Helpful Score: 4
For most people, I don't think this kind of book would have much effect other than enjoying the story and the occasional jab at different aspects of our culture. For me, however, it changed my perspective on things. I was pretty hardcore atheist and wondered how people could have faith in something without evidence.
This book (and movie) made me realize that people have their own experiences and "evidence" and just because I have not had their experience doesn't mean that I have a right to judge them on theirs. I can't explain why things happen but for others, they may feel they have a reason or a purpose. I now choose to respect others and their faith and beliefs, although I may not understand them. I don't share their experiences so I can't share in their belief.
This book (and movie) made me realize that people have their own experiences and "evidence" and just because I have not had their experience doesn't mean that I have a right to judge them on theirs. I can't explain why things happen but for others, they may feel they have a reason or a purpose. I now choose to respect others and their faith and beliefs, although I may not understand them. I don't share their experiences so I can't share in their belief.
Helpful Score: 3
It is December 1999, the dawn of the millennium, and a team of international scientists is poised for the most fantastic adventure in human history. After years of scanning the galaxy for signs of somebody or something else, this team believes they've found a message from an intelligent source--and they travel deep into space to meet it. Pulitzer Prize winner Carl Sagan injects Contact, his prophetic adventure story, with scientific details that make it utterly believable. It is a Cold War era novel that parlays the nuclear paranoia of the time into exquisitely wrought tension among the various countries involved. Sagan meditates on science, religion, and government--the elements that define society--and looks to their impact on and role in the future. His ability to pack an exciting read with such rich content is an unusual talent that makes Contact a modern sci-fi classic.
Helpful Score: 2
Carl Sagan's fictional account of what it might be like if SETI finds evidence of extraterrestial life. Classic sci fi tale. I wish Sagan had written more novels!
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed the Contact movie quite a number of years ago and didn't realize it was a book. After reading the book, the movie is better than the book. Carl Sagan's book was too slow moving for me. It did have some part that helped bring out parts of the movie more, but as a whole the book never grabbed me.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of my all-time favorite sci-fi books. I love the main character- Ellie- who's strong, smart, adventurous,attractive and nerdy, all at the same time! Even more, the discussions of faith, science and where they meet is thought provoking. It's a great story with a message.
