Far Beyond the Stars

Of all the Trek novels I've read only a handful of the stories ever remained in my conscience, this of course is one of them! I only hope that other readers realize that racism is still here today and that Trek is only a goody-two-shoes version of our future. We must not only hope, (nuff preachin'!) READ THE BOOK!! FEEL THE PAIN!! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!

This book made me FEEL the pain of racism and made me think hard about the ways in which is still manifested today. In addition to the two storylines followed in the television episode (Sisko in the 24th century and Russell in 1953), the book covered an earlier period in Benny Russell's life, which leads me to wonder - was this part also planned for the original episode, or did Barnes create it? The addition was most illuminating.

At first, it seems like a book about the TV episode, but it is more than that. It shows the life of Benny Russell, not just what happens to him on the episode. Steve Barnes not only takes you to the events of Benny's life, the emotions are so vivid, I cried. The issues of racism, prejudice, and hate are brought up in a very clever way, not just from the oppressed point of view, but also from the oppressor's point of view. If you like Star Trek, you'll like this book. It shows how Star Trek fits into our culture, how racism is still very much alive.

I hate most Star Trek novelizations, but this is an excellent piece of work. Dealing with racism and other issues sometimes left behind in the whiz-bang of the utopian Star Trek universe, this novel is what other Trek novelists should be shooting for. Old SF buffs will love it for the inside jokes and satire of science fiction's early days. Even the cover is a work of pure genius (a wonderful take-off on SF magazines like Amazing). All in all, a tip of the hat to Steve Barnes for a wonderful piece of work.

This is an excellent novel. It is based on the DS9 episode of the same name, but brings so much more out with respect to Benny Russell. The episode itself was a wonderful exploration of someone who had a dream in the 1950's that all peoples could someday live and work together in harmony and the book expands on this even more. Barnes has crafted a first rate novel, and the fact that it is a Star Trek novel doesn't detract at all, but adds to what he's done. In a world filled with conflict and racial tension, Star Trek gives us hope for the future. It allows us to hope that the human race can someday be one and explore the stars. This novel gives that idea a very relevant twist. Things are certainly better now than they were for Benny Russell, but there is still a long way to go.