First written as a screenplay in 1979, it was later brought to the screen in 1997. The action reads like a film, the science and history is wonderful popular science. The relationships and faith are the real impact here, one I didn't get from seeing the film first.

In very brief summary, this is a very personal story of Eleanor "Ellie" Arroway, who today would be a poster child for STEM. Her science leads her and the world to the discovery of alien contact and beyond, but her relationships with scientists and others remains the focus. In a very strong way, this novel is as much about her contact with humanity as with aliens.

This is Sagan's only fiction, which is a shame - the world needs more science in fiction (and outside of it also). I wish I'd read this in college. 4½ stars.