Rating: 
Summary: A big disappointment
Review: What was all the fanfare about? I thought the book was disappointing on several fronts. First, the character Anne was really annoying. If Anne was based on the Author, loosely at least, then the author is either self-aggrandizing or maybe a wishful thinker. Next, Sofia Mendes. The constant reference to her Jewish identity became belaboring after a while. Perhaps this over-attention to Sofia's lineage and outlook is a reflection of the author's recent conversion. I felt, however, like she was trying to prove to us that Jewish culture is wonderful and rich. I don't think anyone can argue about the Jewish contribution to humanity, but it seemed like it was part of the author's agenda via character development. Her distaste for the Islamic world and culture are pretty evident. For example, the author's portrayal of the Muslim world from which Sofia escapes is stereotypically violent. Turkey, amidst Kurdish rebellion, devolves into utter chaos whereupon Sofia is forced into prostitution; or father Singh who's hands had been blown off by a bomb in Pakistan. And there are others. The only interesting character was Sandoz. His personal hell was quite unique and forces him to raise some very hard questions about God and the attributes of God. But it took 400 pages to get there! I felt the first 250 pages is listening to how sparkly Anne was, and how beautiful and smart Sofia is, and what glib conversations they all have. On theology, I didn't think she really addressed some of the more interesting questions about the implications for life elsewhere from an evolutionary standpoint. How would evolution stand in the face of religion under the context of extraterrestrial life. How would the nature of God evolve on a planet that did not evolve on Earth? Would the aliens be challenged by their beliefs if they encountered another life form from another planet? The aliens seemed pretty one dimensional. As science fiction, there are much better stories out there.
Rating: 
Summary: An unforgettable storyline !
Review: This is beautifully written book which has left me both spiritually uplifted and profoundly disturbed at the same time. It reveals that concepts such as good and evil are merely a matter of interpretation, and supposedly inhumane acts can be seen as humane in the context of other another set of alien belief systems. Russell's detailed construction of each of the principal characters outlining their fears and hopes, makes other novelists' attempts at character-building look positively shallow. Sci-fi techno-babble is refreshingly kept to a minimum, and I liked Russell's technique of employing a 'flash-back' approach, alternating the storyline between the present and the past. A very enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Science Fiction at it's best!
Review: This book does what Science Fiction is suposed to do, take the impossible as possible and put humanity in the middle. It is not a book for techology addicts or some seeking a sci-fi thriller. It explores the "what if" 's at the edge of imagination and morality. Perhaps the plot devices used to keep the story going where not fully believable, but the mechanics of how the the characters found themselves to be in their situation isn't really what interested me as a reader, it is the reactions of the characters and how well I could empathize with them. I found the characters to be well developed and vivid enough that I still remember each one and can still see their imaiginary faces in my mind. A beatiful and delicate read!!
Rating: 
Summary: A good read, but not sure it was worth it
Review: I see the flaws that so many readers have pointed out, but nevertheless, I was fascinated and have been thinking about the book ever since I finished it. But did it have to be so brutal? I feel wrung out from all the violence, and I don't think it was necessary. I don't think I will subject myself to Children of God.
Rating:
Summary: A haunting and beautiful book
Review: While the writing is a little clunky at times, the overall effect of this book is stunning. I read it a month ago and I'm still thinking about it.
Rating:
Summary: Lot's of death, God, and some science fiction; good book.
Review: The Sparrow deals pretty strongly with the issue of death of loved ones. In the first few pages of the book you realize that almost everyone that went on this trip is going to die. The problem is that they do not die until close to the end. And you relly get to like the characters. The other major theme is God. The author does a great job of giving us insight into the minds of Jesuit priests (in a non-religious kind-of-way). This odd mix of Jesuits in space makes it fresh and interesting. This is a strong book. It is much more about God and death of loved ones than it is about science fiction. Nevertheless, it is a page-turner.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting read with a abrupt ending
Review: This book was a journey through many emotions, from sheer enlightenment and joy, to true disgust and sorrow. And it kept me interested throughout. My only problem with the story was the abrupt end. We are learning about the Rakhat mission, but we are also reading about the Jesuit priests who are discovering what happened. After the priests hear about the entire trip I would have liked to learn a little bit more of how it affected their lives and beliefs. Also, how it affected their feelings toward Sandoz and towards sending humans to other planets. An interesting thought is if any of the Jesuits would feel a sense of responsibility for the tragedy.
Rating: 
Summary: Where are the real aliens??
Review: Biggest problem with this book was the characterization of the aliens -- they are exceedingly dull and much too human. Everything is about commerce and trading and shipping and all the boring crap you never studied in history or economics. I'm not looking for bug-eyed mutants, but the alien world just felt like 17th century Europe. Yawn.
Rating:
Summary: The time dilation physics is spectacularly incorrect!
Review: Time dilation is critical to the plot of this novel. Yet it is completely wrong as it stands in this book. As the trip is laid out in this tale, there would be *no* time dilation to speak of; yet the author assumes a huge time dilation factor. How an error as glaring as this could make it into a published novel is beyond me. But not as far beyond me as the fact that no one seems to notice!
Rating:
Summary: Change the ending a little...
Review: ...and it would have been a different story if DW, the gay cowboy Jesuit leader, had been the one gang raped by the aliens instead of the sensitive, straight Jesuit, Emilio Sandoz.
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