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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “Another great read, although I have actually prefered the movie by Kubrick, god Kubrick. I have seen the film multiple times and I always found out another glimpse of this masterpiece. I read the book later and the riddle of the "monolith" is something which made me mull over the human...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“way better than the movie”
Mike K wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The way Hal tries to kill the main character is even more terrifying than it was in the movie.”
Grant G wrote this review Thursday, October 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I am currently reading this book by Arthur C. Clarke. Sir Clarke is a physicist and is one of the supreme science fiction writers of the century. He has over 20 million books in print, has won ever imaginable science fiction award, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for services to literature in1998.
Shelbi J wrote this review Monday, October 26 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This story starts off in the middle of Africa with some man-apes as they begin their journey on the path to humanity. Then, in the second section, the year is 2001, which was full of wonder to Sir Clarke when he wrote it in 1986.
Dr. Heywood Floyd is going to the moon to find out what is causing the epidemic there in it's communities and, if possible, find a cure.
If it helps you to understand the technology that Sir Clarke created: travel from Florida, USA, Earth to the moon takes less than a day with a few hours in between stops.
What I got from as much as I read:
I really grew attached to one of the man-apes, Moon Watcher, the leader of his clan, as well as the main character in the first section. Moon Watcher is simple,really. Once, he found a large cube outside his cave and the first thing he did was see if it was dangerous, then if it could be consumed as food. Finding neither, he went back to his business. I don't know why, but i really like that.
Dr. Floyd on the other hand I did not like so much. He's ok, but his personality is just that of one who has everything, somewhat pompous, actually. I haven't gotten far enough in the book to really appreciate his character, but I'm sure by the end of the book I will like him at least a little more. :)
Books about space and other worlds apart from our own have always been favorites of mine. The reason for this is because they remind me how vast the universe really is and how marvelous and creative God is. ”
“Reading the book and then Kubrick's interview in Playboy helped me make some sense of the movie. Now I enjoy the movie for the visual and musical experience -- kinda like an opera in a language I don't understand.”
Chip E wrote this review Tuesday, October 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“One of Clarkes best. While the movie was made relativly side by side with this book, the novel does a much better job of telling the tale of what is really going on. it is quite a fantasic voyage that is a quick read, and really leaves your mouth watering. ”
Robert S wrote this review Thursday, October 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The Best of Sci-Fi!”
Edin G wrote this review Tuesday, October 6 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Astounding writing, especially when considering that man hadn't yet set foot on the moon when this was written. ”
Daryl N wrote this review Monday, October 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ When a mysterious black obelisk is unearthed in the Tycho moon crater, it sends out a blast of radiation towards Saturn. Astonished by this phenomenon, scientists quickly piece together a mission to investigate the strange blast. Completely unaware of his real mission, David Bowman sets out on Discovery, a futuristic spacecraft, along with his crewmember Frank Poole and an intelligent computer named Hal.
Patrick W wrote this review Tuesday, October 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
By the time they have reached Jupiter, their connection with Earth has been lost. Hal develops a sense of annoyance and fear that his fellow crew members will interfere with the mission, and as a result tries to eliminate his fellow crewmembers. While this problem and many more arise on Bowman's journey to Saturn, nothing can prepare for the astonishing, alien anomaly that he encounters when he arrives.
This book has excellent description, making you feel as if you were there as all of the epic events were unwinding. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of science fiction, but likes a few unexpected twists here and there. Some parts may require a bit of patience, but usually end up with an exciting turn. Overall, I thought that this was a good book.
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