This was definitely an interesting story, if not a little predictable. Certainly, it’s a product of its Cold War era and a commentary on how intelligent beings – be it human or machines – will always find a way (or reason) to destroy each other.

Now, I’m thinking I’m going to reread that one.

I too think Dick’s spare method of writing is very effective, which is one of the things I think McCarthy and Dick have in common. Neither of them make a fuss over the shocking things that they sometimes write. The situations they create are shocking enough without flowery writing or constructions. They leave the rest to the power of the reader’s imagination which is usually more than enough to do the job.

dick scares me shitless. i’ve only read a few dick books, but they’ve all had some pretty dark moments. i assume “2nd variety” is in that collection too – i liked that a lot!

i think the thing about dick’s scariness is that he doesn’t particularly try to be shocking or scary – if you know what i mean. you know? he doesn’t try to build it up or gore it up or shock or depress you. he just writes what is scary and describes the situation as it is.

i also get the distinct impression that he’s writing about what he finds scary, which is perhaps what makes it so real. of course other writers do this too, but they dress it up, and he doesn’t do that all – this is where his spare writing is at its most effective.