2001

A Space Odyssey

By: Arthur C. Clarke

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

It has been 40 years since the publication of this classic science-fiction novel that changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man adventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.

This allegory about humanity's exploration of the universe, and the universe's reaction to humanity, was the basis for director Stanley Kubrick's immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.

©1968 Polaris Productions, Inc.; 1968 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2000 Brilliance Audio

Now I see what Kubric was 'doing' with the ending

Excellent Book! For fans of the movie, the book follows it exactly (until end).. but seems to move quicker and with more excitement. You won't be wondering what the hell just happened like the movie.

-Spoiler-
Now the ending was great. Actually made sense and kinda reminded me of 'contact' in how the aliens dealt with visitors. It made me wonder why the movie didn't use this storyline..? It would've been great and made sense. The movie ending is one big mess. I see what Kubric was trying to do, but he did it badly. BADLY. I came away with more respect for Clark, and less for Kubric. Clark was a genius and its a shame he didn't write more.(easy for me to say ha) Check out 'Childhoods End' for another Clark masterpiece. 'Rendezvous with Rama' is also good but maybe a tad anti climactic... to say the least.

Get the Book you won't regret it!

Not a fan of Dick Hill

Yes-I know everyone love his narrations but, for me, I thought his best lines were as HAL9000. When it came to giving life to the human characters Hill's narration wasn't up to par.

Of course I've seen the movie 5 times and read the book several times..Because it is a favorite for me I though I'd buy the Audible version. It's wonderfully written and having Sir Arthur Clarke's prequel was so entertaining.

As I know the story well, I ended u quite disappointed with Hill's interpretation of it.

I'm sure all the Hill admirers will bast my review, but I can think of several other narrators who would have done a much better job.

Nice Book

Would you consider the audio edition of 2001 to be better than the print version?

I liked the audio version... Kept me engaged.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the foreword quite a bit from Clarke. I like the dawn of human kind to space travel element.

What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good variation between humans voices, HAL 9000, intercom speak... Enhanced the listening quite a bit.

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

HAL in control was alarming.

Epic

One of the greats. Though the ending lends itself better for film in my opinion.

review of 2001: Space Odyssey

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book who likes to read science fiction, this is a classic. This is a must read on your list, the time will pass very fast.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Leanering about Hal 9000

Have you listened to any of Dick Hill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

One of the most thrilling video of deep space probes

A longer story is all I could wish for

Where does 2001 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This will be in my top ten rotation of audio books I listen to every year.

Who was your favorite character and why?

HAL of course.

Any additional comments?

The reading was well done and the forward by Clarke is good stuff. I was not disappointed.

Challenge yourself to understand the movie first

Any additional comments?

The movie was so mysterious but the book really spoon-feeds the plot to you. Watch the movie many times before reading and try to figure it out!

Big fan of the movie, now bigger fan of the book.

The movie is one of my favorite and when i tried to read the book normally i found it to be a dry read. But this audiobook made it easy and I enjoyed it very much.

Perfectly voiced!

This was great! the narration was superb! The accents and cadence of all the characters was just as I'd expected them to be. Bravo!

Rare scientific accuracy

I am absolutely floored by the scientific literacy of Mr Clarke. Brilliant writing to go along with the enthralling story. It's clear that much of science fiction has been based off his ideas in this book. Some tech may have been influenced too.

It's a rare treasure to find such a book.