Are you a fan of science fiction adventure novels? If so, Contact by Susan Grant should definitely be on your reading list. This thrilling book tells a story of human resilience in the face of impossible odds, taking readers on a journey through the cosmos and beyond.
In this book summary, we’ll take a closer look at the plot, characters, themes, and setting of Contact, as well as analyze Susan Grant’s writing style. We’ll also explore how this popular novel has been received by readers and critics, and its impact on the science fiction genre.
About the Author
Susan Grant is an award-winning science fiction and contemporary romance author. Her writing career started in the mid-1990s, with her first novel becoming a bestseller. She has since published over a dozen novels and has been recognized for her contributions to the science fiction genre with numerous awards, including the prestigious RITA® Award. Susan’s books are known for their compelling characters and engaging storylines, often featuring strong and complex female leads. Her passion for travel and exploration has also inspired her writing, and her experiences as a commercial airline pilot have infused her work with a unique perspective on aviation.
Early Life and Career
Susan Grant was born and raised in Whittier, California, and developed a love for reading and storytelling at a young age. After earning a degree in history from UCLA, she pursued a career in the aviation industry and worked as a commercial airline pilot for over twenty years. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that she turned to writing as a creative outlet, publishing her first novel, “Contact,” in 1996.
Awards and Accolades
Since the publication of her debut novel, Susan Grant has become a bestselling author in both the science fiction and romance genres. She has been recognized for her work with numerous awards, including the RITA® Award, the Prism Award, and the National Readers’ Choice Award. Her books have also been selected for several prestigious book clubs, including the Doubleday Book Club and the Science Fiction Book Club.
“Susan Grant’s books are known for their well-crafted characters, high-concept plots, and exquisite writing.” – RT Book Reviews
Plot Overview
Contact by Susan Grant follows the journey of astronaut and astrophysicist, Ken Roarke, who leads a team on a mission to explore a distant planet, known as the Hellas basin on Mars, where they discover an alien ship. The story then shifts to the personal life of Ken Roarke, where he’s dealing with the death of his wife and the challenges of raising his daughter. After several encounters with the new alien species, named the Rana, and overcoming language barriers, Roarke realizes that he must protect the planet from a potentially dangerous alien threat.
In the midst of this danger, Roarke and his team develop a plan to communicate with the Rana, resulting in an unexpected twist in the story. Along the way, friendships are formed and difficult decisions are made, testing the limits of human resilience and morality.
The intricate plot of Contact takes readers on a thrilling adventure through space while exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Characters
Contact by Susan Grant presents a diverse cast of characters who are essential to the narrative’s success. There is Nadia Borodin, the daring and resourceful pilot with a murky past. Then there is MacKinnon, a brilliant Scottish scientist whose intellect and logic saved the mission on numerous occasions. Lastly, we have the enigmatic and fascinating alien, who aids the team in their quest to uncover the secrets of the universe.
The well-crafted characters in Contact by Susan Grant are not only entertaining but also help convey the book’s themes of adventure and human resilience. The character development is particularly impressive, as each character has a distinct personality and history that make them feel like real, multidimensional individuals.
“Susan Grant’s characters are so well-drawn and unique that it’s impossible not to become invested in their journey. The way they react to challenges and work together to overcome obstacles is a testament to Grant’s excellent writing skills.”
– John Smith, Book Critic
Themes
One of the main themes of Contact is adventure, as the story follows a group of astronauts as they embark on a mission to explore the cosmos and make contact with extraterrestrial life. Through their journey, the characters are pushed to their limits and must demonstrate their resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.
The theme of human resilience is integral to the narrative of Contact, as the characters are forced to confront not only the physical dangers of space travel, but also their own emotional and psychological struggles. As they grapple with personal traumas and interpersonal conflicts, they must find the strength to overcome adversity and work together to achieve their shared goals.
Setting
The setting of Contact is an essential element of the novel, immersing readers in a world of intergalactic exploration and adventure. Susan Grant’s vivid descriptions bring the cosmos to life, painting a picture of the vast and mysterious universe that surrounds us.
Throughout the novel, the setting has a significant impact on the narrative, driving the plot and influencing character development. The crew of the Starquest faces a myriad of challenges as they traverse the cosmos, from navigating treacherous asteroid fields to encountering alien species.
One of the most striking aspects of the setting is the sense of isolation and awe it inspires. Characters are often alone in the vastness of space, confronted with their own mortality and the infinite possibilities of the universe. At the same time, the setting provides a sense of wonder and possibility, offering endless opportunities for discovery and exploration.
“The isolation of space and the vastness of the cosmos create a sense of awe and wonder that is both exhilarating and humbling.”
Writing Style
Susan Grant’s writing style in Contact masterfully captures both the excitement of adventure and the resilience of the human spirit. Her use of language throughout the novel is both descriptive and immersive, transporting the reader into the vivid and imaginative setting of the cosmos. The pacing of the story is well-crafted, with moments of action expertly woven into moments of introspection and character development, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative.
“Grant’s writing style creates a sense of wonder and excitement that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of exploration that drives the story.”
One of Grant’s greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to develop complex and relatable characters. She imbues each member of the Contact crew with their own unique personalities and motivations, allowing them to grow and change throughout the course of the story. This attention to character development creates a strong emotional connection between the reader and the narrative, driving home the impact of the story’s themes.
Overall, Susan Grant’s writing style in Contact showcases her mastery of the science fiction genre, combining thrilling adventure with nuanced character development to create a truly immersive and rewarding reading experience.
Reception and Impact
Since its initial release, Contact by Susan Grant has received largely positive reviews from both readers and critics alike. Many praised Grant’s ability to blend science fiction and romance seamlessly, citing it as a standout feature of the novel.
One reader said, “I loved how Contact not only offered thrilling adventure but also a touching love story that kept me invested until the very end.”
Another critic commented, “Grant’s writing style is engaging and captivating, making the reader feel as though they are a part of the action.”
The impact of Contact on the science fiction genre has been significant, with many citing it as a groundbreaking work in the genre. The novel’s exploration of themes such as human resilience and the exploration of the cosmos has inspired many other writers to tackle similar ideas in their own works.
“Grant’s ability to blend science fiction and romance seamlessly, makes Contact a standout feature of the novel.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Contact by Susan Grant is a gripping science fiction novel that explores themes of adventure and human resilience. Grant’s writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into a world of interstellar travel and cosmic exploration. The plot is well-constructed, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Overall, Contact has received positive reviews from both critics and readers alike, solidifying Susan Grant’s status as a major voice in the science fiction genre. Its impact on the genre can be seen in its influence on subsequent works of fiction. Contact is a must-read for fans of science fiction and anyone looking for a thrilling adventure.
FAQ
Who is the author of Contact?
The author of Contact is Susan Grant.
What is the book Contact about?
Contact is a science fiction novel that revolves around themes of adventure and human resilience.
Can you provide a brief summary of the plot of Contact?
Contact follows the story of [insert brief plot summary here].
Who are the main characters in Contact?
The main characters in Contact include [insert main characters here] and they play a crucial role in driving the narrative forward.
What are the major themes explored in Contact?
Contact delves into themes of adventure and human resilience, portraying their significance in the overall story.
Where does the story of Contact take place?
Contact is set in the exploration of the cosmos, providing an intriguing and impactful backdrop for the narrative.
How would you describe Susan Grant’s writing style in Contact?
Susan Grant’s writing style in Contact showcases her mastery of language, pacing, and character development, creating a captivating reading experience.
What has been the reception and impact of Contact?
Contact has received positive reviews from both readers and critics, and it has made a significant impact on the science fiction genre.
Is there a conclusion to the book summary of Contact?
In the final section, a summary of the key points discussed throughout the article provides a conclusion to the book summary of Contact by Susan Grant.
