leeper@mtgzz.UUCP (m.r.leeper) (10/08/85)
>In article <1178@mtgzz.UUCP> leeper@mtgzz.UUCP (m.r.leeper) writes: >> >> THE CODE OF THE LIFEMAKER by James P. Hogan >> Del Rey, 1983, $2.95. >> A book review by Mark R. Leeper >> >> Also interesting is the main character. By profession he is a mass- >>media-psychic and charleton of the Uri Geller variety. In the early parts >>of the novel you see how Zambendorf is able to hoodwink audiences in >>creative ways. That also makes for intriguing reading but what is even more >>intriguing is the question: if we discovered intelligent robotic aliens in >>our solar system, why would anyone want to use devious means to get a Uri >>Geller to the first contact? Particularly if those people are convinced >>that the psychic is a fraud. When you do find out, it does make sense, but >>that puzzle certainly kept me anxious. > >If I read you right, I think you missed the point of why Zambendorf >was there. He was there *not* to make first contact, but to send >back reports on the Taloids (the mechanical inhabitants) which would >have credibility with the masses due to his mass popularity. His >making first contact was completely unforseen. I knew why he was there but I didn't want to say what the reason was in my review. He WAS there as part of a first contact expedition but Hogan wants to leave you in suspense as to why. I think you just let the cat out of the bag. Mark Leeper ...ihnp4!mtgzz!leeper