This Perfect Day

By Ira Levin

Book Overview

A modern dystopian classic that stands alongside 1984 and Brave New World, Ira Levin's This Perfect Day is a stunningly prescient work of science fiction that asks what it means to remain human in a world increasingly governed by technology and AI.

"Chip" (born Li RM35M4419) lives in a future controlled by an all-powerful global supercomputer, UniComp. In this seemingly utopian society, free from war and want, every aspect of human existence is meticulously planned and calibrated for efficiency by Uni, which guides the lives of each member of the Family--the eugenically-merged human race, who share a single language and religion, yet live under constant chemical conditioning and behavioral monitoring--long unaware that their sustenance comes at the expense of all individuality and autonomy. When Chip begins to question Uni's benevolence, he embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim his true self, and challenge Uni's rule.

Its predictions already proving unnervingly on target, This Perfect Day is a thought-provoking exploration of free will, and of who ultimately holds the reins of power. Levin's masterful storytelling and vividly imagined world make for an epic tale that's as unsettling as it is unforgettable.

This edition contains an afterword from Andrew Cartmel, renowned Doctor Who script editor and author of the Vinyl Detective crime novels.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CX6T14YS
• ISBN13: 9798212642668
• Release Date: August 2024
• Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

This Perfect Day by Ira Levin

At age 58 I cannot remember when I first read this book. It's not that I am losing my mind, but it was that long ago. I have haunted used book stores, flea markets and online, and have bought several hard backs and soft backs so that I am not without a copy of this book (Does this ring of the movie "Conspiracy Theory and the Catcher in the Rye"). I also shared this book with my daughter who is not as much a reader as I am and she loved it too. I cannot understand why this book has not been brought back into print, used as mandatory reading in school and also perhaps made into a movie. Ira Levin has had other books made into movies. I am not going review the story but is there anyone out there who wants it not to end when it does? I have read this book once a year for years and like a small child, keep thinking something will click and I will see whether life on the Island will improve once Chip returns...how will the untreated survive... Also I think that Chip and others due to small differences than the norm are more liable to rebel and this is what the powers that be (Programers, is that what they call themselves...hmmm) were watching for. As a child I was a science fiction freak and I still love it if I can find a good futuristic society book such as "Beggers In Spain" and now I am a Stephen King/horror/mystery freak. But what can I say, ask me what my favorite book is and it will always be, THIS PERFECT DAY!!!

We are not that far away

From the first time I read this book in 1974 as an 8th grader, this Utopian type society seemed so far away & unrealistic. Now at 45, I fear it is getting closer. Members getting "treatments"? Think Prozac. People that are compliant, pleasant & "speak no evil"? Think political correctness gone mad. Smoking forbidden? Even closer. Reproduction being controlled with no choice? Sounds like George W. at work here. Hmm... how will the world be when I am 75? This book should be required reading for High School Literature classes across the country, to open up discussions of personal rights, creativity, freedom & socialism. Think of the ways Levin's masterpiece could be applied to show kids just what "sheep" they are becoming! I find as I get older & read this book over again, there are more important lessons about individuality, following the crowd & what we expect from ourselves & others as a society. What kind of world stifles creativity & self-expression for the sake of "harmony"? Consider me & my teenagers incurable. ~Cyndi~

Wonderful Levin tale of a strange future

This underrated cult classic tells us of a future where there is no "selfishness, aggressiveness, or greed" Each is given what he needs, each gives all he can. And all this is enforced by monthly injections or "treatments", and administered by a worldwide computer called Uni. Our hero, Chip, is born into this culture. But in childhood, he is influenced by his strange (by their standards) grandfather, who dies at at about the same age that everyone seems to, and as an adult, comes under the influence of a group of mild rebels. But Chip seeks more. And exactly why does a map in a historical museum show islands not shown on current world maps? A fine book, which grapples with the questions of life, liberty, and self-will, and leaves you to find your own answer at the end. Highly recommended.

"Christ, Marx, Wood and Wei / Led us to this perfect day."

How can this book possibly be out of print?For anyone who hasn't read it yet: it belongs alongside _A Clockwork Orange_ among the great literary portrayals of individualism-vs.-collectivism. (I've never been much of a fan of either _1984_ or _Brave New World_, which are usually listed as the top two. And Ayn Rand's annoying novella _Anthem_ is just . . . well, annoying.)It is the tale of a lad named Chip, in a future world in which the great socialist dream has finally been realized. Preferring one person to another is a sign of social maladjustment. "Fight" is a dirty word; "f**k" is just the usual term for an activity no more important than sleeping or urination. Everyone is told what to do by "Uni," the great computer that organizes society and keeps track of everyone's location via electronic bracelet. (And one of the dirtiest, most maladjusted and antisocial expressions anyone can utter is "Fight Uni.")There is, in short, no more "juice": all the oranges are clockwork now. Until . . . ah, but that would spoil things, wouldn't it?So ATLAS SHRUGGED is still chugging along on the best-seller lists, turning unwitting victims into narcissistic misunderstood geniuses -- but this brilliant novel is out of print. What's wrong with this picture?I'm sure glad I still have my old hardcover copy.