The Best Books for Getting Started with Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick is a visionary author known for his thought-provoking and complex works that explore the nature of reality, human consciousness, and the boundaries between the real and the fictional. If you are just beginning your journey into the world of Dick's literature, choosing the right starting point can make a significant difference in your overall experience. In this article, we will explore several books by Philip K. Dick, along with recommendations for the best starting points, to help you get the most out of this fascinating author.

Recommending Predominant Works

For new readers of Philip K. Dick, one book I highly recommend is The Man in the High Castle. This work is a cornerstone of Dick's bibliography and provides a rich narrative that mirrors the complexities of reality in a world where history has taken a different turn. It is a gripping and thought-provoking piece that offers a deeper dive into the themes of alternate histories and the implications of reality.

Exploring The Cosmic Puppets

The Cosmic Puppets is another fantastic read that offers a lazy Sunday afternoon of escapism and intellectual stimulation. This contemporary fantasy with a hint of horror is a testament to Dick's unique storytelling style, characterized by mind-bending scenarios and thought-provocative twists. The best way to experience The Cosmic Puppets is to read it slowly and allow its intricacies to unfold. Start with the first page, and you will be hooked.

Understanding Dick's Body of Work

While many readers jump into one or two of Philip K. Dick's novels and are immediately impressed, the true depth of his work becomes more apparent as you read more of his books. A blog post of mine, as well as an interview I gave at a sold-out screening of Blade Runner, discuss the transformative experience of reading multiple of Dick's novels.

Dick's novels often engage in a dialogue with each other, both in explicit and implicit ways. This interconnectivity is what makes his body of work so rich and rewarding. Reading multiple novels can create a tipping point where the reader's understanding of Dick's themes and narratives becomes more profound, leading to a deeper appreciation for his work.

Starting Points for Dick's Novels

For those starting their journey with Philip K. Dick, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (often adapted as Blade Runner) is an essential starting point. It is a foundational piece that introduces many of the themes and motifs that Dick would explore throughout his career. However, to truly understand Dick's expansive and nuanced writing, it is important to read several of his novels in a specific order to follow his thematic progression.

I recommend reading the following pairs of novels in the listed order:

The Man in the High Castle (11/61) and Martian Time-Slip (10/62) The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch (3/64) and Ubik (12/66) A Scanner Darkly (4/73) and VALIS (11/78)

These novels represent three distinct phases of Dick's career, each showcasing a different style and thematic focus. Reading these pairs in order will provide a comprehensive understanding of his evolution as a writer.

After Completing the Pairs

Once you have read through these pairs, you may want to continue exploring Dick's work with more titles such as Dr. Bloodmoney, Now Wait for Last Year, and others. These novels will deepen your appreciation for Dick's unique voice and the breadth of his literary exploration.

By starting with these recommended books, you will gain a solid foundation in Philip K. Dick's diverse and influential body of work. Each novel offers a glimpse into the complex and fascinating world that Dick created, making his books a rewarding and enriching read for all audiences.