I started reading Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey last night.
I _thought_ I had read it years ago; but, I was mistaken.
Seems I had read his short story "The Sentinal" years ago and mixed the two of them up somehow.
Totally different scene.
I've probably watched Kubrick's film at least a dozen times.
So, I re-read "The Sentinal" before diving into the main course.
Definitely a welcome, if temporary, respite from the world right now.
Fuckin' brilliant!
On the one hand, I feel like kind of an idiot for absentmindedly neglecting to read this
book at any time over the past decades. On the other: what delightful surprise to find this week.
I'm now curious to watch what my reactions will be when I re-watch Kubrick's version.
Richer? Poorer? We shall see....
I'm just glad this book has waited so patiently for me until now.
Happy belated 29th(or 34th) birthday HAL, you psychotic beastie!