Strngr Frm Sky St

by Margaret Wander Bonanno

Book Overview

Strangers from the Sky, the second giant Star Trek novel--following the mega-successful Enterprise--goes back in time to the Earth's first contact with an alien culture--the Vulcans. Kirk and his crew get swept up in the adventure as Earth decides whether to extend the hand of friendship ... or the fist of war.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671640496
• ISBN13: 9780671640491
• Release Date: July 1987
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Length: 402 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.

Customer Reviews

~ Earth's first contact with Vulcuns~

You won't find a better book in the Star Trek genre. Well written, close to canon. Bonanno captures Kirk,Spock and McCoy thoroughly, you can hear their voices as you read the story. Excellent, if you are a Trek fan don't miss this classic.

Separating fact from fantasy

A controversial best seller has been sweeping through the Federation and the Enterprise was no exception but when Dr. McCoy offered his copy to Capt. Kirk, Kirk was oddly resistent to reading it. When he finally began reading though he found that he could not put it down, that it even began to invade his dreams and sent him on a pilgrimage to one of the locations of the story. Had Kirk's obsession with the book driven him to madness? When McCoy called in Spock to help him save Kirk they discovered that Kirk was not the only one who had a strange reaction to the novel, leading them all to question what was fantasy and what was reality. After all, everyone knew when Vulcans and humans first made contact and it was long before Kirk and Spock were born. Wasn't it? Bonanno has woven a compelling story, her characterizations of the Enterprise crew that we all know and love is excellent. They, and the rest of the characters in the book all come to life as reasonable, believeable and engaging. She also manages to keep the various threads of the story interesting as they begin to wind their ways towards the climax. This is a definite 'don't miss' for fans of the series and would also be enjoyable to anyone with more than a passing interest in classic Trek, particularly the earliest episodes.

Unique tale to say the least...

Consider the fact that Admiral Kirk in the future is reading this book in regards to how the Vulcans crashed into one of our oceans to be discovered by humans who must decide if these aliens are here as friends or possible invaders as well as what to do next. As great a sci-fi as: "2001", "Rendezvous with Rama", "Childhood's End", "Foundation", "Ringworld", "Advent of the Corps", and so forth.

Does Spock have a Jewish ancestor?

I originally bought this book in connection with a writing project (still in progress) regarding possibly Jewish characters in the Star Trek universe. And yes, there *is* such a reference in "Strangers in the Sky" -- check out pages 228-29, where Professor Grayson (an ancestor of Amanda Grayson, Spock's mother), is wearing a yarmulke (Jewish skullcap). He then explains to Spock that he is really only an "honorary Jew" for having married his wife Dora -- who, we can assume from that remark, really is Jewish. Apparently the Graysons were not very observant of other Jewish traditions, however, because the Professor then offers Spock BACON and eggs (which he, being a vegetarian, declines.) Nevertheless, the implication here is, that Spock had a Jewish ancestor on his mother's human side. Aside from this interesting little tidbit for my own research, I found the book itself to be a very good read. Yes, it was longer than many of the newer Trek novels being produced today, but in my opinion, that was its strength. (Remember, folks, "Moby Dick" is also a very long book, and although Lily had not actually read it in "First Contact," Captain Picard obviously had!) The extra length of "Strangers" gave the author enough room to really develop the characters and go into some detail about the issues of fear, prejudice, and distrust that would be involved in first contact with aliens. And, like some of the other reviewers here, I like the way that Ms. Nonanno picked up on some of the early characters in the TOS series and told us about some of their accomplishments before getting killed off in "Where no Man Has Gone Before." Live long and prosper!

first it's hard, later it's easier

When I bought the book I thought: two afternoons and I finished another great Captain Kirk story. Nah, I'm still busy reading it (almost done) but I needed two whole weeks! The first part with admiral Kirk is great, but it's hard. Sentences are long, al lot of flashbacks and forwards. The mix of book and reality is great! Kirk flying of, fleeing for his friend Bones. And Spock chased by nightnmares! It's wonderful. The second part of the book reads easier. More action, no more flashing through history, just a wonderful story. I really can't wait to finish the book. I know it has to have a great ending. It's still Kirk you know!