Factoring Humanity

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

In the near future, a signal is detected coming from the Alpha Centauri system. Mysterious, unintelligible data streams in for ten years. Heather Davis, a professor in the University of Toronto psychology department, has devoted her career to deciphering the message. Her estranged husband, Kyle, is working on the development of artificial intelligence systems and new computer technology utilizing quantum effects to produce a near-infinite number of calculations simultaneously.

When Heather achieves a breakthrough, the message reveals a startling new technology that rips the barriers of space and time, holding the promise of a new stage of human evolution. In concert with Kyle's discoveries of the nature of consciousness, the key to limitless exploration - or the end of the human race - appears close at hand.Sawyer has created a gripping thriller, a pulse-pounding tour of the farthest reaches of technology. Factoring Humanity is a 1999 Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novel.

©2003 Robert J. Sawyer (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[T]his is exciting, readable science fiction that will take you where no one has gone before - and you'll never forget the ending." (Amazon.com review)
"An intelligent and absorbing double-stranded narrative." ( Kirkus)

Strange mix of the maudlin and the imaginative

Been a huge fan of Robert Sawyer for years and have read his trilogies and stand-alones, so compared to other works, this is not his best. But I recommend reading it anyhow for the amazing premise behind the soap opera family story. How alien culture ends up illuminating humanity is quite the twist. And I guess the soap opera provides the plot for figuring out how to use the alien culture. But it got a bit too soapy for this sci fi fan, sometimes. Still, the concept is great.

eh...

it wasn't bad, just boring for me. I've read some pretty decent sci-fi books, this wouldn't be in my top ten.

Being Self-aware and being Selfish go Hand in Hand

THE THIRD EYE
Sawyer has the third eye when it comes to science fiction, controversial subjects, aliens or first encounters. He has several books out on first encounters and they are all different and good. He also likes to step out and discuss controversial matters. Many Sci-Fi authors stay with the norm by putting down God and those who believe, jumping on the Global Warming band wagon or just whatever is the latest end of the world, man hating theme. In this book he does the politically incorrect thing and shows the side of the falsely accused man and how that will ruin his life, even if proven innocent.

TONGUE AND GROOVE
I knew exactly what RS was talking about when it comes to the third eye, in some things I have it and some I don't and wish I did. I liked the Over Mind and the way he described it. Mostly, I liked the controversial subject matter (Sexual Molestation, having false memories and planting false memories and the harm done by counselors).

KNOWS JUST ENOUGH TO BE DANGEROUS
I don't know much about counselors, therapists or psychiatrists, but I have family members who have been to counselors. It seems that counselors are the cheapest and less trained of the group. Most people who need this type of help are not well off financially, so end up going to counselors. They seem to know just enough to be dangerous and actually make matters worse. I honestly think there should be a law against them and people should be made aware of the damage they can cause. It is also weird that most of the people I know who want to go in this line of work are the people who are the most screwed up themselves.

This was one of my least favorites by Sawyer, but I am comparing Sawyer to Sawyer. Some of the science was a little over my head (not a hard thing to accomplish) and I have a hard time picturing spatial, extra dimension type stuff and there was a lot more of that in the book then I cared for. He also attempted to be a John Scalzi and crack some jokes, but only Leonard, Wolowitz and Sheldon would have laughed at them, I think. This was not bad, Sawyer has never written a bad book, but Illegal Alien, Calculating God and Flash Forward are better.

The narrator did a professional job.

Probably my favorite Robert Sawyer books

I always worry when a book is "only" around 10 hours, that I am not getting my moneys worth. But just about all of Robert Sawyer's books grab you right away and never let you go - I mean you just can't stop listening, and there are no dull parts. Factoring Humanity is just awesome! He always has really wonderful female characters and this is no exception. But in particular, the story just feels good all around and has just enough sci-fi techno to keep it modern!

Another winner by Robert Sawyer

Every time I read one of Sawyer's books, I find myself wondering how he's going to merge the storylines into a single arch. Each time, he does so masterfully. His knowledge of such a range of science, from physics and biology to psychology continues to astound me. Where most sci-fi rehashes the same old themes, Sawyer finds new ways to express what might me. And in Factoring Humanity, he brings together quantum mechanics, psychology, and the devastating impact of pseudo-psychology into a compelling tale. If you enjoyed Calculating God or Flash Forward, you'll probably like this one too.

Sawyer earned his awards!

as a non-quantum mechanics oriented person I was delighted to have my mind set alight by the content of the book. I too can enjoy science and a good story line! well done. Sawyer gained an admirer and fan.

Interesting and thought-provoking

Despite the moral overtones, and (for me) the curiously annoying narration, this was a better-than-average novel, with interesting speculation about the connected nature of life in the universe. I will try for another bit of writing by the author to see if I may enjoy more of his writings.

My first Sawyer

Would you listen to Factoring Humanity again? Why?

Brilliant story. Smart, entertaining. Narrator didnt get in the way of the story. Checking the reviews helped me make the decision to buy this. Always worth checking the reviews.

unbelievably awesome! Luv Sawyer!

Robert once again weaves a fantastic and unique story around the latest probings into reality, consciousness, ET, and AI... i was astounded by his integration of Hameroff's and Penrose's latest perspectives exploring quantum conscious...there's so much going on in this story, the singularity, humanity, and...

Sawyer's creations... www, his God story, and his latest...Quantum Nights... to name but a few...are gifts to everyone who dabbles in insights...who thinks and wonders...and who strives to grow as a mind within our cosmos

Mind Blowing!

This was a unique view of a first contact type story! I highly recommend it!