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Alejandro's Reviews > Contact
Contact
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A smart story crafted by a real space science guru
WE CAN'T BE ALONE
The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space.
When I read this book, back then in 1997, I did it like a couple of months before of being able to watch the film adaptation. (And I am truly glad that I was able to get the movie in blu-ray, a few months ago in this year, 2014))
This is truly great novel and it's written by one of the most respected scientist in the field about science of outer space, Carl Sagan.
Readers who enjoy techno-thrillers in the style of Michael Chrichton, I am sure that they will find this book the same as enjoyable.
Sagan is able to merge all his factual science knowledge with strong theories and very possible science fiction.
If you want to read about a "first contact" with an alien intelligence in a form as "real" as possible, this is your novel.
THAT MESMERIZING DARK SPACE
For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.
Sagan never compromised his credibility as a real scientist just to sell cheap action in this novel.
This is a smart tale with many hard science, but also it contains great characters with exceptional developing.
Since after all, only science can't tell a story, there must be people, and people has feelings, and you will perceive them.
He knows what he is doing and you get a very realistic aproach of how you could expect the human civilization can deal with the impact of knowing that we are not alone in the universe anymore.
If you are looking for flying saucers blasting lasers and the army fighting bravely against them, this is NOT your book. I have nothing against that approach, don't get me wrong. I like that kind of stories too. But, I think that it's fair to have once in a while a mature angle to craft a story about the first meeting with an alien intelligence.
You have here a very intelligent story with a strong scientific background.
Nevertheless, Sagan knows that a novel must entertain, and you will be entertained but in a very adult and plausible way.
WE CAN'T BE ALONE
The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space.
When I read this book, back then in 1997, I did it like a couple of months before of being able to watch the film adaptation. (And I am truly glad that I was able to get the movie in blu-ray, a few months ago in this year, 2014))
This is truly great novel and it's written by one of the most respected scientist in the field about science of outer space, Carl Sagan.
Readers who enjoy techno-thrillers in the style of Michael Chrichton, I am sure that they will find this book the same as enjoyable.
Sagan is able to merge all his factual science knowledge with strong theories and very possible science fiction.
If you want to read about a "first contact" with an alien intelligence in a form as "real" as possible, this is your novel.
THAT MESMERIZING DARK SPACE
For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.
Sagan never compromised his credibility as a real scientist just to sell cheap action in this novel.
This is a smart tale with many hard science, but also it contains great characters with exceptional developing.
Since after all, only science can't tell a story, there must be people, and people has feelings, and you will perceive them.
He knows what he is doing and you get a very realistic aproach of how you could expect the human civilization can deal with the impact of knowing that we are not alone in the universe anymore.
If you are looking for flying saucers blasting lasers and the army fighting bravely against them, this is NOT your book. I have nothing against that approach, don't get me wrong. I like that kind of stories too. But, I think that it's fair to have once in a while a mature angle to craft a story about the first meeting with an alien intelligence.
You have here a very intelligent story with a strong scientific background.
Nevertheless, Sagan knows that a novel must entertain, and you will be entertained but in a very adult and plausible way.
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Reading Progress
July 15, 1997
–
Started Reading
August 2, 1997
–
Finished Reading
July 12, 2013
– Shelved
July 12, 2013
– Shelved as:
science-fiction
August 5, 2013
– Shelved as:
novel
October 3, 2017
– Shelved as:
drama
Comments Showing 1-19 of 19 (19 new)
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Aditi
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Dec 27, 2014 03:16AM
Nice review :-)
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Sweet review. I appreciate the memories of a book that captures the wonder and hope of finding other minds in this lonely universe. I like the thought that Sagan's words on the Pioneer spacecraft, which left our solar system, will still be out there after our sun burns out. With tunes by the Beatles, Chuck Berry, and Mozart in a form some alien can play (no, they don't need a CD or mp3 player).
Great review Alejandro! Hope to read CONTACT 2015. Loved the movie.
Well-done, Alejandro. I have to plead ignorance; I never knew Sagan wrote a novel.
I really hated the movie ending. Is it the same in the book?Igor
Fantastic review, Alejandro! It seems like a very interesting book, indeed.
Aditi wrote: "Nice review :-)"Thanks, Aditi :)
Michael wrote: "Sweet review. I appreciate the memories of a book that captures the wonder and hope of finding other minds in this lonely universe. I like the thought that Sagan's words on the Pioneer spacecraft..."Thank you, Michael! Truly awesome feedback! :D
Carol wrote: "Great review Alejandro! Hope to read CONTACT 2015. Loved the movie."Thank you so much, Carol! Oh, I do hope that you'd be able to read the original novel on this next year :D And I hope you'd like it as much as the movie adaptation. ;)
Howard wrote: "Well-done, Alejandro. I have to plead ignorance; I never knew Sagan wrote a novel."Hi, Howard. Don't stress out about it. I believe it was his only fictional work apart of his research books.
All of us, we ignore many things about the world of books, and that's why is so great to be on a community like this one to be share our own tiny grains of sands of knowledge with each other :D
Igor wrote: "I really hated the movie ending. Is it the same in the book?Igor"
I'm sorry that you didn't appreciate the ending of the movie, while yes, it's the same in the book.
Two people never would read the same book ;)
Florencia wrote: "Fantastic review, Alejandro! It seems like a very interesting book, indeed."Thank you a lot, Florencia ;)
Oh, indeed it's a wonderful book. Maybe you'd someday give it a try ;)
I've meant to read this for a long time. I liked the movie but I love Carl Sagan. I assume from your review, as almost always is the case, that the book is better
Stephanie wrote: "I've meant to read this for a long time. I liked the movie but I love Carl Sagan. I assume from your review, as almost always is the case, that the book is better"I think that the movie was a really good adaptation, but definitely the book contains a more detailed story. I hope you'd be able to read it soon ;)
I've owned this book since the 1990s and never read it or saw the movie. Thanks for giving me a gentle nudge to come back to it with your wonderful review.
Ivonne wrote: "I've owned this book since the 1990s and never read it or saw the movie. Thanks for giving me a gentle nudge to come back to it with your wonderful review."I can't guarantee that you may like it, but give it a try ;)
I very much enjoyed your review and You have me wanting to read it. So cool cause it's out of my comfort zone.
Great review. I think the movie falls extremely short of the novel, but that is expected especially considering how deep some sensitive subject like religion and our place in the universe is discussed in the book.
