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Contact
Contact
Author: Carl Sagan
ISBN: 6501
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Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
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mishabear avatar reviewed Contact on + 4 more book reviews
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.
reviewed Contact on + 36 more book reviews
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.
nellen avatar reviewed Contact on + 22 more book reviews
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!
reviewed Contact on + 21 more book reviews
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.
reviewed Contact on + 5 more book reviews
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.
Read All 33 Book Reviews of "Contact"

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reviewed Contact on + 7 more book reviews
The classic story of finding oneself, even if you have to go to another world to do it.
reviewed Contact on + 48 more book reviews
Surprisingly good. Much better than movie (though movie was ok too).
tracymar avatar reviewed Contact on + 408 more book reviews
Quite different from the film -- five people are launched into outer space instead of the one (Jodie Foster) and there is no love affair with Palmer. Much dialogue about the conflict between science and religion - the map of the machine isn't even translated until more than halfway through the novel. Still, a good read.
tish avatar reviewed Contact on + 384 more book reviews
great book...great movie
reviewed Contact on + 9 more book reviews
Carl Sagan's wonderful fictional account of a SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Astronomer who does, finally, receive (and eventaully decodes) a Message from intelligent Aliens in Outer Space --

-- And how it changes her and the world.
(Nobody -- from conservative Chrsitians to liberal Feminists and Earth-Firsters -- escapes Sagan's sharp, delightful wit in this great book!

-- Whether you've seen the movie or not, do yourself a favor and READ the Book!
reviewed Contact on
Good Book.
reviewed Contact on + 104 more book reviews
Pulitzer prize winner Carl Sagan imagines the greatest adventure of all...the discovery of an advanced civilization in the depths of space.

In December, 1999, a multi-national team journeys out to the stars, to the most awesome encounter in human history. Who-or what-is out there? In Cosmos, Carl Sagan explained the universe. In Contact, he predicts its future-and our own.

A New York Times bestseller.