A peculiar Sci Fi Recommendation

[JSWolf]

Speaking of aliens, a little not much known fact...

E.T. Is part of the Star Wars universe.

[Pajamaman]

Originally Posted by Luffy

Hi there, I am looking for a specific sci fi (a genre I usually avoid but can't ignore) rec. I am looking for a book where a benevolent and advanced species from 'outer space' reveals itself to man.

Before I had e-books, I read a collection called The Sentinel, by Clarke. In it was a story about a well meaning but Satanic looking alien species who only wants to help humankind.

If I can get a similar and yet almost as good novel recommendation, it would be a highlight for me.

Clarke developed that short story into the novel Childhood's End, which is a contender for best sci-fi novel of all time.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by Pajamaman

Clarke developed that short story into the novel Childhood's End, which is a contender for best sci-fi novel of all time.

For some. The original may be better than the Novel. Only read the novel.

[BenG]

Originally Posted by rantanplan

Have you read Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke? If not, read it. I'm not going to say more because it would spoil it.

Childhood's End is a novel-length expansion of the short story she referenced in the original post.

Edit: Sorry for repeating what others had already posted.

[rantanplan]

Originally Posted by astrangerhere

I've read the foundational short story "Guardian Angel," but not the book itself.

I've read it yesterday, just so that I knew what I talked about. Guardian Angel doesn't have much in common with Childhoods End and I can only tell you that you should read the proper novel and you won't be disappointed.

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by rantanplan

Have you read Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke? If not, read it. I'm not going to say more because it would spoil it.

I have read Childhood's End, and it was a 5 star experience!

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by gmw

I did just have a thought - just the one - and that is:

The problem with the recommendations here is that, at least in some cases, saying that the story fits this specification can actually be a spoiler - perhaps a significant one. (I realised this when considering another suggestion.) In some science-fiction stories of this type it can be left uncertain until the end whether aliens are involved and/or whether their intentions are benevolent or sinister.

Well you seem to have got your priorities right. See you.

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by hildea

Carl Sagan's "Contact" is about this, although the focus of the book is on how humanity reacts to the revelation.

I also think Catherynne Valente's "Space Opera" is more-or-less about this, though I haven't read it yet.

I have had 'Contact', the book, for a long time. Have been deterred by a few negative reviews. Will consider this.

[Luffy]

Thanks to all who offered help.

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Speaking of aliens, a little not much known fact...

E.T. Is part of the Star Wars universe.

You mean the appearance of the species in Phantom Menace? Next you'll say that Samuel L. Jackson appeared in ET...

[Quoth]

Do purists acknowledge "The Phantom Menace" as part of Star Wars?

[arjaybe]

There are Star Wars "purists?"

[Freeshadow]

Originally Posted by arjaybe

There are Star Wars "purists?"

if purist is defined as "allergic to midichlorians" then I'm one of them.

[Freeshadow]

re the opening question: could brins "uplift" stuff reside somewhere in the vicinity of what you are looking for?

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by BenG

Childhood's End is a novel-length expansion of the short story she referenced in the original post.

Incidentally, The Sentinel was also expanded into 2001: A Space Odyssey, a book which does fit the request and is recommended regardless.