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Synopsis
A novel that proposes an idea about how the human race might have begun and where it might be headed...given a little help from out there. A colaboration of ideas with director Stanley Kubrick in the late 1960's it begins at "the dawn of man" and then leaps to the year 2001 where a mission to Saturn (Jupiter in the film) is mounted to try and answer questions raised by the discovery of an ancient artifact dug up on the moon. Though not particularly fast paced, the science is good, and there are a few hair raising events. There are also interesting speculations about the future, such as the space shuttle, and a device eerily similar to an iPad. Leaving plenty of room for contemplation and the appreciation for the inevitable trials of space travel, this is one of the truly landmark pieces of hard science fiction.
Tags
Is 2001: A Space Odyssey appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
Clarke's landmark hard SF features philosophical speculation about human evolution and alien contact with minimal violence and no sexual content or language. Some tense sequences and abstract concepts may challenge younger readers.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death.
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens interested in space exploration and deep questions about humanity's origins and future will appreciate this thought-provoking classic.