The Sparrow Audiobook (Unabridged)

" ONE OF MY VERY FAVES OF ALL TIME. SCIENCE LOVERS AS WELL AS SCIFI LOVERS WILL ADORE THIS "

" This is one of the few books I've read that has very religious characters and themes that doesn't completely rag on religion. I'm not particularly religious, but it was interesting to read a book where religion wasn't being completely bashed or exalted. This story is also, as a Library Journal review states (as cited by Wiki),"a philosophical novel about the nature of good and evil and what happens when a man tries to do the right thing, for the right reasons and ends up causing incalculable harm." The book keeps you interested in the actions of this man--a Jesuit priest--by teasing out what exactly happened to him in space, and the revelations do not disappoint. "

" Thought provoking with well developed characters. This book was moving, well written, and has stayed with me long after turning the final page. "

" The characterization seems unsophisticated at times, but the subject matter is not, making for an ultimately powerful reading experience. "

" This book is a modern/future day story of the early explorers and the toll of ignorance even with the most educated and well-intentioned people. However, what makes this book so fascinating and thought-provoking is not the exploration of a new planet and way of life, but the exploration of the beauty of faith and the risks of faith. "

" Arrrg, I hate when I get stuck part way through:( I will finish this book!!! "

" Am cheating - read this and the sequel, The Children of God, last year. Fascinating! Actually read the sequel first. "

" One of the most well-written and complex science fiction novels I've ever read. It asks questions about faith, morality, the purpose of suffering, and the human imagination - questions impossible to answer, but worth asking anyway. Richly imagined and brilliantly plotted. "

" One of the most impactful stories... Combines Science and religion beautifully which I love, but then demonstrates shockingly when two beings who do not think anything alike meet and assume they do. The story has a tragic ending that is resolved in the next book. "

" For some reason, it took me forever to read this book. But I enjoyed every minute of it. Excellent story, well-written, thought provoking! "

" Brilliant. Very original story that is well written and very thought provoking. I'm currently reading the follow up tale "Children of God" as I want to know what happens to the main character when he returns to the planet. "

" Very well written and thought provoking...God doesn't make deals. "

" One of the best books I have ever read. I was enthralled the whole time, anxious to have the story revealed, and thoughtfully/spiritually provoked to the end. With how it ended I feel at peace, surprisingly. Enlightened even. "

" I forget which of my book-club friends recommended this to me. It's a powerful book though and the ending is difficult. But such an original concept for a story and so many moral and ethical problems here to think about that it will be hard to forget this book! "

" Thought provoking... I Keep coming back to it in my mind and mulling over the different sociological critiques that were subtly introduced through its thoughtful narrative. Although it dips a bit too deep into science-fiction for my taste, it was an enjoyable story. A fast read, but substantive. "

" I book that I have returned to on several occasions, and thought about in many contexts. "

" This novel was disturbing, but well written and filled with such interesting ideas. "

" Not your typical sci-fi adventure. Some of Russel's descriptions were so vivid they would turn my stomach. "

" Maybe I will have something good to say about this book after our book group conversation. The depth and breath of the themes kept me reading but I didn't really want to read for any length of time and it took two weeks to get through the whole book. I am guessing maybe Sci Fi just isn't my thing. "

" Wow. The sparrow fell. "

" Russell is an amazing writer. Meaningful themes were explored in this sci-fi story of first contact, socialization and faith in God. It started out slow because of the many characters,but built to a powerful and engrossing climax. "

" Kind of 3.5ish stars, actually. Really interesting conceptually, but I didn't get emotionally involved with any of the characters, unfortunately. "

" A novel that goes beyond its genre. "

" Probably the best novel I have ever read! "

" I have never been more impressed by an author's ability to write about so many topics in such a detailed way. Great reading if you are the type of person who likes more questions than answers. One of the books I recommend the most. "

" A great read that has excellent character development and is able to mix themes from scifi, mystery, classism, romance, and religious thrillers and make one hell of a book. :) "

" very tedious to get involved in - gruesome description of hand torture - think more - space travel - what was I thinking? "