"A great reading experience"
Visimorph dominates the software industry by control of the
most widely used operating system, which is on just about
everyone's computer. Owner Bob McIntire makes a fortune as
every upgrade result in people required buying the latest
software or not function in society. Working for Visimorph, former hacker Vic Barnhardt provides
security programs to stop her former colleagues from
breaking and entering computers. Secretly, Vic creates an
Artificial Intelligence that she names Jodie. Vic wants
Jodie to feel feminine without the trappings of society
that the developer believes forces people like her to hide
her curves to be accepted amidst her peers. Jodie begins
to take over programs, servers, and libraries owned by
others, but to Vic's chagrin feels male and is falling in
love with his creator. However, Bob learns about Jodie and
has plans to use the AI to further his own goals. BODY ELECTRIC plays out on several levels as Susan Squires
takes a giant leap towards superstardom. The story line is
a powerful science fiction that digs deep into the meaning
of life. The plot also takes a close look at gender in a
highly technological society. The characters make this
tale work as readers believe that Vic is a confused woman
struggling for her sexual identity as much as Vic battles
with her/his "human" identity similar to the Malkovich
movie Making Mr. Right. Ms. Squires has written a powerful
novel that will earn the author many accolades and awards. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 25, 2002
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