Blake Crouch’s “Dark Matter” is a science fiction novel that delves into the concept of the multiverse and the infinite possibilities that arise from the choices we make. The book follows the protagonist’s journey through alternate realities, prompting myself and readers to ponder the countless versions of our own lives.

The novel was discovered through recommendations on either Goodreads and Reddit, which showed the best science fiction books. Its interesting blurb and positive reviews helped it stand out..

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it seamlessly incorporates the concept of the multiverse into a compelling narrative. It encourages readers to reflect on the alternate lives they could have experienced based on the decisions they’ve made and the opportunities they’ve encountered. The idea of multiple versions of the protagonist converging in his current reality adds an extra layer of intrigue and kept me engaged throughout the story.

Room for Improvement: While the book is great overall, it could have explored more deeply the complexities of the protagonist encountering versions of himself that are only minutes or moments apart from his original self. However, this may have been avoided this to prevent the story from becoming too convoluted or unbelievable.

The Prisoner’s Dilemma: “Dark Matter” introduced me to the concept of the Prisoner’s Dilemma, a classic problem in game theory. Throughout the book, the protagonist finds himself playing the Prisoner’s Dilemma with alternate versions of himself, attempting to outsmart his other selves to achieve a better outcome. However, this ultimately leads to suboptimal results.

The Prisoner’s Dilemma illustrates that individuals acting in their own self-interest may not always produce the best outcome, and that cooperation often leads to better results for everyone involved. In an iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma (ie happening multiple times with the same stakeholders) it demonstrates that acting in one’s self-interest may not lead to an optimal outcome, and that in most cases, cooperating yields a better outcome for all parties.

Who Would Like “Dark Matter”? “Dark Matter” is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts who enjoy mind-bending concepts and thought-provoking stories. It will appeal to readers who are fascinated by the idea of parallel universes and the consequences of our choices. The book’s engaging storyline and characters make it accessible to a wide audience, even those who may not typically gravitate towards the science fiction genre.

Conclusion: “Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch is a captivating and thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores the concept of the multiverse. It challenges readers to consider the impact of their decisions and the countless possibilities that exist within alternate realities. The book’s incorporation of the Prisoner’s Dilemma adds depth to the story and encourages readers to reflect on the consequences of their choices. “Dark Matter” is a thrilling and mind-bending journey that will leave readers pondering the nature of their own existence.

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