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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
An excellent look at what very probably could happen should the SETI community ever stumble upon some groundbreaking discovery. The way that politics, international relations and faith issues bleed into the conversation so quickly is a telling reminder that science does not exist in a vacuum.
I also appreciate the point Sagan makes about the relationship of science and religion. His point that both are mechanisms for satisfying humanity's hunger for wonder in the world is apt.
Also apt is the ultimate lesson of the story, which is that at the end of the day, some of the most promising and potentially revelatory science being done in the world depends, at some point or another, on the very same kind of faith often eschewed by militant atheists.
It's a moderate vision from Sagan, and very well told.
I also appreciate the point Sagan makes about the relationship of science and religion. His point that both are mechanisms for satisfying humanity's hunger for wonder in the world is apt.
Also apt is the ultimate lesson of the story, which is that at the end of the day, some of the most promising and potentially revelatory science being done in the world depends, at some point or another, on the very same kind of faith often eschewed by militant atheists.
It's a moderate vision from Sagan, and very well told.
Tre stelle e mezza, arrotondate per eccesso per lo sforzo di Sagan di scrivere un romanzo scientificamente accurato. Un libro ben scritto e pieno di nozioni, ma con una trama elementare e senza grandi brividi.
Peccato.
Peccato.
I enjoyed Sagan's scientific, philosophical and theological discussions, but at 70%, I had to give up because I had become so bored by the book, that I found myself dreading to pick it up again.
Well. First off, *disclaimer* I watched the movie before reading the book. However, I watched the movie about 10 years ago. Suffice it to say, I don't remember much of the movie, but I do remember that it didn't suck. Back to the book. So, I cracked the book open expecting to be blown away (Foster and McConaughey imprinted on my brain). On page 0, I was excited; Jodie Foster and Matt McConaughey, ya'all. After about 50 pages, I began to feel the pressure of Sagan's rambling. Then at about 100, I felt the tsunami of religious viewpoint begin to roll onto shore. At this point, I couldn't take it anymore. I found a recording of the audiobook on YouTube that happened to be abridged AND read to ME by Jodie Foster. If only McConaughey could have taken part. Anywho...listening to the abbreviated version of the book must have been sent directly from Vega (best part, it was free and not trillions of bucks. (sorry, not sorry, Carl)). Listening to the book illuminated the story in a way the first 100 pages of reading didn't. I can't say for certain that reading the book would have gotten better over time. I don't care though. My suggestion is that you listen to the book rather than read it.
I would give it 3 stars, but Jodie pulled it into the 4th star position. Thanks Jodie. I hate giving 3 star reviews.
I would give it 3 stars, but Jodie pulled it into the 4th star position. Thanks Jodie. I hate giving 3 star reviews.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Interesting concept of the first contact trope, but not quite the story I was expecting.
It had some aspects in it that reminded me of parts of Termination Shock I didn't enjoy (wordy, random fits into page long unnecessary descriptions of characters and topics).
Weirdly a lot of mentions of calling ones mom?
Loved the debates about religion vs science (reminiscent of Pale Blue Dot) and how her arguments against religion could be used against her scientific discovery in the end.
It had some aspects in it that reminded me of parts of Termination Shock I didn't enjoy (wordy, random fits into page long unnecessary descriptions of characters and topics).
Weirdly a lot of mentions of calling ones mom?
Loved the debates about religion vs science (reminiscent of Pale Blue Dot) and how her arguments against religion could be used against her scientific discovery in the end.
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
reflective
slow-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
adventurous
I don’t want to denigrate a beloved figure, but this book just didn’t do it for me. There were plenty of interesting moments, but with too much filler in between. It seemed like Sagan didn’t know what this book was. Hard sci fi? Religious commentary? Worldly political thriller? Family drama? Dramatic and abrupt plot turns, especially near the end, leave you whiplashed and then fizzle out to nothing. The main character is not very likeable, and a couple emotional moments (like the death of an important character) were handled with such a lack of tact that I had to reread the section to confirm that I hadn’t missed something. Okay I guess I denigrated a beloved figure, but I still appreciate him for his science communication.