My rating: 4/5
Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21702784-counting-up-to-infinity
Dr Allen Fleishman, like a specialist artist, has sculpted “Counting Up To Infinity” choosing three main elements: introducing a new concept of ‘Panacea’; 'Cheeouri'; and the technology of ‘InLife’ computer implantation inside the human body.
Allen chisels myriads of outstanding imagination to intertwine interesting sub-elements of futuristic technologies, towards giving us a fulfilling treat: for example, downloading the human brain into a stable medium. To create excitement, he artistically adds textures like decrypting the code hidden in the human genome making 'Panacea'.
Allen has set the platform liberally with such sparkling concepts. ‘AI-Cyborg’ David and his family adopt Joshua - a computer-enhanced ultra-genius child. Joshua ingeniously invents ‘Panacea’ thus opening Pandora’s box!
Team David realises its side effects - "This could be the biggest breakthrough in human history if it works. If it fails, it could exterminate humanity and perhaps all life just as easily.'’
David gets a sibling – Dee - an astonishing premature baby born with super strength. Team David eventually gets introduced to ‘Cheeouri’. They face numerous challenges when they try propagating the benefits of 'Panacea' for society. Afterwards…?
David, Joshua, Dee, Malcolm and Cheeouri shoulder an action-packed storyline with an aura of their characters. Several other characters strengthen the storyline and aid the plot to move forward.
Allen has skilfully portrayed many situations through his style of narration: "Besides a pathetically glacial heart rate, limpid oyster-like blood pressure and blood which thinks its ketchup”; Malcolm’s deathly disease; Joshua’s firm belief about his invention 'Panacea' against all doubts; philanthropic David taking huge responsibilities to help people; and David’s crazy state-of-the-art AI-driven office.
One of my favourite lines: “Dad, I want to do this... I’ve never done anything useful in my entire life. Let my death give me meaning. Please, let me do this.”
To achieve greater winnability Allen could have: made deeper plot twists on 'Cheeouri’s abilities, instead of the tip of the iceberg portrayal; cut down implausible aspects in the storyline; trimmed the scattered aim; modified the sequencing, and kept simplicity in storytelling. Allen as a sculptor of this book appeared to me possessing shades of Michelangelo in some chapters and Louise Bourgeois elsewhere.
Allen's book with stimulating concepts kindled my enthusiasm. He has both the intentions -to entertain and educate as well. He has given his best to convincingly describe the undertaken concepts. He does deliver moments of brilliance for our brain to marvel at! So, I consider this book as one of the good Sci-fi books I have read so far, in certain facets.
What if 'Panacea' becomes a reality? Allen’s definition of 'Panacea' hopefully captures the imagination of some inventors searching for an elixir for humanity.
The book will satisfy the thirst of the readers to explore the various intellectual nuances. It could lead to the resurgence of humanity, united as one world with freedom and fair justice to all! The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Perhaps, a movie on this book could be thrilling.
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