Discourse in a Digital Age discussion

This book is seizing my interest. I'm only about 40 pages in, and we're already looking at a lot of perspectives and a lot of settings to keep straight. I need to find some time to dedicate to really delving into it - my normal reading schedule might not cut it.

What do you think?

I remember this being a definite page-turner when I read it awhile ago. There were some late nights! I'd definitely set aside time when not at work getting interrupted--though who can fault a librarian for saying "just wait until I finish this chapter..."

I remember this being a definite page-turner when I read it awhile ago. There were some late nights! I'd definitely set aside time when not at work getting interrupted--though who can fault a librarian for saying "just wait until I finish this chapter..."

Anne is right -- this book demands close attention; I remember being very confused by the beginning on first reading it 25-odd years ago. Please stick with it, everybody -- such a good story, so much to discuss! (The Church in general, Jesuits and their mission specifically, human beings' history of "discovering" alien peoples & cultures and imposing our values/belief systems, just to start with..)

Only halfway done, but here's how I've been describing it to people, since the book doesn't describe itself at all. It's the story of how a group of people travel to an alien world, told simultaneously with the story of the sole survivor 40 years later. However, it's not about that sci-fi storyline, but more a deep, deep character study of some fascinating individuals.

Sound accurate?

Yes! I'm 3/4 thru my second reading, and finding that the humor and, as you point out, deep character studies help mitigate some very painful parts I know are ahead. I hope any of us who really get into "The Sparrow" will read the sequel, "Children of God", because it's just as powerful an exploration of the psychology of belief, and of the dangers of interpreting alien cultures thru the lens of our own, as well as being a completely satisfying end to the story.

Here's my take on the finale:

The book was deeply enthralling, and whenever I would put it down, I would think about it until I picked it up again. I loved the amazing foreshadowing going on the whole time, as well as the way Russell showed you information rather than telling you. A lot of the really clever world-building was concealed in the story rather than bragged about outright.

After such a long buildup, though, the climax of the story was over really quickly. How precisely the characters met their end was for you to imply, quite brilliantly, in my opinion, but it was all at once. Sandoz's catharsis and conclusion was well played, but I found myself needing more from it than I got.

Then she went and introduced the next mission on the final pages. I'll be reading that sequel.

I'm checking out Children of God today!

I should have guessed you were on the list before me. *Buys another copy for the library.*