Books matching: alien visitation
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- #1
'Roadside Picnic' by Boris Strugatsky and Arkady & Boris Strugatsky is a science fiction novel set in a world where aliens have visited Earth, leaving behind mysterious artifacts in designated Zones. The story follows Redrick Schuhart, a stalker who ventures into these Zones to retrieve and sell these alien artifacts illegally. The narrative explores themes of human exploitation, environmental degradation, and the consequences of interacting with advanced alien technology. The writing style is described as subtle, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking, with a focus on philosophical discussions and character studies.
The night before, he and I were in the repository—it was already evening, all I had to do was throw off my lab suit and I could head for the Borscht to put a drop or two of the stiff stuff into my sys... - #2
'Childhood's End' by Arthur C. Clarke is a science fiction novel that explores the end of humanity through its transformation into something greater. The story follows humanity from its first contact with aliens, who demand an end to violence among humans, to a transformation led by alien overlords. The book delves into themes of psychology, sociology, and paranormal activities, all while contemplating the nature of humanity and its evolution. Clarke's writing style is described as captivating, with a dry and thought-provoking approach that leaves readers contemplating deep existential questions.
The volcano that had reared Tratua up from the Pacific depths had been sleeping now for half a million years. Yet in a little while, thought Reinhold, the island would be bathed with fires fiercer tha... - #3
"Chariots of The Gods" by Erich von Daniken presents the theory of ancient astronauts visiting Earth in the past and influencing human civilization. The author explores various ancient monuments, religions, and cultures, suggesting that they may have been influenced by extraterrestrial beings. The writing style is described as easy to comprehend, with vivid imagery and personal descriptions that help readers understand the author's message.
Is it conceivable that we world citizens of the twentieth century are not the only living beings of our kind in the cosmos? Because no homunculus from another planet is on display in a museum for us t... - #4
In "Calculating God" by Robert J. Sawyer, the story revolves around an advanced alien civilization that visits Earth to discuss theology with a paleontologist. The aliens present evidence supporting the existence of God, which challenges the beliefs of the human characters, particularly the protagonist, Thomas Jericho, who is a lifelong atheist. Throughout the book, there are philosophical discussions, debates on intelligent design, and explorations of the implications of extraterrestrial beliefs on humanity's understanding of existence and evolution. The plot unfolds through dialogue-heavy scenes that delve into complex ideas while also touching on themes of life, death, evolution, and the nature of intelligent life.
The writing style of the book is described as thought-provoking, imaginative, and well-developed. Readers appreciate the creative premise that challenges conventional views on theology and intelligent design. Despite some pacing issues and occasional philosophical tangents, the book is commended for its intriguing concepts, well-written characters, and emotionally engaging narrative. The author's ability to blend science, philosophy, and storytelling in a way that stimulates reflection and discussion is highlighted, making "Calculating God" a unique and intellectually stimulating read for fans of science fiction.
The Royal Ontario Museum really exists, and, of course, it has a real director, real curators, real security guards, and so on. However, all the characters in this novel are entirely the product of my... - #5
"Contact" by Carl Sagan is a science fiction novel that explores humanity's first contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. The story follows astrophysicist Ellie Arroway who decodes a message from space providing instructions to build a Machine. Along with a group of scientists, she embarks on a journey into space to meet the intelligence behind the message. The book delves into how society, religion, politics, and individuals react to the possibility of contact with beings from another world. Sagan's writing style is described as detailed and in-depth, with a focus on scientific accuracy and philosophical contemplation.
The plot of "Contact" starts slowly but gradually builds up the tension as the characters navigate through the complexities of deciphering the alien message and preparing for the encounter. Sagan's unique approach to visualizing the aliens and his exploration of how the world might react to such an event make the book captivating and thought-provoking. Despite some pacing issues and a divisive ending, the novel offers a mix of hard science fiction, spiritual exploration, and social commentary, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.
Since I first gained the use of reason my inclination toward learning has been so violent and strong that neither the scoldings of other people…nor my own reflections…have been able to stop me from fo... - #6
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes unstuck in time. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping between events such as the bombing of Dresden during World War II, Billy's childhood, hospitalization, and abduction by aliens. Vonnegut's writing style is a blend of dark humor, satire, and science fiction elements, creating a narrative that challenges the reader to question reality and the nature of war.
All this happened, more or less. The war parts, anyway, are pretty much true. One guy I knew really was shot in Dresden for taking a teapot that wasn’t his. Another guy I knew really did threaten to h... - #7
Two hundred fifty years after human activity destroyed the viability of Earth, Lilith Iyapo awakens in a strange room aboard a living, alien spaceship. The Oankali, an alien species, have saved the last of the human race and are looking to genetically merge with primitive civilizations. The book explores themes of symbiosis, slavery, and human-alien intimacy, all while raising questions about identity and human nature.
Awakening was hard, as always. The ultimate disappointment. It was a struggle to take in enough air to drive off nightmare sensations of asphyxiation. Lilith Iyapo lay gasping, shaking with the force ... - #8
'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is a mysterious and eerie novel set in a landscape undergoing a transformation due to an outside agent, reminiscent of the Strugatsky brothers' work. The story follows the protagonist, a biologist, as part of an expedition into Area X, a zone being altered by something completely alien, leading to rapid disintegration of their mission and inevitable eerie encounters. The narrative style is described as straddling the line between science fiction and horror, with an unreliable narrator providing a vague description of Area X, leaving more questions than answers.
The tower, which was not supposed to be there, plunges into the earth in a place just before the black pine forest begins to give way to swamp and then the reeds and wind-gnarled trees of the marsh fl... - #9
'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' by Jack Finney is a classic sci-fi horror novel that explores the terrifying concept of alien life forms taking over human bodies in a peaceful California town. The story follows Dr. Miles Bennell and his girlfriend Becky as they uncover the horrifying reality of giant pods growing in fields, replacing human beings, and the ensuing battle to survive against this insidious invasion. The writing style is described as fast-paced, dense, and thrilling, with clever touches of Fortean phenomena and psychological explanations adding to the overall feeling of uneasiness and uncertainty throughout the narrative.
The book delves into the fear of losing one's identity and the chilling suspicion that everyone around you may have been replaced by something terrifying and unexplainable. Despite being written in 1955, the plot remains relevant and engaging, with a level of excitement that withstands the test of time and can be enjoyed by modern readers as an exhilarating adventure filled with suspense and paranoia.
I warn you that what you're starting to read is full of loose ends and unanswered questions. It will not be neatly tied up at the end, everything resolved and satisfactorily explained. Not by me it wo... - #10
The Fresco by Sheri S. Tepper is a science fiction novel that delves into themes of first contact, interstellar politics, and societal values. The story follows a self-educated middle-aged woman named Benita who is chosen by aliens to represent humanity. As she navigates her sometimes abusive marriage and interacts with the alien race, both she and the human race undergo growth and transformation. Tepper explores the origins of culture, moral behavior, and the impact of societal values on history and art in a thought-provoking manner.
Along the Oregon coast an arm of the Pacific shushes softly against rocky shores. Above the waves, dripping silver in the moonlight, old trees, giant trees, few now, thrust their heads among low cloud...