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Summary: Mythical
Review: One of the best science fiction books in history, this is one of the few works that you need to read in order to have an education in SF. Whether you like it or not (who could not like this?), if you do not read it any time in your life, you will be a SF poser. What can I say that it has not been said before? This book has it all; from speculative technology (for it's time, look around you now) to glimpses of the ultimate evolution of conscious life. Sir Arthur C. Clarke, the grand master of Science Fiction (Along with many others) did an excellent work with this fine masterpiece. If you haven't, see the movie as well.
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Summary: Better than the film - the book makes sense!!
Review: The film was a visual masterpiece, though I had no idea what was happening. I had always assumed that the book would be similarly baffling, but finally read it this year after a recommendation from a friend. The book is a revelation! Not only does the Odyssey make sense to me now, but the quality of the writing is excellent. Clarke was a true visionary and his work with NASA was no publicity stunt. It is a very easy book to read - both in terms of the writing style and its compulsion. I read it in just over a day, and am left wondering why I waited 20 years to do so! Read it and understand!
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Summary: A Powerful Vision of Life
Review: After reading Arthur C. Clarke's short story 'The Sentinal,' filmaker Stanely Kubrick enlisted the author's aide in creating what he deemed the 'perverbial good science-fiction movie.' The result of this great collaberation was '2001: A Space Odyssey.' The novel, which came out after the movie but was created at the same time, is a stirring tale of human evolution, exploration, and hope. The story begins with our ape-like progenitors and their discovery of a odd object- a black monolith, that boosts their IQ to a level that will promote thier evolution. Fast forward three million years: NASA discovers a strange object- a black monolith, buried beneath the lunar surface. When the sun hits it for the first time in three million years it sends a signal across the solar system. The expedition that follows is filled with hope, but will it succeed? The novel does have several minor differences from the 1968 film- for instance the planet of destination is Saturn, not Jupiter. But if you have seen the film and are a little confused as to what the monolith is and just what transformation the astronaut Bowman underwent, the book will answer you questions. A marvel of science-ficton!
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Summary: Makes ya think.......
Review: I recently saw the movie 2001 as interpreted through Stanley Kubrick's artsy fashion and was left thinking "huh?" So i decided the get the book and boy what a great move. This book just keeps getting better and better. The ending is unbelievable and after reading it you think about what it all means. Definitely buy it and get 2010 as well. If you really like them pick up the other 2. They're pretty good reads.
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Summary: Atmosphere out in space...
Review: This is the bible of sci-fi. Almost like a holy book for every sci-fi fan. And everyone should read this. This is a masterpiece... Let me get started. I'm little over 14 now, and I readed this book two years ago and still I haven't forgotten it. It isn't long; well, it is a first part of a trilogy; but it'll enlarge your mind. This is a thinking man's book. I can't quite compare the movie to this; they're both good in their own ways ( I found the movie still a bit boring compared to the book ), but this wonderfully creates images to your mind. This could be real; in the near future. And questions like What is life? Why do we want to explore outer space? How can life last and why has it always been? awakes. I readed this book in two days; and I readed it again the very instance; second time trying to understand certain parts of the book. But still they remain mystery and so they should. Buy this book, or loan it from the library; either way read this at least twice. Only one read isn't fair to this story. It is the odysseus of the 21th century. eye of life opens. And first sight it sees is a mystery. What's the monolith. Still, after thousands of generations and technology we'll never know. Well, maybe I should read this again. And so I will.
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Summary: 2001: A Space Odyssey Forgets the Medium
Review: I say 'Forgets the Medium' because the Medium is a book, this is more than just a book. It can be fully understood by all. If you read this book and said, "Huh?" you understood it. If you read this book and said, "I wonder what everybody thought was so complicated?" you understood it. And if you don't know what I am talking about you obviously haven't read this book...Do.
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Summary: The Absolute Bestest In The Whole Wide World
Review: The title of my review says it all, but I will go a little further for those of who want to know more about my favorite book. I loved the movie so I decided to read the book. Good decision. Do the same! Once you start you'll want to finish it in one sitting! The marvelous storytelling of Clarke is truly spectacular! The riveting plot, and plots don't get any better than this, folks, compells you to read on! For the last time, READ THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK. You won't regret it.
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Summary: One of The Best Sci-Fi Books Ever
Review: This is one of those classics science fiction novels that never goes away, and with good reason: it's a classic. Yes, in every sense of the word. 2001 is a mind-blowing and thought-provoking space epic that starts out somewhat slow, but is ultimately rewarding (what an understatement). Like in all of Clarke's novels, there is a main underlying theme, but it never gets in the way of the plot. This is an absolute masterpiece of SF, and anyone who is just getting into the genre, well, this should be one of your first reads. Also, I found this book to be very funny, something which I have found that few other people have mentioned. Maybe that means you have to be a "nerd" to "get" the jokes. Whatever the case, it is a fact that I laughed out loud several times during the course of this book. Read it, enjoy it, and watch the excellent movie version.
Rating: 
Summary: Engrossing
Review: When I saw the movie 2001, I was completely confused. I understood the basic plot line but didn't understand any of the nuances. I found the end especially baffling. Reading the book cleared up my confusion and answered my questions (and created a few more). The premise of the book is excellent. Instead of having a typical face-to-face run-in with aliens, the characters in the book come upon evidence of alien intelligence: a black monolith which pre-dates modern history. As they try to discover who left the monolith, questions are answered and many more questions arise. The storyline was unique, and although the characters were underdeveloped they were believable. The imagery in the book was wonderful: I could picture Jupiter, Saturn, and the moons of the planets as Clarke described them. I found it amazing how accurate his descriptions were considering what we know now about these heavenly bodies compared to what they knew at the time the book was written. I would recommend this book to science fiction fans who aren't interested in violence. This doesn't have any of the wars or combat that many SF books have. I would also recommend it to technical-oriented people who have an interest in learning more about astronomy.
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Summary: Worthy of the title "Masterpiece"
Review: This book makes one realize just how small our planet and most of our lives are. Having seen only the movie, this answered a lot of my questions which came towards the ending. Like most of the books I've enjoyed and reviewed, one can truly come away from reading this and feel closer to a full understanding of life. This book is also a part of Easton Press' Masterpieces of Science Fiction and is most definitely a worthy addition to anyone's personal library.
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