Ubik
Philip K. Dick
25 people recommended it in 14 threads, 2007–2026.
What people on Hacker News said
It's delightfully mind bending and left me thinking about it long after the book was done.
But having the discussion end there sort of discounts the core themes of his books -- mainly, the recognition of the paper-thin nature of reality, and the impossible task of ever knowing with a certainty the true state of things.
Pretty mindbending and interesting twist on the whole "(distorted) perception of reality (what even is reality?)" theme.
I agree wholeheartedly. This is a great book that is truly terrifying because Dick is constantly subverting the characters’ (and reader’s) perceptions of reality.
I love Philip K Dick, and Ubik is probably the best book to get started with his work as it is quite funny.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Mind bending books to read and never be the same as before? 2020 · 6 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are the best Sci-Fi books you've ever read? 2018 · 4 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's the best book you read in 2021? 2021 · 3 recommendations
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- Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift? 2026 · 1 recommendation
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- Ask HN: What is your favorite fiction book? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which books have you read more than once? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2017? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What is the most mind blowing book you've ever read? 2015 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which book are you reading these days? 2015 · 1 recommendation
- The Best Science Fiction Books (According to Reddit) 2011 · 1 recommendation
- Ask YC: favorite books 2007 · 1 recommendation
