In a world where we can look up at the stars and envision how the glow may signify a deeper meaning of communication would be just the beginning. Is there something greater than ourselves waiting to be found? Extraterrestrial life seems like a possibility as a cryptic message and the urgency to build a machine creates a pathway for a life-changing experience for five individuals. Carl Sagan embraces so many ideas that make reading this book challenging and yet fascinating at the same time. This was a heavy read since it involved a lot of technical scientific terms which I am not familiar with, but the story itself was incredibly meaningful and can be interpreted in various ways. I also liked the subtle romantic interlude and the parental bonding with Ellie and her father, which added the right emotion to how certain scenes of looking into the atmosphere reflected a similar human feeling that guides our basic needs for safety, belonging and unconditional love. When you step out of the intellectual realm of science and mathematics, it feels like we are transported from the Machine that is built, and as humans, we can bring forth an even closer look at ourselves and see so much more in others. There’s a quest for answers to life’s many complex questions that known evidence may still not fully explain as an absolute on other levels of consciousness. Our deepest thoughts and feelings orbiting in unknown territory is probably the scariest discovery of all and is the best way that collectively as a society, we can make the most profound contact.

I really enjoyed this, and regret having not read it specifically because I saw (and disliked) the movie. The characters had serious depth, and the theological-vs-scientific plot wasn't nearly as forced as it was in the movie, and instead presented as two sides with wonderful shades of gray, not direct contrasts. The alien message itself was handled intelligently, and the effects on society were obviously well thought out by Mr. Sagan. I found it a very fulfilling read.

This book by Carl Sagan may be a search for extra terrestrial life forms and contact with them, however, it also addresses the issue of how well we know ourselves. The search for life outside ourselves makes us question the value of our own lives.

One other interesting aspect of the novel is how it examines the tension between science and religion. The proof of extra terrestrial life could come to challenge and destroy many of the beliefs of religious observers. Sagan asks, what is the role of science in the history of human kind? Is it to disprove religion? In end, i believe, that Sagan proposes that science will advance human kind and bring us closer to God.

Carl Sagan undoubtedly uses the character Ellie to portray his most inner thoughts, beliefs and wonders regarding our tiny planet and the entire universe. He delves into the most intrinsic questions that humanity has wondered about since the beginning of our origin. "Are we alone?". Will we as a species destroy ourselves first before we obtain the technology to contact or travel to other worlds. The movie was everything, plus more, than I expected in regards to the drama and exhilerating tension of first contact. If you are open to all of the possibilities in our universe, then this book is a must read.