It’s an interesting use of future toy tech though.

Somebody up above said “if Molly had no self-preservation instincts, then why did she fear mice so much?” I think its partially the empathy thing with a scared kid somebody else mentioned further down, but it may also be that she is allowed self-preservation insofar as preventing damage to her owner’s property-i.e herself. Creepy nonetheless.
Although honestly…some elements of the story were a bit 19th century. Sounded like the little girl had consumption in a Beth from Little Women sort of way, although TB is making a comeback unfortunately, but seriously, mice? I expected cockroaches myself. Yeah, you might see mice, but where you have any sort of vermin you’re going to have those as well.

Also I wonder what’s with leaving the little girl in her mother’s apt on her own . . .

As to being a kids’ story…I wouldn’t give this to anybody younger than at least 9, I think, although it definitely depends on the child.

As for the gender stereotyping…business as usual, really. Big toy companies cater to conservative parents.

As to Anna’s reading…ok, sometimes her voice is a little annoying or her reading is less than ideal, but for certain stories and certain characters, it works.

It worked for Molly. I could see her in my mind’s eye.

And it REALLY worked in Those Eyes, even though the filter gave me issues. I liked both, but it required a little extra effort to understand.

But… er, am I the only one who sees “Read by Stephen Eley.” up in the blog post?

Signed,
Hobbie the Horse

I liked the way the doll dealt with her own sense of identity despite being aware of her programmed limitations. The ending also made me smile, especially in how neatly it paralleled the start of the story.

This is a story about a self-aware doll with multiple personalities.

Not a lot of possibility there.

As for Anna’s reading…I’ve loved them all (Those Eyes, Show and Tell, even Wetting the Bed), and her readings always evoke a kind of bittersweet ambiance that is difficult to describe but i amazing to witness, but (because there had to be one) this is not one of my favorites. It could have been better, but it was good enough.

I liked that the robot was actually programmed to be afraid of things. I have no idea if it was intentional by the author, but I’d imagine little flaws like that would help endear a semi-sentient toy to it’s owner.

I’m sure that she’s a wonderful person an’ all……

Although, when I finished the story I could not help but wonder what Elizabeth Bear could have done with this premise. I would probably still be sobbing.

An amusing story. Not a great – but amusing.

I thought this story was pretty stereotypical, with the brave detective, innocent girl, and randomly evil villain. Everything was predictible, save for the very end, where Dot is transformed. I love this story for this fact alone, because it is rather heartless, but is realistic. I think it is the perfect ending for the story.

One wrinkle I particularly like is the pre-programmed use of the Molly doll as a means of surveillance for parent/guardian. Neat concept, and one that had ramifications for events in the story.

And that’s something I really look for in my SF – when the author introduces a technology and extrapolates possible uses and ramifications of that technology, and then uses it as a plot point.

Add me to the list of listeners who enjoys Anna’s readings. Her voice isn’t appropriate for every EP story, but I think Steve does a great job of matching the material to the reader.

I do not like Anna’s readings. Her reading knocks a letter grade off my rating of the story. I suggest if Anna (and even Steve) would work with a voice coach that we would all benefit. Acting lesson would also help (plus, they are great fun.) The local community college would offer something at a reasonable cost.

You may begin your attack on my character, upbringing or other personal weakness you choose. I have said my peace. I will stand-by what I have said, for it is true.

I particularly like the fact that the intent of the PD personality survives the generation process to affect the actions (if only ‘subconsciously’) of the Deb persona.

In a word – delicious!

I think it was mostly good for me because it exceeded expectations. I’m not a big fan of girl detectives, but the sci finess of it all made the story awesome.

One thing though– if Molly had no self-preservation instincts, then why did she fear mice so much?

I really liked the story. I’m not very good at writing about why I like or don’t like stories, but I wanted to put in my two cents.