I love sci-fi but this did not check any real boxes. The story was drawn out and boring, I couldn't wait for it to end.

I would categorise this thoughtful work as philosophy rather than science fiction. This is by no means a criticism, but this is not a book for the usual Science Fiction reader looking for drama or vivid imagination. The story is vehicle for a discussion about how the world might react to a first alien contact. It assumes, reasonably I would say, that these visitors are benevolent, advanced and, like Star Trek's First Directives, prohibited from sharing technology. This is the unique selling point of the book; instead of the usual murderous monsters, or weird ones who are ostesibly friendly but turn out to have with sinister motives, or invisible lizard men, this imagines first contact with a people who are rather civilised. It focusses on the reaction to their arrival and the effect on the population of the planet. So this is a thoughtful book not an adventure and the story is told through the reactions and thoughts of a group of well infromed citizens, the main characters, and snapshots of the response of rhose in government. Not a lot happens. There is a discussion of the Scottish Enlightenment philospher David Hume's "is, ought to" paradox. This is all very pleasant for those of a philosophical bent but might be considered a little dull for usual readers of the genre.

This is the first science fiction I have enjoyed since reading most of Greg Bear’s novels a longish while ago. It manages to be current, fictional, political, optimistic and science fictional all in one place without sacrificing anything in the telling of the story. I have recommended it to many friends already, we all need to feel that there is someone up there looking out for us, especially in these trying times…….please let it be true!!!!
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity of being able to read this in exchange for an honest review.

A message was broadcast to Earth in eleven languages announcing aliens were saying hello. Everyday they broadcast, and eventually started answering questions. The novel goes through the change in humans as they realize they are not alone in universe. It's an interesting book, I wish it was condensed somewhat. It dragged on at times.

This science fiction book was listed in the science group, and I do not have any interest in science fiction. I did not read this book.