It was first conceived as a movie idea/project in 1979 when Carl and his wife/collaborator Ann Druyan were in Hollywood working on Cosmos. The novel was written simply to support the movie project. Although, it didn’t become a movie until 1997. It’s my favorite movie of all time and as a matter of trivia, it was the first movie that made scientific accuracy its number one goal. This interview with Hollywood producer Lynda Obst has the story behind it.
I read it years ago, and enjoyed it. Less spaceships and aliens, and more the human, scientific and religious reaction to finding out we are not alone. It’s on my reread list, which I guess would be my TBRR list :). Enjoy!
yes, I read it years ago… I loved it for the most part. It was a little hard to get through some of the science (not my forte)… but the story was good and worth the struggle through the science for me.
Yes. The story makes sense and on more than one level. A believable, realistic description of possible parallel worlds which may well exist beyond our limited understanding of four-dimensional space and time. Read Edwin Abbott’s “Flatland” for a starter. Calls for childlike imagination.
Yes, ages ago. I really enjoyed it!
I love his nonfiction. But he should have stuck to science. I was not impressed.
Quite awhile ago.
I agree with Eva—Cosmos and his non fiction is great—this SF story was only average. Not horrible but not stunning,either.
I love the movie
a million years ago….no wait, billions and billions of years ago! don’t miss his DRAGONS OF EDEN either.
It was first conceived as a movie idea/project in 1979 when Carl and his wife/collaborator Ann Druyan were in Hollywood working on Cosmos. The novel was written simply to support the movie project. Although, it didn’t become a movie until 1997. It’s my favorite movie of all time and as a matter of trivia, it was the first movie that made scientific accuracy its number one goal. This interview with Hollywood producer Lynda Obst has the story behind it.
Son has a labradane named Lazarus after a Heinlein character.
I did when it was first published. Liked it.
I loved this book! ?
I’ve been rereading it recently. My copy is from 1996 or so. It’s so worn out and each page keeps coming off.
I love that book—I keep trying to get my 16-yr old granddaughter to read it, but may need to watch the movie first.
Yes, years ago. Watched movie yestetday.
Yes. Many years ago. loved it!! The movie was good too
Years ago, but would like to reread!
It’s been a few decades, but yes, I remember thoroughly enjoying that book. Loved the movie when it came out, too.
Great movie
Yes. Quite a few years ago. And it was fine. But just know, it is not like the movie. The themes are similar but there are some major changes.
Yes. Years ago as my first foray in adult science fiction. I enjoyed it. The movie took a lot of liberties.
years ago and liked it very much!
Excellent story.
Nope, I did read “The Dragons of Eden”.
Love it! While I like the movie, the book is so much better!
I read it, but I didn’t like it much. I thought it was dry, and the ending was a let-down.
Yes, liked it!!
Yes, I liked it.
it’s wonderful
Yes!.. long time ago:)
Years ago. I loved it.
Just wa t chef the movie with Jodie foster!
Many years ago. Enjoyable, but Sagan wasn’t a great novelist. His nonfiction was better.
Yes, several years ago. Really good and brings an even more emotional content to the story than does the movie.
Yes, a long time ago. I read it soon after I lost my dad, so it was an emotional read for me. I enjoyed it though…better than the movie as usual.
One of my favorites
Yes, great book! Also a great movie, I think.
Yes!
Yes years and years ago
Loved it.
Many years ago.
Enjoyed it very much!
Yes. Good
Yes it was excellent
Yes and I loved it.
@Jill Love Lazarus Long!
Many moons ago, worth the read.
The movie is great!
@Chris Yes son does too. He has Heinlein tattoos as well. We had a cat named Dr. Livingston. Sorry for the hijack of OP’S Carl Sagan question.
On my list
Yes, I have. Highly recommend it! And do not expect it to adhere to the movie, because it does not.
Years ago, and yes, as I remember it it’s a lot different than the movie.
Yes. Good read.
Yes, a long time ago.
I liked it
One of my favorite s!
Bought have it to my dad
Book is better than the movie. Just wow
Good to know. It is on my To Read list.
Much better than the movie. Loved it!
a favorite of mine and I still love the movie too.
One of only a few books I reread and give as gift .
Yes. I enjoyed it.
Just rewatched the movie! The book must be anazing!!
I read and enjoyed it.
Yes I have read it and I liked it a lot, the same goes for Cosmos.
Loved that book and Cosmos.
His wife, Ann Druyan, is on the lecture circuit with National Geographic now. Google it and see when she’ll be speaking near you.
Not yet. But I need to put it on my list?
I read it years ago, and enjoyed it. Less spaceships and aliens, and more the human, scientific and religious reaction to finding out we are not alone. It’s on my reread list, which I guess would be my TBRR list :). Enjoy!
@Hank I like your idea of a TBRR list. That is the list I need to start in 2019.
I read Contact maybe 25-30 years ago. A great book.
No, but the movie with Jodie Foster is one of my favorites!
Yes. Blah
Years ago. Wonderful!
yes, I read it years ago… I loved it for the most part. It was a little hard to get through some of the science (not my forte)… but the story was good and worth the struggle through the science for me.
Read Broca’s Brain if you haven’t.
Yes. The story makes sense and on more than one level. A believable, realistic description of possible parallel worlds which may well exist beyond our limited understanding of four-dimensional space and time. Read Edwin Abbott’s “Flatland” for a starter. Calls for childlike imagination.