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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this book a second time thru--especially since I enjoy contemplating what contact with extraterrestrials would actually be like (both how it would occur & what cultural effects it would have).
The novel's central conflict between religion & science comes across as somewhat one-dimensional. For instance, most of the characters who are either religious or scientific are very much religious or very much scientific. Also for instance, with the exception of the Palmer Joss character, religion as a whole is characterized--mischaracterized, I think--mainly as a series of close-minded, anti-scientific dogma about how the Cosmos came into being; in real life that may be true for a lot of religion but a lot of the rest of religion is much more subtle, much more complicated, and much more focused on acting within the Cosmos rather than materially describing it.
I also agree with what another reviewer said about the technological & historical anachronisms throughout the novel: they remind you (the reader) that you're within a fictional universe.
On the other hand, given Carl Sagan's reputation as a "non-believer", I was pleased with his ability to write about the source, manifestation & results of human belief in an interesting & non-dogmatic way. Either my understanding of his "religious beliefs" is wrong, or else he is an expansive thinker able to write beyond his own belief. I suspect some of both.
I wonder whether the last third of the book was Sagan's fantasy of what contact with extraterrestrials might be like. I thoroughly enjoyed going along for that ride.
The novel's central conflict between religion & science comes across as somewhat one-dimensional. For instance, most of the characters who are either religious or scientific are very much religious or very much scientific. Also for instance, with the exception of the Palmer Joss character, religion as a whole is characterized--mischaracterized, I think--mainly as a series of close-minded, anti-scientific dogma about how the Cosmos came into being; in real life that may be true for a lot of religion but a lot of the rest of religion is much more subtle, much more complicated, and much more focused on acting within the Cosmos rather than materially describing it.
I also agree with what another reviewer said about the technological & historical anachronisms throughout the novel: they remind you (the reader) that you're within a fictional universe.
On the other hand, given Carl Sagan's reputation as a "non-believer", I was pleased with his ability to write about the source, manifestation & results of human belief in an interesting & non-dogmatic way. Either my understanding of his "religious beliefs" is wrong, or else he is an expansive thinker able to write beyond his own belief. I suspect some of both.
I wonder whether the last third of the book was Sagan's fantasy of what contact with extraterrestrials might be like. I thoroughly enjoyed going along for that ride.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I didn't remember much about the movie, which probably made me enjoy the book more. But clearly it's much different among them.
The book explores a much more interesting, and less cinematic storyline, which I've found great. The ending is much more scify than the movie, with greater and deeper exploration. The final answer is somewhat expected, beautiful, simple and cheesy at the same time.
I've never read any books from C. Sagan, and this one seemed a bit odd in style. Most of the book seems to be just an excuse for him to expose his own scientific/philosophical ideas and conversations. But it's done in a very artificial way. You can clearly see how characters are very steered toward where the author wants, instead of organically following their path. Many passages and detours have no significance to the storyline, reinforcing this idea.
All and all, the book is a great read.
The book explores a much more interesting, and less cinematic storyline, which I've found great. The ending is much more scify than the movie, with greater and deeper exploration. The final answer is somewhat expected, beautiful, simple and cheesy at the same time.
I've never read any books from C. Sagan, and this one seemed a bit odd in style. Most of the book seems to be just an excuse for him to expose his own scientific/philosophical ideas and conversations. But it's done in a very artificial way. You can clearly see how characters are very steered toward where the author wants, instead of organically following their path. Many passages and detours have no significance to the storyline, reinforcing this idea.
All and all, the book is a great read.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was always a fan of the movie and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I love the relationship it creates between science and religion and our curiosities of the origins of the universe.
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
more of a 3.5
Interesting concept, but there where times when I just wanted some story. not over-theorising of God vs Design
Interesting concept, but there where times when I just wanted some story. not over-theorising of God vs Design
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No