This novel, written in 1975, tells of a future set in 1998 that is a far cry from the reality of what 1998 was actually like. Sanders imagines that the biological revolution has resulted in genetic classifications based on whether one is 'natural,' produced by artificial insemination, artificial inovulation, cloned, or otherwise created without the necessity for sexual intercourse by one's parents. The 'objects' (people) of tomorrow eat food synthesized from petroleum and soybeans, enjoy unrestricted (either morally or legally) 'using' (sex) and an addictive soft drink called Smack. There is a pharmacological solution for everything, almost all with no side effects. The narrator begins the book as the Assistant Deputy Director of Research and Development for the Department of Bliss (a division of the US Government). He is involved in shaping the society of the future, which is entirely unfamiliar to the reader, as well as political intrigue , which sounds exactly like something that would happen today.
The novel is divided into three 'books,' which I think, had they been sold separately and marketed as a trilogy, could have made both the author and the publisher quite a bit more 'love' (money). Each book has a distinct plot and climactic resolution, although the final resolution lacked in that not all of the loose ends were either tied up or revealed to the reader.
It was a little difficult to get used to the jargon involved, especially as men and women are referred to as 'ems' and 'efs' respectively. I had to go back and read the first chapter again once I realized that.
My only other complaint is that the summary on the back of the book has little to nothing to do with the actual contents of the book. DO NOT judge this book by it's back cover.
Overall, an interesting work about futuristic society and the consequences thereof. I think the author is striving for 'cautionary tale,' but I don't think I'd mind living in that kind of world. ( )

As Dutch reader of English books this book is very interesting. Moreso because of the different discriptions of emotions and actions (to die in this book is to stop).

The twists and turns in this book are nice to read, but a person that reads more then one book a year will see plotturns comming up almost instantly.

Like the other reviewers, I'd say this is a nice read when your traveling. My father found this book in a train and picked it up. I am inclined to leave it in a train if he doesn't object to it. ( )

Could be belongs to us. ( )

It's been a long time since I read this book and I've downgraded my experience because now I have more to compare it to. While a lot of the content is dated, some is also a case of fact following fiction.

The premise of the book revolves around deceptive and highly unethical advertising practices. Low level addictive additives in products to ensure consumers keep buying the product and packaging made deliberately difficult to open to enhance the "reward factor" for an otherwise mediocre product. Yeah, I know, so where's the fiction? Obviously, things take a turn or the story would not rate above half a star.

If you can find a copy at your favorite used book store, through BookCrossing or similar exchange medium, it's not a bad quick read. Good traveling material to leave behind for someone else's enjoyment. ( )