L. Shoemaker:

"Martin Shoemakers Black Orbit is a more conventionalAnalogadventure, and a very good example of such . . . a really solid story." Rich Horton,Locus Online

"['Bookmark']is an exceptional example of how to discuss deep moral and philosophical issues while maintaining a tight narrative that brings the reader along. This story will be added to the required readings for my SF classes."Robert L. Turner III,Tangent Online

Author Bio

Martin L. Shoemaker is a programmer who writes on the side...or maybe it's the other way around. He told stories to imaginary friends and learned to type on his brother's manual typewriter even though he couldn't reach the keys. (He types with the keyboard in his lap still today.) He couldn't imagine any career but writing fiction...until his algebra teacher said, "This is a program. You should write one of these."