2001: a Space Odyssey is an enjoyable read for one who enjoys learning all the intricacies of systems, and wants to see an accurate depiction of space. From the start, Arthur C. Clarke creates suspense by introducing mysterious monoliths, which tend to appear through out the story. Also from the beginning, however, we are introduced to roughly five chapters worth of prehistory of the human race. As much as it is fascinating, it isn't what one would expect when starting to read a book about a journey through space. Once one gets past the first five chapters, however, the trip through space begins. We go off onto the journey of Heywood Floyd, which sets up the rest of the book, and triggers the true purpose for the odyssey. Then the story reaches the crew of the Discovery, where every aspect of their life and journey through space is discussed. This story wouldn't be true to its name, as an odyssey, if it didn't have conflict. HAL 9000, the computer onboard the ship, goes insane and tries to kill the crew. The only survivor has to disconnect HAL, and that has to be one of the most heart wrenching scenes in the entire book, as the survivor starts slowly disassembling the computer as it makes pleas for its survival. The ending of this book was surprising, and there was a major cliffhanger left by it, as we don't know what is going to happen with this star child. Overall, someone who enjoys tales set in space in futuristic surroundings will enjoy this novel.
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