Randomize by Andy Weir | a short story review

Dec 31, 2024

2 min read

Note: The below does contain spoilers.

First Thoughts

A short story about IT nerds and quantum computer systems? Sign me up! Honestly, I have zero idea what direction this book will go. Upgrading security for a game seems like such a mundane task in the tech world, but something tells me it's going to be anything but. I'm not sure if the thriller aspect will be more on the tech side or the human side, but we shall see.

Review

Well, his description of the IT nerd was entertaining. Very stereotypical and exactly what I expected to be honest. While I did learn more about quantum computing than I thought I would (if any of it is even accurate), the story itself was pretty subpar.

Weir's descriptions of the other characters, while wildly stereotypical, weren't bad. Rutledge was your standard casino owner in most books and the criminals involved were your stereotypical Indian couple living in America--arranged marriage and working in tech. I honestly could have done without all the stereotypes used in this story.

As for the story itself, the premise wasn't terrible--I wish he had done better with it. The twist at the end was pretty lackluster, though. I'm not even sure I would call it a twist. The set up was glaringly obvious from the moment the Singh walked in to install the thing. The dialogue between him and Chen basically constructed a giant neon sign over his head that he was up to no good.

The perpetrator being Singh's wife wasn't all too shocking. I wish I could have something overly positive to say about the story, but I don't. It was just simply okay.

Title: Randomize

Author: Andy Weir

Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller

Page Length: 32

Published Date: September 17, 2019