"On a Very Special Episode of Geek 4"

This episode of Geek 4 is a little different. Instead of an interview with someone or an audio essay by me, this week I'm presenting a conversation  between Brenton Dickieson, Emily Strand, and myself about Mary Doria Russell's 1996 debut science fiction novel, The Sparrow.

The three of us were all featured in Refuge 31's The Science Fiction Makers, and since have connected over Twitter. At some point, we decided to start a science fiction reading group and chose The Sparrow as our first novel to read and discuss.

We've already agreed to set up another of these, and we'll be talking about Russell's 1998 sequel, The Children of God as well as wrappin up any final thoughts we have on The Sparrow (like actually talking about Sandoz’s. hands!).

Goodreads.com summarizes the plot of The Sparrow thusly: "In 2019, humanity finally finds proof of extraterrestrial life when a listening post in Puerto Rico picks up exquisite singing from a planet that will come to be known as Rakhat. While United Nations diplomats endlessly debate a possible first contact mission, the Society of Jesus quietly organizes an eight-person scientific expedition of its own. What the Jesuits find is a world so beyond comprehension that it will lead them to question what it means to be 'human'."

Or, watch the video!

You can follow Brenton on Twitter @BrentonDana and follow his blog , A Pilgrim in Narnia

 You can follow Emily on Twitter @ekcstrand and follow her website (emilystrand.com) or her blog (LiturgyandLife.com)

You can follow Michael on Twitter @mwboyce and Instagram @mwboyce and follow my website michaelwboyce.com