The Simulated Multiverse is a fascinating study looking at the question as to whether multiple versions of ourselves exist in parallel universes living out their lives in different timelines? The knowledge and depth of thought in the book is astounding. It has taken me a long time to read it (re-reading parts, pondering and mulling over the questions raised). As Rizwan Virk points out that if If we are living in a digital universe, then many of the complexities and baffling characteristics of our reality start to make more sense. Quantum computing lets us simulate complex phenomena in parallel, allowing the simulation to explore many realities at once to find the most "optimum" path forward. The possibilities and the consequences of this are huge. The authors unique style which incorporates philosophy and science fiction as well as the sciences really opens up a web of questions and intriguing possibilities. It is terrifying and fascinating all at the same time. Who is controlling what? Are we even in control of our own lives? Overall a brilliant book that will stay with me.

A reader who is conversant with Quantum Mechanics will find this book very interesting. Also readers who have had experiences with ghosts or other strange phenomenon will find their experiences somewhat validated. The book is a bit dense in its explanations of the multiverse, but it gets a bit more fascinating when we begin to understand the connection between quantum physics and the simulated worlds that we are currently creating and also those that supposedly are all around us. I, personally, am a believer to a large extent, but also a skeptic. "Trust and verify" is my mantra, but having had a profound experience with a ghost returning after death, I KNOW that we have a LONG way to go in our understanding of how the universe functions!

Prior to reading The Simulated Multiverse, I had preconceived notions that this book would be more akin to popular science or something more along the lines of fringe in its ideas. While the topic itself, that the universe is in actuality a computer simulated multiverse, may sound strange to some - the author presents his case quite interestingly. If you, the reader like books on science that expand your mind, then this book is one you won’t want to pass without first reading. While I don’t agree with every assertion made by the author, I certainly do appreciate his writing style and topical choice. Thank you to Bayview Books and NetGalley for furnishing this book in exchange for an honest review.

Are we living within a huge computer simulation? Does it work like a video game that can be replayed, over and over again, to attain a better conclusion? Is that replay effect giving many of us deja vu? In The Simulated Multiverse, a MIT computer scientist tries to untangle the truth from the fiction.

Okay, first of all, this is not just pop science. It helps to be well-educated or just plain smart to follow along on the wild ride down the possibility slide contained within this book. Does the author scientifically prove anything? No. But he does present some very intriguing possibilities that aren’t disproven by known facts.

I find science, especially new theories, fascinating. The Simulated Multiverse is an eye-opener on multiple levels. If you liked A Glitch in the Matrix, or The Matrix itself, this book goes even deeper into those same rabbit holes.

This book would also be great for science fiction writers who want to add some unusual plot points or settings to their novels. For me, The Simulated Multiverse is easily worth 5 stars and is a favorite!

Thanks to Bayview Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rizwan Virk tackles some complex, multifaceted ideas and explains them very well; (no simple task). This book is by no means an easy read; but it is a rewarding one. I feel that my mind has been opened up to things that I had only skimmed before. The writing has very good flow. A good 4.5/5 stars for the technical readers among us. My one complaint: there were more references to the author’s previous book (the Simulation Hypothesis) than were necessary. It came across as giving it too much of a plug.
The book explores scientific areas such as physics, computer science, quantum physics, and quantum computing; with science fiction as inspiration to investigate the idea of the simulated multiverse. There is the “idea that we live in a virtual garden of forking paths”; (a quote from Jorge Luis Borges).
Starting with the works of Philip K Dick, there are many movie, story, and TV series references used to help explain different people’s thoughts and approaches on the subject; and just how much these ideas have permeated present day culture.
Explanations are very well done. A favourite quote of mine explaining quantum computing: “a qubit is a classical bit that has, for lack of a better analogy, gotten drunk and can’t decide whether its value should be 0 or 1”. Scientific reading rarely makes one laugh out loud, but the author managed this in a few places while still taking the topic very seriously.