Rating: 
Summary: FANTASTIC
Review: The Canticle for Leibowitz is one of the best novels overall I have read to date. The novel is developing after the Nuclear War, where the monks of Order of Leibowitz are trying to preserve and understand the knowledge of the past. The book is divided in three parts, each of them with about 500 years difference. The plot is unbeleivable, the characters are very well developed. I think, there is not a page in the book that can be omited. The novel makes you think of what we have now and just take it for granted and then somebody is going to screw up and all you have tresured and possessed in your life, all you dreams and ambitions and plans are Gone in the blink of an eye. And then when you try to rebuid and get back to the level of civilization we have now, what are the chances that the history will not repeat itself. You do not need to be an expert or read any previous science fiction books to read and understand this novel. This book could have as easily been in the Fiction Section.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Book
Review: This book is an excellent depiction of post-apocalyptic life and church politics. Some of his assumptions are wrong (such as the fact that a large portion in Latin) The Latin isn't really a problem, however; the important parts are mostly translated and the rest is only supplementary. There is a delicate balance of humor and realism that makes the story wonderful to read. This is inherently a timeless novel. We gradually learn that after a nuclear war, the common people, 'simpletons', blamed the intellectuals for the destruction, burning books and lynching the learned. I.E. Leibowitz rebelled against this and fought to save knowledge, forming an order devoted to saving knowledge. The book consists of three novellas, each one covering less and less time and farther in the future. Each reveals something new about the world as it stands then and shows mankind's advancement. Miller wrote this when Communist paranoia was high, in the time of bomb shelters and paranoia. At the time, it was entirely possible that a set of explosions could devastate the world; he writes as such. He wrote far enough in the future that these situations could still occur, creating a piece that's universally accepted. Sadly, he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in 1997. This book requires a fairly large chunk of time invested to read but certainly pays off. It many good points about mankind and our nature while remaining readable and is very well written, making it one of the best pieces of science fiction I've ever read. If you have the time, you should read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable - a Great Book!
Review: I read "A Canticle for Leibowitz" as a 12-year old and recently re-read it at age 30+. It speaks to me even more fully than before. What a great book - the author examines the deep questions about What is Human, Are We Doomed to Repeat History, Can Man Overcome His Base Nature, etc. Then there is the historical parallel of the monasteries keeping the flame of learning alive during the New Dark Ages. (Interesting: apparently the author was present in WWII during the bombing of Monte Cassino Abbey, that center of learning - one wonders how much that affected this novel.) Buy this book and read it. You will not be disappointed. I read it 20 years ago and remembered it (and remembered it well!) all that time.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth reading, but some will find it boring
Review: If you're looking for a wild post-apocalyptic ride a-la Mad Max, don't pick up this book. But if you're into philosophical, classic sci-fi - then it is for you. Yes, the book does get dull at times, and Latin sentences without translation are a pain (if you read books on long subway rides like I do, the last thing you have the nerve for is dragging a dictionary around!). But the message is quite clear, and I liked the bitter-sweet feeling of the novel. The grand-daddy of the Post-Nuke Novel gets my approval, although I would not call it one of the best books I've ever read. I'm glad I have read it, nevertheless.
Rating:
Summary: When the end comes, I'm gonna be a booklegger
Review: YOu want an "end of the world" novel that actually involves you? Look no further, fellow reader: here it is. This book takes place in 3 parts, all of which are very involving and dynamic. Miller's approach of how mythology comes about, just how quickly things fall apart, and how faith can play such a key role in keeping the old knowledge alive. The characters are believeable and wonderful to get to know. This is a rare book where the events that unfold become a part of your life, where the people within its pages become your friends. My only regret was that the book ended WAY too soon.
Rating:
Summary: Miller
Review: Miller was one of the rare writters of SF to write one great masterpiece that is so good, that they rank his work among the Pantheon of great SF writters. This is the grand daddy of the Nuclear Holocaust novel. The ideas here have been gone over in several other SF novels, and in several movies and television shows. It is a sad statement that this has not been turned into one of those movies. Walter Miller is also one of those writers who felt he had to take his own life in the end.
Rating:
Summary: Not a light read, so don't read it expecting one
Review: This is one of my favorite books. I read it years ago, and was stunned, then recently read it again and was positively shattered. It is beautifully written, and has a serious message to deliver as well. However, it is not exciting. If you are expecting a rousing romp through a post-apocalyptic world, don't buy this. It is a serious, heavy, and beautiful book and I highly recommend it to anyone who thinks they can handle it.
Rating:
Summary: THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR!
Review: This novel comes in three parts; different time periods but with the same conclusion. This SF novel deals with mankind and how we insist on "evolving" (intellectually, economically, technologically) only to lead ourselves to destruction time and time again. It is an excellent piece of literature that deals with nuclear destruction and why the "meek" inherit the Earth. Are we destined to fall as a species...? Read and find out.
Rating: 
Summary: a frustrating read
Review: Frustrating because the author painted some great scenes that I will always remember, but I hated wading through all the psychobabble and religious claptrap.
Rating:
Summary: A Profoundly Moving Experience
Review: It has been suggested that A Canticle for Leibowitz is the greatest science fiction novel ever written. This is probably true - although the book is far broader and deeper than mere science fiction. This book is a must-read, even if one dislikes science fiction as a genre (I'm very picky myself). It is one of the few books of its type which incorporates religious faith at all - much less as a significant aspect of the story. I can't say enough about this book -- but I fear to say too much. Blessings.
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