Annie Bot

Annie Bot gives us a peek into the consciousness of a very advanced AI robot. While you were reading the novel, at what point, if ever, did you start to see Annie as essentially human? Would you be surprised to learn that other readers pinpoint different moments for recognizing her humanity?

In the first chapter, Annie is presented with a pivotal choice. How well equipped is she to make an informed decision? When she reflects back on her decision later in the novel, how has her perspective changed?

Readers seem to have strong reactions to Doug. Considering that we get to know him in the privacy of his own home through the gaze of a robot, how reliable is the portrayal of him? Why do you suppose he evokes such powerful reactions? Is he familiar, normal, a monster, or something else? How does Doug’s ability to command Annie change him?

Doug designs Annie to resemble a specific person from his past. Why is this important? What does this tell us about Doug’s character, his understanding of women, and his desire for control?

What are the different episodes of betrayal that happen in the novel, and do the reactions to betrayal seem justified to you?

Doug is highly motivated to keep Annie, and she has no choice in the matter. In real life, couples stay together for many reasons even when their relationships are unhealthy. What are some of those reasons, and do you think the novel treats the issue of domestic abuse sensitively?

How do Annie’s other relationships—with Fiona, Christy, Delta, and Cody—cause her trouble or help her grow? How do you think third parties can affect, for better or worse, romantic relationships?

Sierra Greer is a big fan of Strunk & White’s maxim “omit needless words,” and she deliberately kept the novel as short as she could. How do the concision and pace of Annie Bot add or detract from the novel? Are there places where you wish you knew more?

The novel includes references to many other books, writers, and poets. Have you read any of the mentioned works? How do you think the allusions mirror the situations and themes of Annie Bot? How are the books, and Annie Bot, related to the ways men and women are socialized in our culture?

According to author Sierra Greer, she had no idea how Annie’s story would end when she began writing the novel. Were you surprised by the ending? Was it satisfying? What events do you imagine might follow?

How would this novel have been different if a human woman had purchased a robot boyfriend, or if the relationship involved LGBTQ+ partners?

There has been a lot of talk lately about ChatGPT, AI, and the future. Do you think “robot partners” are a possibility? Do you think they are a good idea? Can you imagine who would want to buy them? Do you think they would look and act like Annie?