arlan@inuxm.UUCP (A Andrews) (10/01/85)
*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE *** by arlan andrews Carl Sagan, like all mainstream writers trying to write SF, uses SF themes that have been covered in our genre for ages, and CONTACT is no exception. What is different, however, is that his book is not about alien contact only; specifically, it is his speculation upon the nature of religious faith, of one's relationship with the Universe. It is the story of Dr. Ellile Arroway and her search for her truth, how she proceeds on her quest, how it hanges her, how it impacts on the human race. I think it is a gem, but SF fans must read it as a mainstream novel--don't expect all the genre bases to be touched. There is no allowance for SF traditions, and every sceintific speuclation is carefully spelled out for the average reader of the NY Times best seller list. I would be surprised if some people are not surprised by e vents in the storyline. (Write me by E mail and let's talk spoiler talk!) --arlan andrews