Jupiter: A Novel (The Grand Tour)

Yes, I've been forced to change my tone about the author of Jupiter because of this book. Normally, I spend my time rolling my eyes and groaning in disgust at the blatant chauvinism and unending technobabble of previous novels by Ben Bova. I'm a big Sci-fi fan, and no matter what everyone says, his books are formulaic by all standards. HOWEVER... Jupiter is another story. I often call reading a new book by Ben Bova punishment, but this time I had to eat my words. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I thought it was the sort of sci-fi that I think should be done more often, where the reader is left with thoughts and questions and where their imaginations are challenged. Without spoiling it, (although as I read through several of the other reviews, I shouldn't be too concerned about that since they've already spoiled part of it), I must state that my favourite character in this book, is Leviathan. I believe this story is a wonderful dance of two EXTREMELY DIFFERENT characters with almost everything else in common, a sense of wonder, exploration, defiance of rules, and most important, an insatiable curiosity and goodness.As my friend said who also read this book... unlike most other alien encounter tales, this one allows for mutual ignorance and misunderstanding between human and alien, yet have a positive and fruitful encounter, without overdoing the whole 'first contact' concept, which is often indeed abused by other authors.Ben Bova -- My personal message to you is, KEEP THIS UP. I loved Sheena, the dolphins, Dr. Wo, the whole thing from beginning to end, and you even gave the whole chauvinistic thing a bit of a rest (even tho occasional yet acceptable levels of it appeared on occasion to remind us this was indeed Ben Bova writing this novel)!To other readers: His previous fans might find this book annoying, which is fine. To anyone else who may enjoy a flight of imagination, read Jupiter.

Just incredible. He keeps building "our galaxy" for us. He even keeps unity whith his previous books.He makes science fiction so "credible" that is dificult no to think taht things will be that way in the future.I need the next chapter of Jupiter (and Venus too). I hope he'll write it soon. I'd like him to write books as fast as I devour them.

Grant Archer is the prototypical reluctant hero. All he wants is to work out his public service obligation on the moon, writing his dissertation on harmless (to the ruling religious parties) astronomy. Instead, the draft board sends him to Jupiter to spy on the scientific base there.Grant is torn between his identity as a man of faith, and that as a scientist. Still, something is going on in orbit around Jupiter and he finds himself involved. Ben Bova is a longtime master of SF, and JUPITER is certainly a credible addition to the collection. In some ways, Grant is a throwback to the SF of the fifties and sixties (teen is thrown into adventure and saves the universe), but Bova adds science, political speculation, and a bit of a mystery to round out the novel. Positioning Grant as a man of both faith and science adds a dimension to the character missing in more pot-boiler SF.

I've read a few of Bova's works, His short stories, Mars, Return to Mars, I enjoyed them all but none better then this bok Jupiter. Bova's imagination is great and he does not exceed the point where you say "Hey that could never happen". Bova tells a great tale and I recomend anyone who has enjoyed his books to read this, any sci-fi fan this is a must.

I had the chance to read this work in galley just before the holidays. I am a long-time Bova fan, beginning in my tender years when he took over Analog. Bova, probably more than anyone of his generation KNOWS the space program and this book shows it. He has a firm grasp of the physics and mechanics not only of the hardware but the human heart. There are no lightyear leaps, no warp drive, no phasers, but if you are interested in what the sons and daughters of your sons and daughters MIGHT be doing, then Bova has an option for you.