Rating: 
Summary: Movie Rights
Review: Simak's estate should consider pushing to sell the movie rights to this work, especially given the current political climate. Someone like Lance Henriksen or Denzel Washington (think about it) would be terrific.The book is short, but still manages to wander - the subplot about Enoch's imaginary friends isn't really necessary, and the whole arc of the intergalactic community's politics and Earth's place in it - as well as the religious stuff about the Talisman - would have benefited from more attention. That aside, Enoch Wallace and Ulysses are two of SF's strongest characters, and the book is really a buddy picture about these two fine creatures and their relationship across more than 100 years. Too, it is a finely turned tale about loneliness and alienation that nothing else I've read on those two subjects touches. Someone would do well to write a spec screenplay and shop it around.
Rating: 
Summary: Which way to believability?
Review: The aliens in this book are not the problem. The problem is the human interactions with each other, and the simplistic and unbelievable reactions to events that unfold. Shallow human characters defeat the high potential the premise had. It's hard to believe most of what occurs. Without being able to buy into the story, I simply had no interest in what happened. A forgettable book. Even allowing that it is fictional, credibility is stretched too far. The "aliens" were more convincing than the humans, who are unfortunately necessary to the story. I don't see the basis for the praise this book gets, though I have enjoyed other books by Simak.
Rating: 
Summary: A quiet book that will soon enthrall you
Review: The only reason I picked up this book was because it was a Hugo winner. When I saw the cover I felt awful--it was an ugly, blotchy painting of somebody's face on a disgusting yellow background. Even when I started reading it I felt that this would be one of the "undeserving" sci-fi books. But then something happened in the plot and I was hooked. I read the entire book in one sitting, which is no great feat considering its relatively short length. Still, the book is one of the best sci-fi books I have ever read, although it is different from epics like Dune or the Foundation trilogy. Instead, it deals with a very small group of people in a very small region of the world. Although bigger things are hinted at, most of the action (if it can even be called that) takes place around one house. Even so, the book is enthralling, and its ideas I found to be fascinating. The reason I gave it 4 stars, however, is because I felt the ending was somewhat of a let-down. It seemed too pat and too much of an "Act of God" to deserve the rest of the novel as a prelude. It didn't follow at all from anything else! The truth is, however, that I would gladly have followed the plot for many more books. Even if the ending is somewhat of a letdown, people should still read this book for everything but the ending.
Rating:
Summary: Good while it lasts, but too short to develop real interest
Review: The premise of the book is that there is an enormous variety of lifeforms in the galaxy, which have banded together in a loose federation. Transportation is controlled by "Galactic Central" and proceeds through the titular way stations - much like Star Trek's transporters except there must be a pad at each end for transport to work. Earth is in a convenient location for a station but mankind is not ready to join the galactic community; an alien arrives to seek out a stationkeeper, one willing to keep the secret and avoid much human contact. Enoch Wallace is the alien's choice, and this novel is Enoch's story. The story takes place (and was written) at the height of the cold war. The interesting parts involve Enoch's interaction with the aliens that pass through the station, and with the few other humans he comes in contact with. Simak (the author) obviously put some thought into the variety of alien forms. He wisely avoids explaining too much about the working of alien minds and the alien technology, instead focussing on the human's impressions and speculations, including his hopes for the human race (if they can survive the politics of their leaders). Unfortunately, the length of the book (under 200 pages) precludes details. There are a couple of subplots that are silly to the point of irritation, such as the "imaginary" friends Enoch manages to create using a half-understood alien text. They are introduced simply to be dispensed with, and it lends nothing to the story or character development. Therefore, I enjoyed the book, but it seems more like an abridgement of a more interesting and longer novel, and you can't help wondering what it could have been. Incidentally, I think it would make a fine movie, especially today where special effects could pull off the liquid life forms, etc. In that medium, the short length would be a distinct advantage.
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: Superb and Subtle
Review: This is one of the best SciFi novels around. Its beauty lies within the subtlety of the ideas and and simple humanity found throughout. I have read and reread this book over the years, and each time the story seems to change in my perception. My copy fell apart from over use and I now find it out of print.If you come across this book...buy it because you'll never regret doing so.
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: Fantastic!
Review: This is probably one of the most imaginative "on Earth" scifi novels I've read. It combines both scifi with a story telling style of how humans on earth would deal with aliens just stopping by to visit in a humane and realistic style. I've read it at least 3 times.
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.
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