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Forever Peace
Joe Haldeman
Nebula 1999, Hugo 1998

A spiritual science fiction/mystery/philosophy book complete with a vivid cast of memorable personalities. Though a first book, a technically excellent form creates a delightfully escalading suspense.

Wonderful character descriptions provide numerous, clearly-portrayed people and stimulating dialog. Abundant emotional detail paints people pictures clear enough to feel real and known. "Lacking a future, he became a connoisseur of the ephemeral. A singularity, he devoted himself to an appreciation of the unique." "He's a merchant, not an engineer. Besides, the last human with a clear grasp of all the technology he used was probably Leonardo da Vinci."

Challenging theological discussions add depth beyond the entertainment value: "What sticks in my throat is that God gets the credit but never the blame. I just can't swallow that kind of theological candy." "'In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes the awful grace of God." "Faced with the Divine, people took refuge in the banal" historical commentary

A good sense of humor fills in gaps and makes the personalities believable. "...a Twelve Step program for people who talk too much? You could call it On and On Anon." "The dinner conversation, as hot and colorful as the barbecue sauce, soon found its center of gravity around politics"

And homespun aphorisms, wisdom for the everyday, leave no doubt - definitely an important book. "I am happy where I am today, so I am thankful for each step that took me here." "He let the problem go, for pursuit can drive the quarry away."

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