Eager - Hardcover

Fox, Helen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0340875828 ISBN 13: 9780340875827

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books, 2003

Synopsis

It is later this century, and the earth's natural resources have been rationed for use by technocrats. Now a global company, LifeCorp, makes all major decisions and robots do most of the work. Life otherwise is much as we know it (except that your house talks to you, the kettle asks you how many cups of tea you want, and you can call up Socrates and other philosophers on the gobey, a futuristic internet).

When the Bell family's much-loved old-fashioned robot butler Grumps starts to go wrong, Mr Bell finds EGR3 through a colleague. But EGR3, known as Eager, is something different - programmed to learn through his experiences, like a human child. He also feels wonder, excitement - and confusion; not least a sense of awe at the latest, glamorous BDC4 robots, flaunted by the families of the powerful and wealthy technocrats. And he feels sorrow at the loss of Grumps, destroyed under strange circumstances.

Then Gavin Bell begins to think there is something odd about the BDC4s behaviour. With his sister Fleur, he investigates, enlisting Eager's help - with hilarious consequences. Questions are asked of LifeCorp and of Eager's creator and the answer to all the puzzles is finally solved. It leaves only the final question to be answered - the one closest to Eager's heart: am I alive?

About this title

Review:

Original and well paced (Books For keeps)

A romping, futuristic, conspiracy theory mystery ... a gripping read (School Librarian)

A funny, emotional adventure for Luddites everywhere (The Bookseller)

Hilarious (Parents News)

It was very inspiring and made me think a lot about the future (William Howarth, aged 10 Redhouse Catalogue)

His constant quest to discover what it means to be alive is both poignant and captivating ... a lot of thought has gone into the writing of this book and it reaps rewards (Ink)

This clever story takes a look at what we mean by intelligence ... A thoughtful book for older readers (Bookfest 2004 - 2005)

A futuristic fantasy that'll have you eager for more (tBkmag Spring 2007)

Science fiction with a heart (Publishing News)

A terrific read, full of fascinating ideas (Farnborough Mail)

From the Publisher:

Engaging new writer - humorous, accessible, with warmth and charm.

Robots are perennially popular, and an excellent hook for boys and girls.

Science Fiction with a heart

sequel already being written

About this edition

• Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0340875828
• ISBN 13: 9780340875827
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304