When Harlie Was One

Author: David Gerrold

Ever felt like your computer was your best friend and the only person who really understood you? The only person who really listened? C'mon, I can't be the only nerd out there who felt this way! If this is something that you can identify with, then this story, which also happens to be one of the earliest stories of intelligent computers, will be your cup of tea (or XXL cup of soda, more realistically.) It shows similarities to Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, but in this instance, the artificial intelligence, Harlie, is designed to be intelligent from the beginning. H.A.R.L.I.E. is an acronym for Human Analog Replication, Lethetic Intelligence Engine or Human Analog Robot Life Input Equivalents. Harlie was designed by David Auberson, a psychologist who was responsible for HARLIE's development from a child into an adult (as far as a computer can develop along these very human concepts). The novel follows Harlie on this very human journey and it develops the philosophical questions of what it means to be human when Harlie fights against being turned off. As poignant as this sounds, Gerrold has mixed in humor with his philosophical musings, which prevents an overly didactic tone. When Harlie Was One was nominated for the Nebula Award in 1972 and the Hugo Award in 1973. Harlie also appears in some of Gerrold's other books including the Star Wolf series.