25%: 9

the first 3 chapters of this book are near perfect. Equal parts irony, philosophy, and humor. Seamless story telling with a very enjoyable meta-commentary with Dick doing a self-insert which lets us know how seriously he takes himself before plunging into some seriously eyerolling cerebral nonsense.

50%: 8

A lot more heady philosophy but some true-to-form gnosticism. Not just influences, but rather an exegesis – again good layers of irony here as Dick presents (maybe) his own worldview/outlook on life through the absurd lens of Horselover Fat's literal exegeses which drive him insane, make him highly bullyable, and fragile.

75%: 7

Really flying off the rails here with shit that's not explained/hard to believe, while still getting blasted with gnostic crazy talk

100%: 7.5

rounds itself out with some internally consistent craziness.

Overall this book is campy in the same way that Vonnegut's Timequake is. It's really good, and very thought provoking without taking itself too seriously.

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