kepheus's review
2.0
The constant Canadiana references made me gag a couple times, especially the frequent disparaging remarks about Mike Harris. Not that I care one whit about the Ontario PC Party, but it certainly dates and locates the piece far more than setting it in at the ROM.
There are some logical inconsistencies to the structure of the story as well. For instance, the aliens can monitor radio transmissions, but they can't borrow a satellite to get internet? Even in the early 90s, there was a wealth of data available online.
The end left me cold as well. For a book that raised a lot of questions and doubt to end literally with deus ex machina is incredibly disappointing and contrived.
The entire extremist subplot felt like padding to break up the monotony, though you could say the same about every character other than the main two. None step out from behind their function.
There are some logical inconsistencies to the structure of the story as well. For instance, the aliens can monitor radio transmissions, but they can't borrow a satellite to get internet? Even in the early 90s, there was a wealth of data available online.
The end left me cold as well. For a book that raised a lot of questions and doubt to end literally with deus ex machina is incredibly disappointing and contrived.
The entire extremist subplot felt like padding to break up the monotony, though you could say the same about every character other than the main two. None step out from behind their function.
jessica_flower's review
3.0
TW: lung cancer, chronic illness, grief, mentioned racist slurs, misgendering of an alien by humans
First-contact-with-aliens science fiction with a side portion of scientific-religious debates and social commentary in an unexpected (and Canadian) way. There’s a lot of science terminology and discussion in here. If you never paid attention in science class, either don’t read this or keep Google open as you read it. Even with that, though, the writing style is easy to get through.
This was originally published in 2000 . . . and it shows.
My actual rating is more 2 stars, but I’m bumping it up to 2.75 for this book because on the one hand, I’m proud of reading and completing a book out of my comfort zone.
On the other hand (and more importantly), I read this with my friends during a quarantine book club so we could stay connected while social distancing. I will remember it fondly for that reason, that it gave my friends and I such great memories while we talked about it and gave hilarious commentary on the abundance of astronomical terminology, a Canadian response to first contact with aliens and the level of detail regarding Toronto’s subway and bus systems.
I will also say that the ending may be polarizing, especially how you react to the MC making certain choices in the second half of the book.
First-contact-with-aliens science fiction with a side portion of scientific-religious debates and social commentary in an unexpected (and Canadian) way. There’s a lot of science terminology and discussion in here. If you never paid attention in science class, either don’t read this or keep Google open as you read it. Even with that, though, the writing style is easy to get through.
This was originally published in 2000 . . . and it shows.
Spoiler
(NO WAY would Hollus have been and continued to be misgendered like that in today’s world! Not on my watch! Also Jericho's past would've been dealt with in a more different way. )My actual rating is more 2 stars, but I’m bumping it up to 2.75 for this book because on the one hand, I’m proud of reading and completing a book out of my comfort zone.
On the other hand (and more importantly), I read this with my friends during a quarantine book club so we could stay connected while social distancing. I will remember it fondly for that reason, that it gave my friends and I such great memories while we talked about it and gave hilarious commentary on the abundance of astronomical terminology, a Canadian response to first contact with aliens and the level of detail regarding Toronto’s subway and bus systems.
I will also say that the ending may be polarizing, especially how you react to the MC making certain choices in the second half of the book.
mschlat's review
3.0
Note: I'm a Lutheran and a pretty firm believer that creationism and/or intelligent design is not science. Since the major theme of Calculating God is the scientific search for God, starting with some of the same arguments I have seen in intelligent design, my bias is probably important to my take on the book.
Sawyer is writing about what would happen if an alien came to Earth looking for additional evidence (a la intelligent design) that God exists. It's a great premise, but I did not like the execution. Large chunks of the book are dialogue between the alien and our protagonist (a paleontologist) about the evidence for God as a creator. Moreover, the alien has additional facts that, effectively, seal the deal. These parts feel more like diatribe than dialogue.
Sawyer ups the ante in some fairly blunt ways: our protagonist is dying of lung cancer (and thus is searching for some meaning after a life of disbelief in God). We also have some minor villains who happen to be Christian fundamentalist abortion clinic bombers. Subtlety is not the point.
Yet, I finished with some affection for the book. There's an earnestness in the searching and a clear passion for the discussion. Moreover, this is not intelligent design as a first step to a Christian faith. The God in Sawyer's book is not meant to be omnipotent, but a creator who can and does intervene from time to time. The conclusion is moving and hopeful and in my mind redeems some of the long dialogue scenes. And, after reading it, I was curious to see if discussions like the ones in the book could be fruitful --- not that I believe my mind would be changed, but I appreciated the intellectual honesty and forthrightness that I often see lacking.
Sawyer is writing about what would happen if an alien came to Earth looking for additional evidence (a la intelligent design) that God exists. It's a great premise, but I did not like the execution. Large chunks of the book are dialogue between the alien and our protagonist (a paleontologist) about the evidence for God as a creator. Moreover, the alien has additional facts that, effectively, seal the deal. These parts feel more like diatribe than dialogue.
Sawyer ups the ante in some fairly blunt ways: our protagonist is dying of lung cancer (and thus is searching for some meaning after a life of disbelief in God). We also have some minor villains who happen to be Christian fundamentalist abortion clinic bombers. Subtlety is not the point.
Yet, I finished with some affection for the book. There's an earnestness in the searching and a clear passion for the discussion. Moreover, this is not intelligent design as a first step to a Christian faith. The God in Sawyer's book is not meant to be omnipotent, but a creator who can and does intervene from time to time. The conclusion is moving and hopeful and in my mind redeems some of the long dialogue scenes. And, after reading it, I was curious to see if discussions like the ones in the book could be fruitful --- not that I believe my mind would be changed, but I appreciated the intellectual honesty and forthrightness that I often see lacking.
corymojojojo's review
5.0
I enjoyed Calculating God a lot. For how light it is in tone, Sawyer tackles so many big and philosophical ideas about science, religion, and cosmology, to name a few. The general premise is killer and hooked me in immediately, and for the most part I never really got unhooked. The characters of Tom and his alien best friend Hollus is incredibly wholesome and really pleasant to read, and I genuinely felt sad for Tom’s battle with his mortality. Sawyer struck a really nice balance between humor and science (which is this case focused on paleontology, a wonderfully fresh discipline to learn more about), and not to mention the big cosmological answers to the universe like is god real, and if so what’re they up to? My only criticism is that the book kicks off with such a great premise that desperately begs for answers but then gets a bit lost in tangents like Tom’s health and the extremist plot, but thankfully gets back on track eventually with a great conclusion (if not a bit rushed). Lastly, Sawyers aliens were great: while they weren’t THAT alien, I liked how he explored how different two beings could think simply based on how many fingers they have or how their eyes work, and why that might mean they never discovered math, for instance.
elentikvah's review
3.0
I found this to be an interesting read; but I cannot give it an enthusiastic 2-thumbs up recommendation as the end of the book left me with a somewhat empty feeling. Personally, I think the people that are looking at this as an evolution/creationism debate are silly, as many of the stated "proofs" for God in the book are strictly crafted within the fictional world that allows these two alien races to visit Toronto in the first place. Ultimately, the proponent of evolution and the young-earth creationist will be unhappy with the conclusion...and I say good riddance. It is a scifi book for crying out loud! Allow the story to just that, a story...and if you think a few new thoughts along the way because of a question that was asked, then that's great.
fredicia's review
5.0
I read this book 2 years ago, but I was completely astonished by the amount of science behind the theory of god. Like the mathematical probability of ice and water and solar flares... Just wow. That was some intense philosophy and science all rolled into one. I don't think I've read anything quite like this book.
mjfmjfmjf's review
4.0
A tough and complicated book. Sure it's near-future sf which is what I expect from Sawyer. But it is also a religious philosophy book concerned with the existence of God. And aliens in Canada. As always from Sawyer there is a twist or two and extra ideas. There was a lot of talking and it definitely slowed down the plot. But it read well enough and raised pretty good questions.
csdaley's review
2.0
I have been waiting to read this book for a long time. The concept sounded very interesting and Robert Sawyer can put together a sentence but man I didn't like this book. Started skimming about half way and then just gave up. I am going to have to go back to my old ways of letting books go early, I just really wanted to like this one.
My main problem with it was the pacing. The plot was a close second. I barely enjoyed the movie my dinner with Andre. Reading it was something I could have skipped forever. This seems to be a love it or hate it book. I didn't hate it but I also didn't find it that interesting or exciting.
My main problem with it was the pacing. The plot was a close second. I barely enjoyed the movie my dinner with Andre. Reading it was something I could have skipped forever. This seems to be a love it or hate it book. I didn't hate it but I also didn't find it that interesting or exciting.