Mary Doria Russell, "The Sparrow"

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#1

Mary Doria Russell’s “The Sparrow.” It’s another suggestion from a friend that seems like a good idea for the book club. A quick summary:

In 2019, humanity finally finds proof of extraterrestrial life when a listening post in Puerto Rico picks up exquisite singing from a planet which will come to be known as Rakhat. While United Nations diplomats endlessly debate a possible first contact mission, the Society of Jesus quietly organizes an eight-person scientific expedition of its own. What the Jesuits find is a world so beyond comprehension that it will lead them to question the meaning of being “human.” When the lone survivor of the expedition, Emilio Sandoz, returns to Earth in 2059, he will try to explain what went wrong… Words like “provocative” and “compelling” will come to mind as you read this shocking novel about first contact with a race that creates music akin to both poetry and prayer.

#2

This is an excellent book and I recommend it highly. It isn’t an easy read as it touches on many difficult subjects but so good.

#3

I loved this book. LOVED IT. As many of you know I’m a religious person so there were aspects of the novel that spoke to me specifically on that front but it was a fascinating first contact story and just a great read. It’s sad and depressing at times but OH MY GOD such a good book.