May - "What's Better: the Book or the Movie?" - "The Sentinel / 2001"

Spring Greetings Everyone:

The weather is gradually getting warmer, and those delightful flowers are pulling us outside and away from our comfortable reading chairs, but just remember that you can have a comfy reading outside, too.

For May, we moderators have a treat planned (one of us is going to pretend that it is for their birthday), it is time for another "What's Better: the Book Or the Movie". This month we will have the opportunity to read the origin story of one of the most innovative science fiction movies of all time. We are speaking of course of the Stanley Kubrick classic "2001: a Space Odyssey" and the Arthur C. Clarke story, "The Sentinel", that it is based on entitled: "The Sentinel".

In "The Sentinel", a mysterious pyramid structure is discovered on the surface of the moon; surrounded by an invisible shield and not a product of mankind, scientists argue about its purpose as well as whether they should attempt to breach the shield

"2001: a Space Odyssey" is a tale spanning millions of years and millions of lightyears as humanity evolves and eventually reaches out into the stars. But when a strange alien obelisk is discovered on the moon it sets off a journey into the unknown, a journey into terror and finally a journey into humanity's future.

Book: "The Sentinel"

Author: Arthur C. Clarke

Info: A mysterious pyramid structure on the moon creates controversy and might spell the end of mankind's isolation

Availability: Clarke was a prolific writer of short stories, so this story is available in several print collections; it is also available digitally (Kindle) and via several Audible offerings. However, local libraries, Amazon.com, aLibris.com, Bookshop.org, and others of their ilk should be able to provide access to the story, either via print, digital, or audiobook.

Format: New & old paperback editions, used hardback & paperback, Kindle & Audible.

Film: "2001: A Space Odyssey" - 1968

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Writers: Arthur C. Clarke & Stanley Kubrick

Info: "An ancient alien obelisk on the moon propels mankind into a search for their future"

Availability: The original film is very well-known and available in a multitude of formats, including Blu-Ray, DVD, digital, and streaming. As it is a popular film, most libraries should be able to provide access, though it is available for purchase from Amazon and anywhere DVDs & Blu-Rays are offered for purchase. It is available for streaming through MAX (free) and for rent/purchase on Amazon Prime. Other, less legal options, are for you all to discover. Obviously, ONE of the moderators highly favors seeing it on as big a movie screen as you can.

Date: 20 May 2024

Time: 1800 - 2000 (6:00 - 8:00 p.m.)

Location: Zoom

As always, if anyone is having any trouble locating the reading or watching choice, please contact the moderators via our official website, the Facebook page, or reply to Jess' email.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in the Zoom Verse in a few weeks!

-Moderators Jess & Beth