Most [[Philip K. Dick]] readers expect a psychedelic, Escher-like exploration of the future - [Voices from the Street] couldn't be more mundane in setting, a television repair store in the suburbs, yet also more like his other-world work. Like other great science fiction and horror writers, PKD often camouflages his descent into the human heart in neon glare and techno-noir, but he's ultimately examining the human condition - you just have to listen more carefully. In this book, he shakes off all those conventions and stares directly into the abyss, following a man in despair with the state of his marriage, his job, himself. He's fed up with the political state of the world, but also the politics of his workplace and his friendships. When he finally breaks, he finds redemption in a simple, blue-collar job fixing things that need fixing, living in a small town with his family. it's a deep social commentary, and deep commentary on socialism and the redemptive power of work.

Highly recommended.
5 bones!!!!! ( )

idgi tbh

This is a UFD. Let me explain.

Almost before he could read, Lloyd Spiegel wanted to play blues. As a precocious youngster he went on tour of the US. Bo Diddley came to see him and then went backstage and asked Spiegel what he wanted to be. Lloyd beamed up at him. ‘Don’t you get it, Mr Diddley? I’m a blues man.’ Whereupon Bo Diddley looked down at him and said ‘Son – you’ll be a blues man when I say you’re a blues man’.

Late in life Dick opined that he hadn’t been told early and often enough when his work was no good. I guess it’s too late, but if you are listening from whatever bizarre possie you might have elsewhere now: this book here? Voices from the Street? Absolutely bar none the worst written thing I’ve ever seen in print.

Rest here:

https://alittleteaalittlechat.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/voices-from-the-street-by...

To make it clear, I have not forgotten to add stars.

This is a UFD. Let me explain.

Almost before he could read, Lloyd Spiegel wanted to play blues. As a precocious youngster he went on tour of the US. Bo Diddley came to see him and then went backstage and asked Spiegel what he wanted to be. Lloyd beamed up at him. ‘Don’t you get it, Mr Diddley? I’m a blues man.’ Whereupon Bo Diddley looked down at him and said ‘Son – you’ll be a blues man when I say you’re a blues man’.

Late in life Dick opined that he hadn’t been told early and often enough when his work was no good. I guess it’s too late, but if you are listening from whatever bizarre possie you might have elsewhere now: this book here? Voices from the Street? Absolutely bar none the worst written thing I’ve ever seen in print.

Rest here:

https://alittleteaalittlechat.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/voices-from-the-street-by...

To make it clear, I have not forgotten to add stars.

This is one of Philip K. Dick's earlier stories that was unpublished until a few years ago. I found this in one of those giant book-overstock stores that's open for a while until they run out of inventory or money to rent the storefront. Fitting, considering certain elements of this story.

Except for the fact that the story is set in 1952, the characters and the plot of this book could just as well be found today. In fact, there were moments where conversations between characters seemed like something one might overhear on the streets right this very moment. It's fascinating how little has changed since the 50s in regards to religion, politics, and especially the mixture of the two.

The story itself is the descent of a young man, typical of the age, or any age, into animalistic fury. He's a dreamer, stuck in a salesman job he hates, looking for meaning in his life while feeling stuck by the trappings of society. He starts to look for another way, tries out the big new religion sweeping through town, tries to drown himself in drink, even tries to become the most perfect everyday citizen; but it all leads him deeper and deeper into the hole of unfulfillment he digs for himself. Things get dark, incredibly, wickedly dark.

That's the genius of Dick's writing. He creates this vividly descriptive world and pulls you in, then takes you into the darkest workings of the human mind. He would later use science fiction to explore these emotions, playing with allegory and metaphor, but early on he wrote bleak, starkly contrasting reality, and it's terrifying. ( )