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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
The book was written in 1968. Favorite quote:
Not missing that era.
They were usually christened with feminine names, perhaps in recognition of the fact that their personalities were sometimes slightly unpredictable.
Not missing that era.
You can tell that the book is dated - the various technologies have a vintage feel, and there are references to the Soviet Union (as if it would still exist in the far future) - but that doesn't detract from the genius of this book. It was light-years ahead of its time, and Clarke knows his stuff - you can tell he's pretty competent when it comes to scientific knowledge. It's a great companion to the movie, which was equally a masterpiece in its own right, but it is able to stand on its own. It provides may more detail than the movie, which alludes to many of the themes found in the book. The themes - man and its place in the universe, the origins of man, the terrifying dangers of a rogue AI, the existential crisis that comes with the knowledge of extraterrestrial life - are classic and flow beautifully from Clarke's mind. I liked it way better than other classic SciFi novels like Asimov's Foundation. Highly recommended. I can see why it was so influential.
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I really enjoyed reading this book. While I have not seen the film, I knew the really basic premise- but ultimately it was a pretty great story.
I really enjoy books that leave more to the reader's imagination, so I think I would have four or five starred the book without his alien experience at the end. I wish it been left to my imagination to know what happened. The Moon-Watcher story also was not my favorite.
I did really like the story of Floyd and the trip to Saturn. It many ways this book felt timeless- but at the same time would periodically give away it's age (ie. when he refers to the office looking like a typical CEO with a $5ok salary).
I'd recommend this book to others.
I really enjoy books that leave more to the reader's imagination, so I think I would have four or five starred the book without his alien experience at the end. I wish it been left to my imagination to know what happened. The Moon-Watcher story also was not my favorite.
I did really like the story of Floyd and the trip to Saturn. It many ways this book felt timeless- but at the same time would periodically give away it's age (ie. when he refers to the office looking like a typical CEO with a $5ok salary).
I'd recommend this book to others.
3.5 Stars. Sheds some light on the more head scratching elements of the amazing film upon which the book is based (and the movie is based on the book - look the creation of this book and the film is as confusing as either the book or the movie). Still, I was left wondering what it all meant. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I will likely ponder this for awhile and I’ll definitely be revisiting the film multiple times.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Clark is not the greatest writer of all time, but the premise was interesting and his attention to details you might never consider added a nice touch. Also, don't bother with the movie, unless you just dropped acid
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced