[Serious question]
does both fit in the line of Hard SCI-FI?
There is no grandiose fictional elements, but there is science on it.
I yet to finish both series, and I had this feeling that they fit in the category, at least a little.
I wanted to know the there is anyone else that think the same.

It's more of a discussion of usefulness rather than a story. The idea is that radioactive materials should be used for currency and all of the benefits of doing so. I'm wondering what collection of his it's in.

https://preview.redd.it/y6wh1hzepx1e1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f6de4226335dfdb27e5c963753c78df46dffde70

Imagine a genetically engineered cat that could change its appearance to warn us of nuclear radiation—a living, breathing hazard sign. This wild concept was actually proposed in the 1980s. Thoughts?

https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/166070344

I am trying to find a book series published before 2010 with a female protagonist who was a mercenary (or investigator) in a sci/fi dystopian world. Its not a romance novel but the female protagonist keeps encountering this guy with long white hair who is part of a group who have been genetically engineered. They are like a cult who believes in their own genetic superiority. The guy both helps her but has his own agenda.

The name of the female author had a french sound to it perhaps with a the letter X in the last name. Devereaux?

The cover might look similar to the Quantum Gravity series by Justina Robson.

Hey all. I’m currently reading “foundation and earth” now. I really enjoy everything about the series so far. Anyone care to throw out some recommendations on what to read after? Thanks!!🙏

This is neither a review nor a rant. This is just a farewell and a tribute.

Now that Leviathan has fallen and Memory’s legion have marched onwards, I say my farewell

To the brave man who pushed buttons till the end..

To the last standing man who was both, a killer and a protector, who dealt and was dealt death but would become immortal despite..

To the lovely man who would leave family behind to fare in the void, but in the end learn that family is all we have in the end..

To the badass woman who would have rather lived in peace but her enemies chose war, who looked tempest in the eye and annihilated it..

To the determined woman who came to destroy but stayed to protect, who came in hate but left in love..

To the legendary woman who overcame her past, who loved and was loved, who used to hide in darkness but chose to become the beacon of light..

And finally to the magnificent ship, that became the legend, the myth, the hero..

Farewell. And now I move on to new horizons.

“If life transcends death, I will seek for you there. If not, then there too”

Carl Sagan is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant minds I’ve had the pleasure of exploring through his writing. Earlier this year, I embarked on a journey through Sagan’s works—a decision that came about almost on a whim. I had made a New Year’s resolution to read more non-fiction, and in January, I picked up Cosmos. I was blown away.

From there, I read Pale Blue Dot, followed by The Dragons of Eden, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, and Billions and Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium. Each book left me more enamoured than the last. Sagan's ability to convey dense, complex concepts with such eloquence and clarity is nothing short of brilliant.

Initially, I didn’t plan to immerse myself so deeply in Sagan’s catalogue. But as I turned the final pages of Cosmos, I couldn’t resist diving headfirst into more of his work. His voice, his ideas—they simply resonate with me.

When I picked up Contact, it was no different. I wasn’t surprised at all by how much I loved it. The book feels like a culmination of his non-fiction and essays, woven into a scientifically rich work of fiction. It reads like a companion piece to The Demon-Haunted World, so much so that I’d argue it’s essential reading to fully appreciate the broader ideas Sagan explored. That’s not to say these books must be read in a particular order, but enjoying one will undoubtedly enhance the experience of the other. Contact makes it clear where many of its ideas originated.

One of Sagan’s most impressive feats is his ability to navigate the interplay between religion and science—two deeply contested subjects—with breathtaking ease. In Contact, he takes the principles of clear, rational thought from his nonfiction works and integrates them seamlessly into a deeply entertaining narrative.

That said, Contact is a slow burn. It’s quite technical, which might deter some readers who find it dry. But I urge anyone who picks it up to give it a chance. In my opinion, the deliberate pacing works exceptionally well as Sagan balances philosophy and science on a razor’s edge with effortless grace.

Everything he’s written (at least, what I’ve read so far) feels purposeful. Whether he’s discussing humanity’s place among the cosmos, reflecting on our “pale blue dot,” or exploring skepticism and religion, each idea fits perfectly into his broader narrative. And there’s so much more to unpack.

Contact is not only a great entry point into Sagan’s vision of humanity, but it’s also a fantastic standalone story. The narrative remains grounded, set mostly on Earth, with technology that feels plausible and rooted in reality—only stretching into the speculative where necessary to tell this epic story of humanity’s place among the stars. The level of detail is astonishing.

Interestingly, I find it hard to categorize Contact purely as a science fiction novel. Perhaps this is a semantic argument, but to me, it feels more like a fictionalized exploration of his scientific ideas. It’s every bit as quintessentially “Sagan” as his non-fiction works.

The book tackles profound philosophical questions with incredible nuance. Questions like, “What is God?” and “What would happen if we discovered a more intelligent presence in the universe?” are explored in ways that leave a lasting impact.

While this review may feel more like a love letter to Carl Sagan than a focused critique of Contact, I think that’s a testament to the man himself. His brilliance, humanity, and unique outlook on the universe shine through in every word he wrote. Contact is no exception.

If you’re a fan of science fiction, this book is a must-read. If you’re someone who values clear thought and seeks to understand the world around you (and I hope that applies to everyone), pick up this book. But don’t stop there. Dive into the rest of Sagan’s works—they’re profoundly important.

Carl Sagan’s contributions to bringing science into public consciousness cannot be overstated. For that, I’m endlessly grateful. He has had a profound impact on my life, and I’m confident that if you give his work a chance, you’ll feel the same way.

Check out my blog where I talk about book content like this: https://blog-on-books.blogspot.com/

I remember rewatching this movie just to see that scene when Denzel's character points a laser at the rewind screen and breaks everything, revealing that they are actually not just watching a recording, but actually seeing back in time and can interact with the past.

Also, Denzel Washington is the king.

One of my favorite sci-fi novels is Way Station by Clifford D. Simak. In my opinion, it is one of the best works of sci-fi in the 20th century. My question is why hasn’t this book been made into a movie? Frankly, I am surprised it has not been done already. Was it problems with Mr Simak’s estate? I also understand that often times, a book will be optioned and then put on a shelf. I hope this isn’t the case with Way Station.