Calculating God

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Robert J. Sawyer

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

In this Hugo-nominated novel, an alien walks into a museum and asks if he can see a paleontologist. But the arachnid ET hasn't come aboard a rowboat with the Pope and Stephen Hawking (although His Holiness does request an audience later). Landing at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, the spacefarer, Hollus, asks to compare notes on mass extinctions with resident dino-scientist Thomas Jericho. A shocked Jericho finds that not only does life exist on other planets, but that every civilization in the galaxy has experienced extinction events at precisely the same time. Armed with that disconcerting information (and a little help from a grand unifying theory), the alien informs Jericho, almost dismissively, that the primary goal of modern science is to discover why God has behaved as he has and to determine his methods.

BONUS AUDIO: Author Robert J. Sawyer explains how the creationism vs. evolution debate informed the writing of Calculating God.

• 2009 Audie Award Winner, Science Fiction/Fantasy

©2000 by Robert J. Sawyer (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Is Sawyer Canada's answer to Michael Crichton? Very possibly yes." ( Montreal Gazette)
"Jonathan Davis...is one of our very best narrators and this is a fine performance. I was rapt the entire time, and even near tears at one moment in the book." (sffaudio.com; named an SFFaudio Essential)
"Jonathan Davis portrays a thoughtful and quietly introspective Jericho....As the conversation with Hollus continues, Davis keeps a steady pace and reflects the intellectual engagement of both characters. He presents the alien's speech as lightly studied, a fitting style for a non-English speaker who coordinates his speech between two mouths." ( AudioFile)

Excellent Sci-Fi - Great Audio Performance

As this was my first introduction to Sawyer I had no preconceived notions about his themes or style. I think that perspective actually enhanced my enjoyment of this novel. As some others have said about this book, it is very thought provoking. However, I would also add that the book has a very emotional resonance with anyone that has children and or close family. Although you discover in the very first of this book what it is about--or more precisely, what you think it is about--the story continues to evolve to the end. Is it a classic sci-fi story, a mystery, a theological debate, a history lesson, or a crime drama? I think it is all of the above.

I want to also give credit to Jonathan Davis. There are few narrators (Jim Dale being another) who really bring you into the story like he does. I really feel like I knew the characters of the book. Excellent work, thank you Mr. Davis.

As a life-long fan of sci-fi, I have never experienced a story like this.

If after listening to this book you don't at least spend a few minutes reevaluating your core beliefs, then you missed the point...

unexpected turn, after unexpected turn

I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed Calculating God, because I've read some of Robert J Sawyer's earlier work and so tried this one out.

Besides the delightful, and unexpected turns (it seems like the story could end satisfactorily two or three times and yet it keeps bringing you more -- and the more is very welcome.)

Then there is the unexpected turn of events where the alien, Hollis, isn't visiting earth just for visiting's sake, but is far ahead in what information he's after, hence his arrival at the Royal Ontario Museum. So, it's more the everyday, matter-of-factness of Hollis' visit and the obvious parallels we start to see and hear about his life and our own that become so very interesting.

SPOILER ALERT




But, the novel becomes very interesting when we find out that the aliens (more than one alien species arrive at the same time) believe in God and the counterpoint of our narrator being an atheist, that you really start to sink your teeth into this story.

And, I can't finish without noting how very, very likeable Hollis is. Robert Saywer has created a most memorable, endearing and charming character, in Hollis; dare I say, a lovely human-e creature.

Thank you Robert J Sawyer!

finally a thought provoking SF concerning "god"

this was a very well researched and scientifically based exploration of what first contact might mean and the possibility of a "creator", but it's not the silly biblical mythology but a much more thought provoking debate about evidence and purpose on a universal scale, not a tiny earthly point of view. 2 other friends really liked that aspect as well and I've recommended it to a 3rd and will others. nice to think about these things intelligently and not superstitiously.

Makes you think, and that's a good thing.

Where does Calculating God rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Easily in my top 10 favorite books, possibly top 5 so far.

What other book might you compare Calculating God to and why?

It's really hard to say because it's so original and thought provoking.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis and Robert J. Sawyer – was your favorite?

Hollus was my favorite

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The conversation's between the alien and atheist about religion.

Any additional comments?

My favorite quote from the book was, "Honor does not have to be defended."

Good story

Interesting story. Well written with a lot of good visuals. I read the authors' comments before I listened to the book - which I wouldn't recommend. It kind of tainted it for me. But if you look at this as a fictional story then it's interesting.

One fo my favorite books by a favorite author

From the moment that Hollus the alien landed in the plaza of the Royal Ontario Museum and strolled in to see a paleontologist, I was hooked. The book had a little of everything, humor, pathos and as with all of Sawyer's books, a lot of science but never dull. I've read most of his books, and this one is right up there with his trilogies. A really fun read.

Calculating GOD. Excellent Book

Would you listen to Calculating God again? Why?

The narrators had a pleasant voices that were easy to listen to. The story was intricate and a second listen would help to understand some of the points more clearly. Also enjoyed listening so hearing it again would not be a problem.

What did you like best about this story?

The whole plot was intricate and thought provoking.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis and Robert J. Sawyer – was your favorite?

The main alien character was fascinating.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

There are Aliens and they believe GOD exists. He's just not the all benevolent being we think he is!

Any additional comments?

Would recommend this book to others to read and certainly to listen to.

Compelling...

It took me a while to get into this book, but overall it was an interesting listen. It abounds with scientific terminology and as a non-scientist, there were times that i got a bit lost. However, and as the title suggests, there is a lot of "is-there-a-god" discussion, addressing the philosophical question about the reality of a higher power/creator rather than the theological Christian ethic--an important distinction for me, an agnostic bordering on atheism. These heady discussions mostly occur between the paleontologist at a Canadian museum and and a very likable alien and are hugely thought-provoking and well conceived. I ended up caring a lot for the characters, and though the ending was a tad contrived, the story was engaging and the narrator excellent. Recommend...

A rare gem

If only more books were available that brought such intelligence, philosophy, humor, drama, and pure entertainment together into an undeniably perfect package... This will be one of those books that you fall into depression after reading, because its over and you want to go back and experience it again for the first time. Yes, other reviewers talk about the thought provoking nature of the book and how it applies to their belief systems. Its irrelevant. Whats relevant is the fact that it is powerfully thought provoking regardless of who you are or what conditioning led you to your current set of beliefs. Read that shit, son.

interesting

Interesting concept to make a current hot topic into a book where the various angles are examined with dignity, without the hyped-up arguments you hear in today's media. Although at times a little slow and ponderous, overall quite well done. I think I'll read it again, just to get all the nuances of the ideas presented.