Sharing the Universe: Perspectives on Extraterrestrial Life [Illustrated] (Paperback)

Whether you are an astronomer, an avid enthusiast of estraterrestrial (E.T.) life, a skeptic, or just curious about the subject; there is something here for you.

This is not a super technical book; it's one the average person can understand, appreciate, and learn from. Besides the basics, I leaned about what is possible reagarding the search for E.T.s - (the approach and why)- and more interstingly, what is NOT possible. Shostak takes a clean, scientific, and logical approach, maybe even to the point of destroying the myths that we have come to know and love through science fiction, and at the same time providing a wealth of new possibilities.

Shostak has an interesting writing style. He starts out most sections with a question. Then he proceeds to discuss and argue all sides of the question, and often it appears he has even answered the question. But then he leaves you with another question - a great transition to the next section. I felt drawn through this book.

This book will certainly appeal to the history buff and the avid science fiction fan. Shostak cleverly weaves history, and television and Hollywood fantasy into his explanations.

Some of the excitement from this books comes from the fact that there is no end. It hasn't happened yet; we haven't found E.T.; in fact, it has only just begun. Shostak shows just what a long and tedious process this really is.

For me, what sets this book apart from others, is that although extremely informative, it is also full of wit and humor. Shostak takes the possibilities and provides scenarios, and explains them completely with all the above backup data. And the wit and humor assist in the understanding of what he is saying.

I was particularly interested to read about the birth of the SETI Institute by Frank Drake, and to learn of the SETI's struggle to survive - to break through the cocoon and finally spread its wings. It definitely seems to be an entity on its own and on its way.

At the end of the book, Shostak gives the scenario of what would happen if a signal comes in. It leaves you wondering . . .

The book's let down is that it skirts the issue of EXACTLY how we look for ET's. Details; we want details! WHY are the present observing projects the VERY BEST we can do with our extant resources? Certainly Shostak knows the issues intimately but has not included them in ANY depth here. And hence the rub. For with the present (at best naive) set of microwave SETI observing scenarios we can look and look ('but after all where are we?' as Robert Frost said) with very little chance of finding ANY ET signals. Small as in astronomical teeny. Dr. Shostak knows these issues but perhaps feels its too early for the public to get a taste of the battle brewing.

For, ironically, as this book seeks to build credibility for a "fringe" enterprise the premises are already under fire. Call it an 'internal feud'; a scientific but fundamental disagreement among scientists who also, for the most part, are friends. But, as Bette Davis says:" fasten your seat belts; its going to be a bumpy night". C'mon Seth; its time to let the audience know:-) A 'thousand points of light' does not a survey make and to capture the better part of 500 billion others, twinkling away (hint hint),is a goal worthy of your abilities:-) And every amateur as! tronomer knows that a two second exposure or a 5 minute one shows a fabulously uninteresting sky. Tell the folks the problems; they can take it.

Your SETI INSIDER, dear reader, nonetheless recommends you purchase this book as part of your collection. Perhaps we may look forward to the issues addressed here in Dr. Shostak's next book.

The SETI INSIDER :-)