Contact

Carl Sagan

A science-fiction classic. Behind the basic story is the juxtaposition between the lead female character, who is dedicated to finding extra-terrestrial life and her male counterpart, who is a Christian devoted to the creation theory. The book goes awry when the female character is forced to change her views towards religion and the ending is especially unsatisfying. Famously filmed starring Jodie Foster but the movie version is very different indeed to the book.
Mark 6/11/05

This book is considerably different from the film. It is about the Earth's first contact with an alien civilisation. It is not a page-turner, but an interesting and thoughtful exploration of what might happen in the form of a novel. It is fairly optimistic, describing the nations working together in the face of the unknown.
Rory 11/12/05

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.