2023 is the 25th anniversary of the release of “The Truman Show” movie. If you haven’t seen the movie, starring Jim Carrey, go watch it NOW. It just might be the most important movie ever produced.
Why? Here’s what Aurora Eliam, for Reedsy Discovery, had to say....
Loved it!
In the book "The Truman Show: It's True, Man!" author Stephen Davis encourages readers to question beliefs and behaviors from an alternate perspective. This is a book for deep thinkers who enjoy exploring alternative avenues of thought abutted by philosophic principles and quantum physics.
Throughout the chapters Davis seeks to expand upon the nature of existence, focusing on scientific research. Are we living in a hologram? Are our experiences real, or are they merely an expression of the great myriad of possibilities available on this plane in this field of existence?
Initially, quantum physics drew me in, and the reference to the 90s film Wunderkid-turned-cultural staple, The Truman Show, solidified the choice. This book explores the movie's themes and the rationality of such a world.
I enjoyed the plentiful physics diagrams throughout the book and found them beneficial in making abstract concepts more concrete. The section on the holographic brain model was particularly interesting, and I found myself looking up more data for curiosity's sake. Really, do our brains know what will happen before conscious thought occurs?
I recommend this book to readers with an interest in quantum physics, alternate theories, and philosophy. Also, if you enjoyed the movie The Truman Show and are interested in its broader simulated reality themes, this book provides a judicial exploration of what "reality" really means.
Rating: 4 stars
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And here’s what April Pulliam, Assistant Editor, Literary Titan had to say...
The Truman Show: It’s True, Man!, by Stephen Davis, is a thought-provoking journey into the intricacies of our perceived reality, intertwined with the thematic backdrop of The Truman Show. This book elegantly melds quantum physics, neuroscience, and philosophy to challenge our conventional understanding of the world and our actions within it.
Drawing inspiration from renowned physicists such as David Bohm, Leonard Susskind, Amit Goswami, and Jacob D. Bekenstein, the narrative opens with a profound question: Are we living in a hologram? The author carefully constructs a foundation for this concept, suggesting that our reality is an illusion, much like the constructed world of Truman Burbank. By paralleling these theories with the cult classic film, Davis skillfully encourages readers to rethink their lives within the context of a carefully orchestrated stage.
At its core, the book articulates the idea that our perceptions shape our reality, leading to a powerful hypothesis that our brains project the world “out there” for us to experience. The parallels to The Truman Show are striking, as Truman’s actions are controlled and influenced by those observing him. Davis’s work invites readers to scrutinize the authenticity of their daily lives and confront the possibility of there being no “out there” at all. It challenges our perception of reality and the agency we have over our actions, raising intriguing questions about the extent to which external observers may be orchestrating our lives, much like Truman’s creators did in the movie.
Overall, The Truman Show: It’s True, Man! is an engaging book in which readers are asked to question some fundamental understandings of the world around us. This book blurs the line between reality and illusion and compels us to revisit our beliefs about the world, the nature of our actions, and the extent to which external influences may shape our lives. I highly recommend The Truman Show: It’s True, Man! for anyone who likes books that feel ‘trippy’ and make you think about the world around you.
Rating: 5 Stars
~ April Pulliam, Assistant Editor, Literary Titan
Read more reviews at thetrumanshowistrue.com
