The Disposable Soma

The Disposable Soma offers an amusing, hilarious, and thought-provoking glimpse into the future. One of the elements that makes me chuckle is genetically enhanced parrots. Yes, parrots with the intelligence of a human. Since parrots can talk, it unlocks a lot of fun. In this future, there are bands with parrots as the lead singer, it's called birdsong. The most popular birdsong band is the Jerrybags. I'm convinced birdsong will be a thing now someday; it brings a whole new meaning to the term parrothead (a Jimmy Buffet fan).

The book is a political thriller (or is it a political satire? We may never know!) set in 2160 to 2164. It follows two primary characters, Jim, a comedian and grandson of the former president, and Neith, a reporter for an up-and-coming news network. Jim runs for president on a 3rd party ticket, the Empathy Party, which is devoted to the removal of sociopaths from the world. Neith is assigned to cover the Empathy Party primaries. I’ll keep the summary pretty high level as I enjoyed the natural progression of events.

The way this future is described is totally immersive. Another fun detail is an entire religion based on the Sentinelese people, who live on an island off the coast of India. In the book they are called Centolese, but I think it is referencing the same idea: a tribe of people that are still isolated from modern society. In any case, there are cameras all over the island and a TV network that broadcasts them at all times, all with the islanders totally unaware.   

I’ve focused on the future and the setting of the story so far, but the story itself is interesting as well. I don't think I have read too many people following the primary process (and zero doing so in the future). So the plot is totally unique. Jim at times leverages some of his grandmother’s (the president) resources in running his campaign, who are quite old. Having a 100 year old campaign manager has some, interesting, results.

One word of warning, the book is also very explicit at times, both in terms of profanity and some adult activities. Opium plays a large role in this particular future as well. 

The book has countless gems within it. A great one liner from Neith, “there is no better argument for eugenics than a glance at the people who support eugenics”. The book is Immersive and clever. I highly recommend it. (Well, assuming you aren't easily offended or a child or both). 

A minor complaint about the ending, which is. I don't think Neith’s story has resolution, I don’t think we really circled back to her character in the end. Then again, there is a sequel, so that might be done there. In any case, don’t let that minor point deter you from this fantastic book. I look forward to reading the sequel.

Perspective: 3rd person, generally limited

Tense: Simple Past

Length: 378 pages

Kindle Unlimited: Yes

https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Soma-Zeb-Haradon/dp/B0CNZ4FB65