From the Bookshelf of The Sword and Laser…

Childhood’s End

Arthur C. Clarke

Start date: April 2, 2008

Finish date: May 2, 2008

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Jan 07, 2011 Jenny (Reading Envy) rated it really liked it

Shelves: read2011, sci-fi-fantasy

This made me think of a million other books and movies, but I'm pretty sure it came before most of them. I also thought some of the commentary about what too much technology might do to a 'utopian' society was spot on, considering it was written before most homes even had televisions, much less every other mindnumbing device we have now. Where does creativity and curiosity go? ...more

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Apr 13, 2008 Jlawrence rated it really liked it

Shelves: sword-and-laser

On the eve of achieving manned space flight (this was written in the early 50's), the human race is visited by an incredibly advanced alien civilization. The seemingly benevolent but mysterious and aloof aliens take over the earth, wiping away many of humankind's problems (war, poverty, etc), but also subtly robbing the human race of direction and purpose.

I was initially very engaged by they mystery surrounding the alien Overlords, but as the book continued my interest began to wane somewhat -- ...more

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Dec 01, 2010 travelgirlut rated it liked it · review of another edition

I think I read this book too piecemeal to really appreciate it. I found myself reading it a paragraph here and a paragraph there because I really wanted to get through it but didn't have the time to sit and read it in solid chunks. But even with my abbreviated reading, this book is going to be rolling around in my brain for some time, I think. I find myself mulling over it even now when I've just finished it. Though I have to agree with the author when he says the opinions expressed in the book ...more

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