LSD, experiments with consciousness, parallel realities… that type of fun stuff. In short, the show was about “Fringe” scientists who specialize in, essentially, strange cases that push the bounds of conventional science. Nothing.Ī quick aside - The reason ALTERED STATES first came onto my radar, and the reason I began to hunt for a copy, was because in the fall of last year, I became totally engrossed in a TV series called FRINGE, created by J.J. I checked in five different bookstores in Philadelphia, and I checked the Philadelphia Library as well. As some people may know, there is also a film version, which often confounded my search, but more on that later. Instead, I utilized this knowledge in my quest to find the book version of ALTERED STATES. Of course, I had hoped to gain employment at one, but that didn’t pan out. Foremost, I made it my mission to visit as many bookstores as possible. Since I moved to Philadelphia last June, I’ve acquainted myself with a variety of interesting places. Let me begin by saying that I had one hell of a time finding this book. The book is ALTERED STATES by Paddy Chayefsky, and was released (and as far as I can gather, printed only once) in 1978. This time around, I’m reviewing a book that has been out (and out-of-print) much longer longer than I’ve been alive actually (although that could be said about a majority of the books I most enjoy). My previous review was rather long, and it was about a book that was just released last year. I know I’m alive right now because it hurts so goddamned much.”Īs promised, I’m continuing my series of book reviews. One of the ways we know we’re alive is to love each other, like I love you. We’re born screaming in doubt, and we die suffocating in doubt, and human life consists of continually convincing ourselves we’re alive.

Altered states book paddy chayefsky