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52 pages 1 hour read

How To Live Safely In a Science Fictional Universe

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010

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Book Brief

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Charles Yu

How To Live Safely In a Science Fictional Universe

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010
Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

How To Live Safely In a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu is about a mechanic named Charles Yu who repairs time machines in Minor Universe 31, a partially fictional universe. He lives in a TM-31 recreational time travel device with an AI named TAMMY and an imaginary dog, Ed. Yu navigates his life's complexities and searches for his missing father, who disappeared while testing a time machine.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.7

20,039 ratings

51%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Charles Yu's How To Live Safely In a Science Fictional Universe offers a unique blend of science fiction and existential angst. Reviewers praise its inventive narrative and emotional depth but note that the intricate, nonlinear plot and heavy introspection may challenge some readers. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that resonates with those seeking literary innovation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How To Live Safely In a Science Fictional Universe?

Readers who enjoy How To Live Safely In a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu are likely fans of quirky, introspective science fiction. They might appreciate the cerebral humor and emotional depth found in Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or the narrative complexity of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.

3.7

20,039 ratings

51%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Character List

Charles Yu

Charles Yu is a time machine repairman who navigates alternate universes and contends with the human desire to change the past while dealing with his own emotional challenges.

A visionary who dreamed of perfecting time travel, Charles's father disappears after a professional setback, leaving behind clues for Charles to seek him out.

TAMMY is the user personality interface of the TM-31, chosen by Charles over another interface due to her attractive design; she provides emotional simulations for Charles.

Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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