One of my top favorite novels of all time, and I say that as a reluctant fiction reader. After years of revisiting the masterpiece of a film Kubrick gifted us just so I could induce that unfailing sense of awe and bodily transcendence I felt when first witnessing the spectacular sequences, I decided it was time to read the book. Boy was I happy I did it. I consumed it in two sittings. The writing is crisp and concise; hasn’t aged at all for me. And Clarke’s descriptions are simply superb. I felt like I was floating in space with Dave, Frank, Hal and the rest of the crew. When I closed the book, I had to take a long pause just to shake the feeling of awesomeness that infiltrated my mind and permeated my body. Left me with a sense of wonder about my place in the universe I hadn’t experienced since childhood. Highly recommend it for anyone who is curious about their place in existence and the role human consciousness can play in this infinite question that is our universe.

I have not watched the movie. This book was a wonderful experience, traveling through space time. I can see how this could have inspired many space faring movies. The book starts before the dawn of civilization and takes us in a journey through an unexpected discovery on the moon, from there to the far flung of the solar system and beyond. Now, I am ready to watch the movie.

From start to finish this sure was a heck of a ride lemme tell ya that.

Easily one of the foundational tales in my life. I read this as a child and have read it several times since. My interpretation of events has changed as I grew older and I am able to enjoy the book and movie independently. HAL and Dave are amazing characters who’s conflict is founded in misunderstanding and misaligned goals. The lessons this story shares are deeper and broader than the short length would ever seem possible.

But believe we must.

This book is based on Clarke's screenplay for Kubrick's excellent film. Much from the movie is explained here, but not so much that the wonder and mystery of the unknown is lost. A perfect balancing act by the author.

Timeless, not dated. I loved all that was in the book that was not in the movie. Moonwatcher was much more developed as was david bowman.