Eager (edition 2006)

"Eager" is a futuristic science fiction story in which humans are living and working with robots. The story features the life of the Bell family, who have recently acquired a new EGR3 robot, "Eager," who was designed to learn and develop as human children do. Eager was to assist the aging butler robot, "Grumps," with taking care of the home and the Bell family.

The plot suggests that the field of robotics have come a long way in the last 15-20 years - from robots that can do simple domestic chores, to homes that will have conversations and even gossip, and robots that possess artificial intelligence. The newest robots, the BDC4's, have recently been launched into market at a few major cities, and were designed to be extremely high tech and with frighteningly human qualities - emotions, memories, and being able to carry conversations.

Society at first glance seems to have progressed immensely, with children having companion robots escorting them to their learning centers, pollution being virtually eliminated, locally grown food, having access to what's called a "gobetween," a technology that allows simulations in virtually any environment and communicate live with anyone in any part of the world. But as the story develops the reader learns that stark inequalities similar to generations past persist - the simpler robots who run on battery and the advanced ones that run on radio waves; the division of socioeconomic classes among the elite technocrats, middle-class professionals, and lower classes in the cities; and those who have or do not have access to all the technology.

The reader will find that Eager is a captivating protagonist as he struggles with issues of what it means to be alive, to live a human experience. The Bell family is equally engaging as they face their own challenges about what it means to have fulfilling relationships - whether if it's with humans or robots. The book is perfect for ages 9-12, and provides a valuable lesson about the possibilities of robotics, and the ethical issues behind developing artificial life. ( )

In Fox's futuristic world, starvation and homelessness don't exist but the boundary between the haves and have-nots is vast. The best jobs and latest technological inventions go only to the economically elite technocrats and government leaders. Curfews are enforced because marauders often attack these wealthier citizens. LifeCorp, a huge conglomerate, controls much of the new technology. Even though Gavin Bell's parents are only middle-class professionals, they, like most people, have a family robot. Unfortunately, Grumps is an older model that's beginning to malfunction. They can't afford a BDC4, a sleek new robot that is almost unnaturally clever, so they take on Eager, an experimental model secretly produced by a former LifeCorp scientist. Although his older sister is embarrassed by Eager's unattractive appearance, Gavin is intrigued by the robot, which can learn, reason, and even lie. Before long, the siblings notice that there is something strange and frightening about the BDC4s. The machines begin rebelling against their owners, and when they take the head of LifeCorp hostage, it's up to Eager to save him. There is a lot of warmth and humor in this engaging, Jetsons-like novel (complete with talking houses and appliances). ( )

This book is about a family called the Bell family and they have all these robots and even the house is a robot. But after in the story a scientist make a robot called EGR3 or Eager. Eager is living in the Bell family because the dad was with the scientist. The Bell families task was to teach Eager to life experience. Eager is the first robot that can learn and has opinions. ( )

Eager is an experimental robot that the Bell family takes on to replace their old robot butler. Eager is able to learn and reason, and by living with a family that teaches him the value of life, Eager is able to save the head of LifeCorp from the BDC4s who have begun rebelling against their owners.

This story was a good quick read for me. The action kept a good pace, and the characters were all relatable.

curriculum connection - Explain the concept of artificial intelligence. Do we have any machines now that can learn and reason?

Come on grumps, let's go ( )