The Complete Roderick

Author: John Sladek

This book is one of my favorites on this list because of the satirical viewpoint of our western society. Roderick, the robot with learning capabilities, is educated by watching television. I love what this says about the brains we are given and how we choose to use them. The robot is the perfect viewpoint to look satirical at humans, and objectively note our behavior and culture. Roderick is adopted by an elderly couple in Kansas and tries to assimilate into American culture. The brilliance in this novel is its difference from other robot novels. Instead of being a key player, either assisting with humanity's survival, or warring against humanity, Roderick is a mere observer, teaching us about ourselves. Sladek clearly sees a lot in society that bothers him, taking amusing shots at authority in the forms of the state, organized religion, and education. Our favorite genre, sci-fi, takes a hit from Sladek, too, referring to Asimov's laws of robotics, in a discussion between a priest and Roderick. The use of a non-human entity being introduced to religion in our society always induces a giggle. Aside from the serious, yet satirically dark humor and themes that Sladek introduces with Roderick, there are some genuinely laugh out loud moments that make this novel worthy on number 10 on this list, particularly when he is sent to a private Catholic school.

Books in Roderick Series (1)

Roderick At Random