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danijoy's review against another edition
2.0
This book was just not my jam. Only the last few chapters had me completely engaged. I also liked the first two chapters. The rest of the book certainly could’ve benefitted from some major cuts or alterations. Could we also have some more insight into the heart and soul of the characters? The main characters (white male) were so incredibly dull and indistinguishable from each other. The book did, however, bring up some interesting questions about humanity and intelligence.
Side note (not considered as part of my rating): I only just now started getting into sci-fi as a genre. But…. misogyny is showing up consistently. For this specific book, the misogyny reached a new level. While I realize the book was written in the 60s, it was hard for me to believe a far future 2001 setting (from Clark’s POV) to be both miraculously advanced in STEM, yet, also horrendously sexist. The “girl assistants” reference in particular made me cringe. Again, I realize this book was written decades ago. However, this is not a book set in the decade it was written in. I think the futuristic sci-fi genre might just be more prone to clashing with a present day lens.
Side note (not considered as part of my rating): I only just now started getting into sci-fi as a genre. But…. misogyny is showing up consistently. For this specific book, the misogyny reached a new level. While I realize the book was written in the 60s, it was hard for me to believe a far future 2001 setting (from Clark’s POV) to be both miraculously advanced in STEM, yet, also horrendously sexist. The “girl assistants” reference in particular made me cringe. Again, I realize this book was written decades ago. However, this is not a book set in the decade it was written in. I think the futuristic sci-fi genre might just be more prone to clashing with a present day lens.
mulrine's review against another edition
4.0
Never seen the film. So let's get that out of the way. Also, I have an odd aversion to space type things. (Mainly due to breakfast style news pieces where faux fascination with superblood moons seems to crowd out critique and holding to account anti-democratic government actions)
However, I found this novel captivating. I was utterly immersed in this wide spanning fiction that took us from the dawn of mankind to the outer most limits of what life and creation could be. And slap bang in the middle a cautionary tale of AI.
I listened to this audiobook on Audible as part of the free trial. I will not be keeping it after the trial period. Support your local library. Many have a huge stock of ebooks and audiobooks.
However, I found this novel captivating. I was utterly immersed in this wide spanning fiction that took us from the dawn of mankind to the outer most limits of what life and creation could be. And slap bang in the middle a cautionary tale of AI.
I listened to this audiobook on Audible as part of the free trial. I will not be keeping it after the trial period. Support your local library. Many have a huge stock of ebooks and audiobooks.
rachelz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
tylertootle's review against another edition
5.0
After reading this book, it's easy to see why Clarke is considered one of the all-time greats in science fiction literature. All hail the King.
valentimtavares2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
samlikestoreadbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I’m not “Sorry Dave” to say: this book is so good!! The writing style is really accessible despite the immense details (especially for a SciFi book from the 60s!) need to rewatch the movie now!!
heyitsmevt's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
tbh i don’t think im intelligent enough to understand the ending.
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
4.0
I was a big fan of the Kubrick movie before reading the novel. It’s an interesting story about how this novel came about and how it’s actually not a novelization of the movie but a book which was sort of commissioned so that they could build a movie around the book. Anyway, I liked the movie beforehand and thought the novel was ten times better. A better ending that made much more sense.
novelette's review against another edition
3.0
interesting how real space exploration paralleled these ideas