Beside Still Waters By: Robert Sheckley (1928-2005)
Beside Still Waters by Robert Sheckley is a captivating novel that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery to craft a unique and thought-provoking story. Set in a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination become increasingly blurred, this book takes readers on a mind-bending journey through the unexplored depths of human consciousness. Sheckley's writing style is both eloquent and accessible, effortlessly drawing readers into the intricate web of his narrative. The story follows the life of protagonist John Smith, a seemingly ordinary man who discovers a hidden ability to enter the dreamscapes of others. As he embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind his newfound power, Smith encounters a cast of vividly realized characters, each grappling with their own inner demons and desires. What sets this novel apart is its exploration of the human psyche and the power of imagination. Sheckley skillfully delves into the complexities of our subconscious minds, challenging readers to question the nature of reality and the extent to which our thoughts shape our world. The dreamscapes depicted in the book are richly detailed and immersive, transporting readers to a realm where anything is possible. Beside Still Waters also tackles profound themes such as identity, loss, and the search for meaning in life. As Smith navigates the dream world, he confronts his own fears and insecurities, ultimately undergoing a profound personal transformation. The emotional depth of the characters adds an extra layer of resonance, making their journeys as compelling as the overarching plot. Sheckley's mastery lies in his ability to create a sense of constant intrigue and suspense. With each page, the plot thickens, as Smith unravels the enigma that ties the dream realm to the waking world. The author deftly weaves together various narrative threads, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Though Beside Still Waters is undeniably a work of science fiction, it transcends the genre and appeals to a wider audience. Its thematic depth and philosophical musings make it a truly thought-provoking read, while its fast-paced plot ensures that it never becomes overly cerebral. In conclusion, Robert Sheckley's Beside Still Waters is an enthralling and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly merges elements of science fiction and fantasy with profound explorations of the human psyche. With its gripping plot, compelling characters, and philosophical undertones, this book will undoubtedly captivate readers from start to finish. First Page: BESIDE STILL WATERS BY ROBERT SHECKLEY When people talk about getting away from it all, they are usually thinking about our great open spaces out west. But to science fiction writers, that would be practically in the heart of Times Square. When a man of the future wants solitude he picks a slab of rock floating in space four light years east of Andromeda. Here is a gentle little story about a man who sought the solitude of such a location. And who did he take along for company? None other than Charles the Robot. Mark Rogers was a prospector, and he went to the asteroid belt looking for radioactives and rare metals. He searched for years, never finding much, hopping from fragment to fragment. After a time he settled on a slab of rock half a mile thick. Rogers had been born old, and he didn't age much past a point. His face was white with the pallor of space, and his hands shook a little. He called his slab of rock Martha, after no girl he had ever known. He made a little strike, enough to equip Martha with an air pump and a shack, a few tons of dirt and some water tanks, and a robot. Then he settled back and watched the stars. The robot he bought was a standard model all around worker, with built in memory and a thirty word vocabulary... Continue reading book >>

Beside Still Waters By: Robert Sheckley (1928-2005)

Beside Still Waters by Robert Sheckley is a captivating novel that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery to craft a unique and thought-provoking story. Set in a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination become increasingly blurred, this book takes readers on a mind-bending journey through the unexplored depths of human consciousness.

Sheckley's writing style is both eloquent and accessible, effortlessly drawing readers into the intricate web of his narrative. The story follows the life of protagonist John Smith, a seemingly ordinary man who discovers a hidden ability to enter the dreamscapes of others. As he embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind his newfound power, Smith encounters a cast of vividly realized characters, each grappling with their own inner demons and desires.

What sets this novel apart is its exploration of the human psyche and the power of imagination. Sheckley skillfully delves into the complexities of our subconscious minds, challenging readers to question the nature of reality and the extent to which our thoughts shape our world. The dreamscapes depicted in the book are richly detailed and immersive, transporting readers to a realm where anything is possible.

Beside Still Waters also tackles profound themes such as identity, loss, and the search for meaning in life. As Smith navigates the dream world, he confronts his own fears and insecurities, ultimately undergoing a profound personal transformation. The emotional depth of the characters adds an extra layer of resonance, making their journeys as compelling as the overarching plot.

Sheckley's mastery lies in his ability to create a sense of constant intrigue and suspense. With each page, the plot thickens, as Smith unravels the enigma that ties the dream realm to the waking world. The author deftly weaves together various narrative threads, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Though Beside Still Waters is undeniably a work of science fiction, it transcends the genre and appeals to a wider audience. Its thematic depth and philosophical musings make it a truly thought-provoking read, while its fast-paced plot ensures that it never becomes overly cerebral.

In conclusion, Robert Sheckley's Beside Still Waters is an enthralling and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly merges elements of science fiction and fantasy with profound explorations of the human psyche. With its gripping plot, compelling characters, and philosophical undertones, this book will undoubtedly captivate readers from start to finish.

First Page:

BESIDE STILL WATERS

BY ROBERT SHECKLEY

When people talk about getting away from it all, they are usually thinking about our great open spaces out west. But to science fiction writers, that would be practically in the heart of Times Square. When a man of the future wants solitude he picks a slab of rock floating in space four light years east of Andromeda. Here is a gentle little story about a man who sought the solitude of such a location. And who did he take along for company? None other than Charles the Robot.

Mark Rogers was a prospector, and he went to the asteroid belt looking for radioactives and rare metals. He searched for years, never finding much, hopping from fragment to fragment. After a time he settled on a slab of rock half a mile thick.

Rogers had been born old, and he didn't age much past a point. His face was white with the pallor of space, and his hands shook a little. He called his slab of rock Martha, after no girl he had ever known.

He made a little strike, enough to equip Martha with an air pump and a shack, a few tons of dirt and some water tanks, and a robot. Then he settled back and watched the stars.

The robot he bought was a standard model all around worker, with built in memory and a thirty word vocabulary... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Robert Sheckley
Wikipedia – Beside Still Waters

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