Brain Teaser by Tom Godwin (1956)
Tom Godwin's Brain Teaser is a science fiction novel about a group of scientists who are trying to solve a mysterious problem. The scientists are working on a project to create a new type of artificial intelligence, but they are having difficulty making it work. They enlist the help of a brilliant computer scientist, Dr. John Smith, to help them solve the problem. Dr. Smith discovers that the problem is caused by a virus that has infected the computer system. He is able to create a program that will eliminate the virus, but the program also has the potential to cause serious damage to the computer system. The scientists must decide whether to use the program or not, and if they do, they must also decide how to control it. The novel follows the scientists as they work to solve the problem and as they grapple with the ethical implications of their work. In the end, they are able to create a powerful artificial intelligence, but they must also face the consequences of their actions.
By Tom Godwin · First published 1956 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure · 8,125 words
First lines
"How can a ship travel both forward and backward and sideways in two different directions, be going twice as fast as the speed of light -- and still be completely motionless?"
Carl Engle stood aside as the flight preparation crew filed out of the "Argosy"s airlock. Barnes was the last; fat and bald and squinting against the brightness of the Arizona sun.
What this Textopian page supports
Brain Teaser is listed on Textopian as a novel by Tom Godwin, dated 1956 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Tom Godwin
- Date: 1956 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure, Fiction
- Length: 8,125 words
- Structure: 1 section, 209 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Brain Teaser by Tom Godwin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Brain Teaser?
- How does this novel by Tom Godwin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
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- Cry From A Far Planet by Tom Godwin
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Genres
- Mystery — Brain Teaser is a mystery novel that follows the protagonist as they attempt to solve a complex puzzle.
- Thriller — The novel contains suspenseful elements and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth behind the mysterious puzzle.
- Fiction — Brain Teaser is a work of fiction, as it is a story that is not based on real events.
Tags
Fiction · Interstellar travel · Science fiction · Short stories · Space ships · air · airlock · answer · ball · came · computer · could