08-17-2022, 07:35 AM | #1 |
Wizard
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A peculiar Sci Fi Recommendation
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. |
08-17-2022, 07:58 AM | #2 | |
Professor of Law
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08-17-2022, 09:03 AM | #3 |
Weirdo
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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.
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08-17-2022, 09:06 AM | #4 |
Professor of Law
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08-17-2022, 10:10 AM | #5 |
Weirdo
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I did not know that it started out as a short story. I'll try to find it.
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08-17-2022, 10:18 AM | #6 | |
cacoethes scribendi
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There is also this pair of books by Hank Green: An Absolutely Remarkable Thing and A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor. I loved the first one (4.5/5), although the alien part of the story is almost a side-plot to the social media part of the story. In the second book the alien aspect plays a bigger part, although human reaction remains the most significant part of the story. I was less enthused about the second book (3/5). If you don't mind a book that leaves big questions unanswered then you don't absolutely have to read on - and I actually liked the way the first book ended - but for your specification you're probably looking at reading through. Last edited by gmw; 08-17-2022 at 10:21 AM. |
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08-17-2022, 10:35 AM | #7 | |
the rook, bossing Never.
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Maybe "Way Station" by Simak
I think it's still very readable. I read it in the late 1960s and bought a new copy last year and there were some interesting bits I'd forgotten. It's really novella length. I found one aspect a bit unsatisfactory, but enjoyed it and I'd rate it as one of the top SF Classics. Wikipedia writes: Quote:
Spoiler:
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08-17-2022, 10:53 AM | #8 |
cacoethes scribendi
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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. |
08-17-2022, 11:23 AM | #9 |
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To Serve Man is a science fiction short story by American writer Damon Knight. It first appeared in the November 1950 issue of Galaxy Science Fiction and has been reprinted a number of times, including in Frontiers in Space (1955), Far Out (1961), and The Best of Damon Knight (1976).
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08-17-2022, 01:03 PM | #10 | |
Readaholic
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Waystation is a favorite of mine and I have read it numerous times over the years. Apache |
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08-17-2022, 02:10 PM | #11 | |
the rook, bossing Never.
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I think the only two in the SF section shelves are novellas in one Tot paperback: Rule Golden (1954) and Double Meaning (1953). Has a 1990 intro by the author. Rule Golden might be thought of as a Benevolent Alien story, but Double Meaning is the opposite! |
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08-17-2022, 03:48 PM | #12 |
Wizard
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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. |
08-17-2022, 03:52 PM | #13 |
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08-17-2022, 09:15 PM | #14 |
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08-18-2022, 01:29 AM | #15 | |
Wizard
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