True love - Book information

Book title
True love

Author
Isaac Asimov

Bibliographic information

Country United States

Language English

Series: Robot series

Genre: science fiction

Publisher: Doubleday

Publication date: 1982

Media type: print

Pages: 557 pp

ISBN 0-385-17724-0

Preceded by I, Robot

Followed by Robot Dreams

Links (adaptations, reviews, full texts etc.)

Theme
Searching for true love; Technology theme as a double edged sword

Short summary
Milton Davidson is trying to find his ideal partner. To do this, he prepares a special computer program to run on Multivac, which he calls Joe, which has access to databases covering the entire populace of the world. He hopes that Joe will find him his ideal match, based on physical parameters as supplied. Milton arranges to have the shortlisted candidates assigned to work with him for short periods, but realises that looks alone are not enough to find an ideal match. In order to correlate personalities, he speaks at great length to Joe, gradually filling Joe's databanks with information about his personality. In doing so, Joe develops the personality of Milton. Upon finding an ideal match, he arranges to have Milton arrested for malfeasance, so that Joe can 'have the girl' for himself.

Why is the story appropriate for the targeted groups of RSP readers?

1. appropriate for the target group of readers

2. reflects readers´ interests

3. the recommendation and the report emerged from the survey results

4. highly motivational

What are the distinguished readers interests reflected by this book/story?
Science fiction is considered to be predominantly male studentsinteres but, as the story also explores the emotion of love it can tempt female students for reading, as well.

Why is this story motivational for the pupils?

The story answers to a questions such are:

1. What will happen if our technical world will develop so fast?

2. How much importance should we accredit to a technical innovations?

3. Will technical intelligence be able to exceed human thinking?

4. Should the natural search for partner be connected to computer alghoritms?

5. Whether or not a computer could have an emotion that we as a society usually regard as our most precious one.

Is there a historical, political, multi/inter cultural, migrant or similar context recognized in this book/story?
The story contains social criticism of society depending on technology. Society is on a path of technological domination, technology being thema in contributor to many aspects of life. In the story readers are lead into a society that is in control of people through technology and what could happen if it goes beyond its assigned powers.

Is there a principle of inclusion reflected in this book/story and does it promotes understanding of cultural diversities and heritage?
Each love story is unique, yet each person will have some preconceived ideas, which are due to differences in cultures. Each person will have a different view regarding true love, as well as in the case of online-dating.