Dying Inside Paperback – March 3, 2009

According to the New York Times reviewer this is the perfect science fiction novel for people who don’t like science fiction. In other words, it’s a mainstream novel that happens to include some speculative elements. If I had known that I was going to be reading a depressing account of a man whose whole life has been an unending mess with no redeeming aspects, I would not have spent the money. There are plenty of other authors regaling us with the meaningless futility of our existence who at least throw in a laugh or two to leaven the grim reality. I didn’t finish the book because it was clear that nothing interesting or inspiring was ever going to happen. And, yes, the science fiction is pretty darn thin. So I will maybe try another Silverberg. Some of his stuff is pretty good IMO. But stay away from this one unless you are in need of cutting down on the happiness and enjoyment of your life. A bummer from start to (non)finish.

This book has haunted me for many years since I first read it over 20 years ago, so I recently reread it. A 40ish Jewish intellectual who writes college term papers for a living and can read people’s minds is the protagonist. The ability to read minds has been more of a curse than a blessing though. However, his powers are fading and soon he will lose the ability altogether. It really makes you think about the consequences of having this ability. Spooky and uplifting at the same time.

As someone struggling with a chronic disease, I found this book very compelling. What happens when what has been both your life's bane as well as your defining feature goes away? Are you relieved? Saddened? Off-kilter?Silverberg writes beautifully, and the book is unique.

This is one of my favorite novels of all time. It's got that weird tinge of the time in which it was written, which seems to add to the odd feeling conveyed by the narrator. This is a story about a telepath losing his ability. It's a man telling his story of his life and how he is settling into his age. I highly recommend it.

Interesting study, valid on many levels at once. Reminds me somewhat of M. Scott Peck's stripping away. What are our motives? Where does 'the other' fit into our world?

Definitely one of my top Robert Silverberg novels. They say that he knew his creativity output was really beginning to wane and that inspired him to write this novel.

Amazing book. I almost gave up on it but persevered. Very deep story about the human coNdition. Recommended for anyone, not just SF folks

an amazing book. SF that is on more Catcher in the Rye then flying saucers in the sky. I can't believe I almost missed reading this book.