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Brain Wave Audiobook
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(3.01) - 747 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
What if we were all designed to be smarter than we actually are?
Unbeknown to its inhabitants, the solar system has, for millions of years, been caught in a force field that effectively suppresses intelligence. When in the course of normal galactic movement the solar system breaks free of the force field, gone are the inhibiting effects, and a remarkable change begins to sweep across the earth—a change with sometimes surprising, sometimes chilling aftereffects.
Human life is dramatically transformed, as people with IQs of 400 find themselves living within social structures and institutions designed for people of considerably lower intelligence. Others refuse to accept what has happened and band together in a rebellion against the new order. Human relationships with other creatures on the planet are likewise thrown into upheaval, as animals rediscover their native intelligence. Soon the transfigured humanity is reaching for the stars, leaving behind our earth to the less intelligent humans and animal lifeforms.
Brain Wave is a fascinating “what if” novel, as well as an exploration into the ways in which human society is organized and the assumptions that are made about how we value life. It is also a novel about equality and what happens when the hierarchical structures we know and trust finally disappear.
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"What if ... everyone suddenly became smarter?That's the question behind this book, and the answer is very interesting. I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick read, and even though it was written in the '50s, it didn't feel dated at all. "
— Athryn (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“An unforgettable novel, with a cast as big as mankind and an adventure that charts the course of time. Read it, enjoy it, savor it.”
— Jerry Pournelle
Brain Wave Listener Reviews
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" Pipe-smoking intelligent and yet filled with sensational twists. Loved it. (And the edition is great too.) "
— Edgar, 11/29/2013 -
" The solar system passes through an area in space which increases the intelligence of all living creatures. "
— Frank, 10/12/2013 -
" So I read this dinosaur of sci fi because Terry had it kicking around. Interesting premise, really dated depictions of women. The ending was rushed. Not a book I'll reread. "
— Stephanie, 1/7/2013 -
" Interesting thought experiment about what would happen to society if suddenly everyone got a whole lot smarter "
— Molly, 12/4/2012 -
" The idea is very interesting. I got quickly into the story, only to be somewhat disappointed. I get the impression that the author was all enthusiastic in the beginning, and then lost interest and finished quickly. The end felt like a short story, with no real development. "
— Kajin, 2/17/2012 -
" I like the premise and would be interested in reading further treatments, but I couldn't get past the pessimistic direction, even after calmly setting aside the science. "
— Becky, 10/24/2011 -
" A very good book. It's pity, it didn't evolve into something bigger that would allow to explore more possibilities. "
— Genady, 8/28/2011 -
" Some interesting theories on the asymptotic limits of intelligence (advancing ourselves out of evolving), and on the inverse relationship between intelligence and happiness (man's quest for purpose, etc.). "
— Ladan, 6/6/2011 -
" this is an extremely unique piece science fiction, really is nothing else like it... it's also short and sweet something like 200 pages but well worth an afternoon to get through. "
— Lucas, 3/28/2010 -
" The idea is very interesting. I got quickly into the story, only to be somewhat disappointed. I get the impression that the author was all enthusiastic in the beginning, and then lost interest and finished quickly. The end felt like a short story, with no real development. <br/> <br/> "
— Kajin, 3/27/2010 -
" The solar system passes through an area in space which increases the intelligence of all living creatures. <br/> "
— Frank, 9/10/2009 -
" Interesting thought experiment about what would happen to society if suddenly everyone got a whole lot smarter "
— Molly, 5/26/2009
About Poul Anderson
Poul Anderson (1926–2001) was one of the most prolific and popular writers in science fiction. He won the Hugo Award seven times and the Nebula Award three times, as well as many other awards, including the Grand Master Award of the Science Fiction Writers of America for a lifetime of distinguished achievement. With a degree in physics and a wide knowledge of other fields of science, he was noted for building stories on a solid foundation of real science, as well as for being one of the most skilled creators of fast-paced adventure stories. He was author of over one hundred novels and story collections, several hundred short stories, and several mysteries and nonfiction books.
About Tom Weiner
Tom Weiner, a dialogue director and voice artist best known for his roles in video games and television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Transformers, is the winner of eight Earphones Awards and is an Audie Award finalist. He is a former member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.