Rating: 
Summary: one of Simak's "best"
Review: Picking the "best" novel of most writers is a problematic
enterprise. In the case of Clifford Simak, it's more problematic
than usual.Simak wrote science fiction of a curious personal sort. His
books and stories are built on a "what if?" initial
speculative premise. The story then develops and evolves
through analysis and of the effects of that premise on a
few characters. Rarely does he drag in more science fictional
apparatus than necessary. Many books (e.g., _Way Station_) contain notable elements of the pastoral, with a feeling
for small town milieux that is at times reminiscent of some
of the work of Ray Bradbury. The initial premise of _Way Station_ is that a soldier
who comes home from the Civil War is recruited by aliens
to be the caretaker of an interstellar "way station" to
be located on Earth. The consequences of his acceptance
include a life that extends far beyond that of his friends
and contemporaries, and the isolation that arises from his solitude. The final turn of the screw arises from the
next step: What happens when his long time role on Earth
becomes known to others? The resulting confection sometimes seems far away from the
"mag wheels and laser beams" style of SF. Science fiction
of a different century, almost. I wouldn't want to read it
all the time, but it's pleasant, literate, well-observed,
with characters we care about and a sense of ease -- I
almost want to say "serenity," but that's not quite right. Preamble aside, if one isn't immune to Simak's appeal,
_Way Station_ is one of his more satisfying productions.
Picking several other books by him that seem of similar
quality is a pretty straightforward task, subject to the
whims of personal taste. Two off the top of my head are
_The Goblin Reservation_ and _The Werewolf Principle_.
There are others. A good book. I've lent it to readers otherwise unfamiliar
with SF, and most have liked it. Like most science fiction, it's marked by the period
when it was written. It seemed almost an
anachronism when it appeared, though, so that's not
a serious objection.
Rating: 
Summary: Read This Book!!! (if you can find a copy)
Review: Possibly the finest SF novel---ever! My brother and I have dicussed this book many times. This, with todays technology, would be great to see on the big screen. Not for it's special effects, they would be secondary, but for the story. It is such a shame this book is out of print because so many Sci-Fi fans are being deprived, unless they are lucky enough to have someone tell them about it, of a true masterpiece of science fiction. Simak peaks your interest from the very start, then puts you on an emotional roller coaster that really never ends. This book is clever, exciting, thought-provoking, and most of all, fun! I actually have a hardback(stays on the shelf) and two paperback copies. The first one is so worn, I retired it and the other one will soon gain the same status. What does this tell you? Find a copy (more than one if possible) and experience one of the greatest Sci-Fi books ever written.
Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful, low-key, fine writing.
Review: This is one of Simak's best--the story of a man who lives quietly in an isolated part of Wisconsin and manages a transportation depot for an interstellar civilization of which Earth is not a part. Now Earth is in serious danger of a nuclear war, and at the same time, the interstellar society is experiencing a crisis of the spirit. Simak offers highly imaginative descriptions of aliens and their culture, and intersperses them with a loving appreciation of the natural world. The writing style is slow-paced and a little downbeat, reminiscent of Edgar Pangborn (author of the fine A Mirror for Observers), but even so, well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: Best short sci-fi novel
Review: This is one of the best short novels (around 200 pages) that the science fiction genre has to offer. Simak tells the tale of Enoch Wallace, a man with the responsibility of galatic travel weighing on his shoulders. Enoch is a wonderful character because he remains so very human when faced with the knowledge and understanding of alien culture and philosophies. Simak keeps the story short and simple which is good. I can't imagine this story unfolding into an epic novel like Dune. I rated this one four stars because I think the author has done better work. "City" by Simak was an astonishing collection of chronological short stories and altogether a better piece of writing. But, nevertheless, read "Way Station." It doesn't take long and it is well worth it.
Rating:
Summary: The absolute Best!!
Review: WAY STATION is about -- well, a way station. Unlike those of the old West, this way station is a place where interplanetary travelors stop along their journey. In a lonely farmhouse in rural Wisconsin lives Enoch Wallace, who operates this Way Station. After nearly a century of this work, and without aging a day, Wallace is beginning to attract attention. Great story, with a wonderfully satisfying ending.
Rating:
Summary: The absolute Best!!
Review: WAY STATION is about -- well, a way station. Unlike those of the old West, this way station is a place where interplanetary travelors stop along their journey. In a lonely farmhouse in rural Wisconsin lives Enoch Wallace, who operates this Way Station. After nearly a century of this work, and without aging a day, Wallace is beginning to attract attention. Great story, with a wonderfully satisfying ending.
Rating:
Summary: An old, old friend....
Review: Whenever I travel through the hills of SW Wisconsin I keep an eye open for Enoch Wallace's house. Simak has me convinced that it, and its owner, must be real. You cannot read this book without feeling that Enoch is an old, old friend. There is something about this 19th century man's lonely vigil through the centuries that seems right. Only a person so completely human could treat alien visitors with such unstinting hospitality- and humanity. They are just "folks", a might peculiar, but still folks. I can also believe that the old timers back in the hills would not give him up to outsiders if he did exist- not if he minded his own business, not if he belonged there.
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