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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.

If you liked Calculating God, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Factoring Humanity by Robert J. Sawyer
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    Factoring Humanity by Robert J. Sawyer is a science fiction novel that delves into themes of interstellar communication, artificial intelligence, and the impact of contact with an alien species on humanity. The plot follows a dysfunctional family as they navigate mysterious messages from aliens, mind-bending concepts around inter-human connections via four-dimensional cubes, and the ethical implications of newfound technologies.

    The messages from space had been arriving for almost ten years now. Reception of a new page of data began every thirty hours and fifty-one minutes—an interval presumed to be the length of the day on t...

  2. #2

    Hominids - Neanderthal Parallax by Robert J. Sawyer
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    'Hominids' by Robert J. Sawyer is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores a parallel universe where Neanderthals survived and flourished instead of Homo Sapiens. The story follows the opening of communication between the Neanderthal world and present-day Canada, delving into themes of quantum physics, anthropology, and societal differences. The plot alternates between the two worlds, showcasing the challenges and discoveries faced by the characters as they navigate through this intriguing premise.

    With a mix of social commentary, scientific exploration, and engaging storytelling, 'Hominids' presents a unique blend of themes ranging from alternate earths and paleoanthropology to ethical discussions and cultural clashes. The narrative not only delves into the differences between the Neanderthal and human societies but also raises questions about technology, ethics, and the impact of societal norms on individual characters. Despite some flaws in character development and pacing, the book captivates readers with its imaginative premise and the exploration of complex ideas within a gripping plot.

    Watching over it was Louise Benoit, twenty-eight, a statuesque postdoc from Montreal with a mane of thick brown hair stuffed, as required here, into a hair net. She kept her vigil in a cramped control...

  3. #3
    New Earth
    by: 
    Book 14 in the series:The Grand Tour

    New Earth - The Grand Tour by Ben Bova
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    'New Earth' in the series 'The Grand Tour' by Ben Bova explores a future where Earth is facing environmental disaster due to massive greenhouse flooding, leading to a group of explorers setting out for a planet called New Earth. The plot involves the explorers encountering unexpected intelligent life on New Earth, which looks exactly like humans but is far advanced technologically. As the story unfolds, the explorers must navigate complex relationships with the inhabitants of New Earth and work together to warn both Earth and the intelligent beings of an impending gamma ray explosion that threatens all intelligent life.


    (Also, see 44 recommendations for the series The Grand Tour )

  4. #4

    Blind Lake by Robert Charles Wilson
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    Blind Lake by Robert Charles Wilson is a science fiction novel set in the near future where astronomers use quantum computer devices to observe distant planets. The story revolves around a scientific complex, Blind Lake, where humans can observe daily life on a planet over 50 light years away. However, the complex is suddenly cut off from the outside world, leading to a mystery surrounding the nature of the technology and the consequences it brings. The book explores themes of observation, unforeseen consequences, bonds formed and broken, and the relationship between troubled individuals in the face of isolation and unknown forces.

    Chris Carmody rolled into a zone of warmth in an unfamiliar bed: a depression in the cotton sheets where someone had lately been. Someone: her name was elusive, still lost in layers of sleep. But he c...

  5. #5

    Quantum Night by Robert J. Sawyer
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    The story is set in the near future and blends ideas from physics with psychology. A college professor comes to realize a study he took part in during his undergraduate days has caused a hole in his memory. Part of the story focuses on his discovery of his memory hole and how it came to be. The plot delves into the protagonist's search for his missing memories, leading to shocking revelations about his past actions and the potential to change the course of humanity. The narrative explores philosophical conundrums and the interplay of physics and consciousness, raising questions about the nature of human brains and the implications on society.

    Several of my colleagues in the University of Manitoba’s psychology department considered teaching to be a nuisance—“the ineluctable evil,” as Menno Warkentin used to call it, resenting the time it to...

  6. #6
    Xenophobia
    Book 3 in the series:First Contact

    Xenophobia - First Contact by Peter Cawdron
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    'Xenophobia' by Peter Cawdron is a gripping science fiction novel that explores the themes of first contact with alien beings and the complexities of human nature. Through well-crafted characters and a fast-paced storyline, Cawdron delves into the challenges and moral dilemmas faced when encountering extraterrestrial life. The author's writing style seamlessly weaves together elements of hard science fiction with profound reflections on humanity's capacity for empathy and understanding in the face of the unknown.

    Standing there on the outskirts of a small African village, Elizabeth Bower shielded her face from the sting of thousands of tiny dust particles, loose strips of grass, sand, dirt, and the occasional ...

    (Also, see 10 recommendations for the series First Contact )

  7. #7

    A Half-Built Garden by Ruthanna Emrys
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    'A Half-Built Garden' by Ruthanna Emrys is a first contact novel that imagines a world where humans interact with physically different aliens who have unique beliefs and customs. The story explores themes of gender identity, family structures, societal organization, and ecological responsibility. The writing style is described as thoughtful, imaginative, and optimistic, with a focus on detailed world-building and character development.


  8. #8

    Far-Seer - Quintaglio Ascension by Robert J. Sawyer
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    In "Far-Seer" by Robert J. Sawyer, readers are introduced to a unique world where a species of highly evolved, sentient Tyrannosaurs called Quintaglios play out a thinly veiled version of human history. The protagonist, Afsan, an apprentice astrologer, embarks on a transformative journey that challenges the beliefs of his society as he discovers the true nature of their world through a telescope known as the far seer. The book explores themes of religion, philosophy, and societal evolution through the lens of a dinosaur society on the brink of significant change.

    The writing style in "Far-Seer" is praised for its ability to create a truly dinosaur society that feels authentic and distinct from human culture. The plot unfolds with a mix of adventure, philosophical musings, and societal commentary, keeping readers engaged as Afsan navigates the complexities of his world and grapples with challenging truths that could alter the course of his society's future.

    Formidable? Afsan clicked his teeth in humor, figuring that the choice of adjective was a sign that he must be getting accustomed to all this. Back then, after his introduction to the master astrologe...

  9. #9

    The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber
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    In "The Book of Strange New Things" by Michel Faber, the story follows Peter Leigh, a devoted Christian missionary who is selected by a mysterious corporation called USIC to travel to a faraway planet named Oasis to minister to the indigenous population. As Peter navigates his new role on Oasis, he maintains communication with his wife, Bea, who is facing challenges on Earth due to societal collapse and environmental crises. The novel delves into themes of faith, love, communication, and the impact of extreme circumstances on individuals and relationships, all set against the backdrop of a unique sci-fi world.

    Michel Faber expertly crafts a narrative that explores complex characters, intricate relationships, and thought-provoking themes through the lens of science fiction. The book presents a compelling story of love transcending space and time, the clash of cultures, the fragility of human connections, and the exploration of faith and religion in unfamiliar territories. Faber's writing style vividly describes the alien planet Oasis, the emotional turmoil of the characters, and the philosophical questions raised throughout the novel.

    He was quiet, keeping his eyes on the road. In the darkness of the city’s outskirts, there was nothing to see except the tail-lights of other cars in the distance, the endless unfurling roll of tarmac...

  10. #10
    Axiom's End
    Book 1 in the series:Noumena

    Axiom's End - Noumena by Lindsay Ellis
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    'Axiom's End' by Lindsay Ellis is a captivating sci-fi novel set in 2007, where Cora Sabino, a young woman entangled in her father's whistleblowing activities, becomes the first human to communicate with an alien named Ampersand. The story delves into themes of first contact, government conspiracies, and the challenges of inter-species communication, all set in an alternate history with a touch of philosophical musings on language and love. The book's plot unfolds at a brisk pace, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and familial relationships, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.

    On the morning of the second meteor, Cora’s 1989 Toyota Camry gave up the ghost for good. The car was a manual transmission with a stick shift its previous owner had wrapped in duct tape years ago, a ...

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