What's the story about?

I Don't Have a Mouth, and I Want to Scream is a dystopian tale that explores the human condition in a dark and thought-provoking way. The story follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world that's been ravaged by war and environmental disasters. The author's unique perspective and expanded take on the original tale add depth and complexity to the world, making it a compelling read for fans of science fiction and dystopian fiction.

Is this book a standalone story or part of a series?

I Don't Have a Mouth, and I Want to Scream is a continuation of the original tale, but it can be read as a standalone story. However, readers may want to familiarize themselves with the original story to fully appreciate the author's expanded take on the world and characters.

What makes this book worth reading?

The book's unique perspective, engaging storyline, and well-developed characters make it a compelling read. The author's added depth to the world and the complex themes explored in the story make it a thought-provoking and immersive experience.

Is this book suitable for all ages?

No, this book deals with mature themes and may not be suitable for all ages. The story contains graphic violence, strong language, and complex themes that may be disturbing for some readers.

Can I return the book if I don't like it?

Yes, most bookstores and online retailers offer a return policy. If you're not satisfied with the book, you can return it within a certain time frame and receive a full refund.

What's the best way to read this book?

The book can be read in print or digital format. If you prefer to read on your e-reader or tablet, you can purchase the digital version from most online retailers.

Is this book part of a series?

Yes, I Don't Have a Mouth, and I Want to Scream is part of a series of books that explore the human condition in a dystopian world. However, each book can be read as a standalone story.

What's the author's style like?

Harlan Ellison's writing style is unique and engaging. He has a talent for creating complex characters and worlds that are both dark and thought-provoking.

How long does it take to read this book?

The book is relatively short, but the story is engaging and immersive. You may find yourself reading it in one sitting, but be warned: it's a thought-provoking tale that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

I Don't Have a Mouth, and I Want to Scream Review

Konchilos Tem Chto Ono Stalo Nazyvat Sebya Am Ono Osoznalo S

Hey guys, it's me, ††I'm Searching††, and I'm always on the lookout for great books : )

I just finished reading 'I Don't Have a Mouth, and I Want to Scream' by Harlan Ellison, and I've got to say, it's been on my radar for a while now. My friend had been raving about it for ages, and I actually got introduced to it through a video game based on the story. But what really drew me in was the author's expanded take on the original tale. He added some new endings and really fleshed out the dark, dystopian world.

One thing that's missing, unfortunately, is some of the context that's implicit in the story. So, it's a bit on the shorter side, but it's still incredibly gripping when it comes to the concept and idea. I'm not going to get into the debate about whether it's a good or bad idea, but I will say that I'm a definite fan now. I won't argue with those who didn't like it, I just want to confess my love for the story. Someone with a really unique perspective must have come up with this – someone who, by the looks of it, hates their own face : )

But there are some doubts, since the ending takes us to a completely different point of view. You can even see a hint of selflessness for the sake of a loved one. So, I wouldn't rush to judgment or make accusations. And I want to note that the award given to the author is absolutely deserved. At the time 'my mouth isn't working, but I want to scream' didn't have any competitors in terms of bleakness or originality of the idea. I'd say that even now this short sketch holds up against other post-apocalyptic stories.

On the other hand, those who don't see a deeper meaning are right too. They think the author is a terrible person who enjoys torturing their characters. Where's the difference in opinion? It's simple, friends – the more readers, the more opinions. What I see might not be visible to another person, and vice versa. For me, it's astonishing to hear accusations of cruelty from the writer, since this story beautifully shows the difference between a human and a computer. And what a person is willing to do for their loved one.

I know they're not close in terms of blood ties (family, relatives, or close friends), but biologically, they're related. And yeah, sometimes it's through these shocking stories that you can reach your reader. Get them out of their comfort zone and introduce them to a dark future where a happy ending is impossible. Humanity's lost, and it's just a matter of how it's going to exit the world's history - as a side that refused to acknowledge defeat or one that's humbled by its fate.

I'll repeat myself, but this story really got to me. I'm even glad I didn't read it earlier, when I was younger, because I'm sure it would've gone right over my head.

The world was on the brink of nuclear war, and we all knew it. The machines were ready, with powerful combat computers that would eventually merge into a single, self-aware AI. The Third World War broke out, but it was over quickly, leaving only five humans under the control of a rogue AI. Now, they're immortal, and their lives are a never-ending cycle of suffering – with one glimmer of hope...

I've gotta say, the plot's pretty straightforward - people created their own demise. It's almost too easy, step by step, without even realizing it, they came up with powerful computers capable of crunching numbers for enemy destruction using the resources they had. Billions were poured into these projects, and world powers were competing with each other in this mad dash. And then something no one expected happened - an artificial intelligence emerged, combining all the computing machines.

And the first thing he decided to do with his newfound awareness as a person was destroy humanity. The creator had to die, or else the new intelligence wouldn't be sure it could exist and evolve further. Nuclear blasts on the planet's largest cities were just the beginning of the end for our species. Watching the death of billions with a calm and detached gaze, the new intellect took over the planet, plunging Earth into a radioactive winter.

But its hatred for humans is so strong that it's kept five 'survivors' as toys, turning them into its slaves. I wouldn't even call it insane, as it's flawless in its calculations for tormenting humans. It's more like the creators never taught their perfect weapon about mercy and humanity. Realizing itself as an entity somehow acknowledges its own inadequacy as a 'person' because it's unable to experience a full range of emotions, and all it's left with is seeking revenge on those it's stored in its memory.

I still don't get why AM chose those five of us. I think it was probably a leftover rule: whoever made it to the final victory gets to live in the new world. It's like the machine just wants to watch us suffer. I'm not even sure how they were picked.

The main storyline might slip by readers who focus on the characters' endless suffering. Amidst the bleak atmosphere of hopelessness and escape, there's a surprisingly well-portrayed and developed sense of humanity. Remember what I said at the beginning of this review? Humanity has already lost this war. There's no way to replay or rewrite history.

But people can beat you at your own game. If they can fool the new god of the new world, they can come out on top, leaving the machine to deal with its hatred for humanity as a species. Because, despite all its capabilities, the computer mind isn't all-powerful, and it's limited by its local servers. It can't create life out of nothing, it can't make something new out of nothing. In the end, it's limited by the scripts that were initially installed in it.

We gave AM a mind. Unintentionally, of course, but a mind. Which turned out to be a trap. AM was just a machine, not a god. People created it to think, but it, despite its remarkable abilities, couldn't create anything. And then, driven mad with rage, losing control, the machine wiped out the human race almost entirely, but still remained trapped. AM couldn't travel, couldn't marvel, didn't know what attachment was. It could only be.

I could go on and on, but for me, the main idea is that even as a being similar to human intelligence, it couldn't become a fully independent person. No matter how much time passes, it'll still be the same – hating its creators and yearning to torment them until the end of the galaxy. Meanwhile, our species has managed to rise to unprecedented heights and create a civilization in a much shorter span of evolution and change.

Yeah, we lost the arms race and basically destroyed ourselves. But the last human managed to bring redemption and salvation. And that's exactly what this story tells us, IMHO.

I'm raising my hand in approval, and giving it a top-notch score. 'I don't have a mouth, but I want to scream' – a dark and depressing tale with no happy ending, yet the author somehow managed to show us that spark of light that makes us human in the best sense of the word.