Plus

Plus (1976) follows the consciousness of Imp Plus, a human brain that has been connected to a satellite orbiting Earth. From this unique vantage point, the brain must learn to process its new existence while maintaining communication with Ground Control. The narrative unfolds entirely through Imp Plus's internal experience as the brain works to understand its current reality and piece together fragments of its previous human life. The clinical setting and technological framework serve as a backdrop for the brain's attempts to grasp language and meaning in its altered state. The novel blends elements of technological speculation with fundamental questions about consciousness, memory, and the nature of human identity. While incorporating scientific concepts, the work transcends genre boundaries to explore the intersection of mind, body, and machine.

Readers describe Plus as challenging and complex, requiring multiple readings to grasp. Most reviews focus on its experimental stream-of-consciousness style and scientific themes. Positive comments highlight: - Unique representation of an AI/organic consciousness - Mathematical and scientific accuracy - Innovative use of language to convey non-human perception - Dense, rewarding narrative that reveals more on re-reads Common criticisms: - Difficult to follow plot and timeline - Excessive technical jargon - Abstract writing style alienates some readers - Length feels unnecessarily long for the story Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (48 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating Several reviewers compare it to Gene Wolfe's works in complexity and narrative style. One reader called it "a masterclass in writing from a non-human perspective," while another stated it was "impenetrable and pretentious." Multiple reviews suggest starting with McElroy's other books before attempting Plus.

The Disappearance of Jim Sullivan by Christopher Tilghman A man's consciousness shifts between his hospital bed and memories while recovering from a near-death farming accident, exploring the intersection of mind, body, and personal history.

The Echo Maker by Richard Powers A man awakens from a coma with a rare neurological condition that makes him believe his sister is an impostor, leading to an exploration of consciousness and identity through medical science.

Galatea 2.2 by Richard Powers A writer participates in an experiment to teach a neural network to comprehend literature, resulting in questions about consciousness, artificial intelligence, and what makes human understanding unique.

The Body Artist by Don DeLillo A performance artist encounters a mysterious stranger in her secluded house after her husband's death, blending reality with consciousness in an examination of time, perception, and loss.

Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall A man wakes up with complete memory loss and discovers he is being pursued by a conceptual shark that feeds on human memories and identity, forcing him to navigate between physical and mental realities.

🧠 The novel was inspired by real Cold War-era experiments involving brain-computer interfaces and neural monitoring conducted by both the US and Soviet space programs. 🛰️ "Plus" was one of the first novels to explore the concept of a human consciousness merged with artificial systems - predating similar themes in cyberpunk literature by nearly a decade. 📚 Joseph McElroy spent six years researching neuroscience and space technology while writing the novel, consulting with NASA scientists and neurologists to develop the scientific framework. 🎯 The protagonist's name "Imp Plus" is a reference to both "implant" and the mathematical symbol "+", reflecting the character's hybrid nature between organic and mechanical existence. 🏆 The novel received the Award for Literature from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters in 1977, despite its experimental nature and challenging narrative style.