false 264950 0812580354 9780812580358 499 80 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1217216646m/264950.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/264950.Calculating_God 25883 Robert J. Sawyer 4476 643 1 1 false Sat Jul 04 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Sun Jun 21 13:39:41 -0700 2009 Sat Jul 04 05:24:35 -0700 2009
Basically this novel is a science fiction novel only because that is what pigeon hole the publishers have stuck Sawyer into. If every bit of science fictionesque content was removed from this book it doesn't change the story.

The book is basically the authors feeble attempt to justify his worldview. That would be great if he could articulate that worldview in any fresh meaningful way, but at this the novel fails miserably.

The novel uses trite stereotypes of a classic left wing abortion loving evolutionist academic pondering the end of his life. The Saywer, leaving no stereotype out, introduces the cardboard cutout fundamentalist Christian psychotics that lack any real intelligence, only want to refute evolution, and kill abortion doctors. Then, just to leave no tired stereotype behind, Sawyer makes repeated ignorant commentary about the U.S. medical system.

The novel has several points where you see a glimmer of hope, perhaps the author may capitalize on something that might redeem this ill conceived novel. For instance, beginning in chapter 22 around page 209 Sawyer latches on to a thought that, if explored, may have been a very interesting story line. But here too, the author fails to rally this dismal book.

If there is one thing I did get out of this book is that life is too short, don't waste it on reading this book.]]>