Absolute Values [Hardcover]

Andrew Menard (Author), Ketan Patel (Editor), Shanna Read (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 17, 2005

In 2065, when a Navajo girl tries to prove a breakthrough scientific theory by using advanced technology in her father’s laboratory, she instead finds herself transported to an alternate world among an intelligent and hostile species in this science fiction novel. The girl’s broad capacities for communication, creativity, and curiosity are vital in her struggle to survive and make sense of her strange new world. Using real science and plausible technology concepts, this life-affirming story is notable among other science fiction works for its strong theme of tolerance and its striking minimalist style.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Menard's Soh deserve a place among the more fascinating aliens in science fiction." best-selling author David Brin -- David Brin

Menard's Absolute Values "deserves recognition as one of the best first novels of the genre." best-selling author Piers Anthony -- Piers Anthony

About the Author

Andrew Menard is a former lawyer with particular experience in business applications of new technology. He lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 386 pages
• Publisher: Princess Tides Publishing (January 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975588443
• ISBN-13: 978-0975588444
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,895,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very impressive first novel, a must read, February 23, 2005

By 

John Moynihan (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Absolute Values (Hardcover)

Once in a blue moon a book will come along and knock your socks off. Andrew Menard's "Absolute Values" is one of these. For those of you who say that there is no new intelligent science fiction being written I say that you should read "Absolute Values".

Fans of physics, philosophy, and even teenage angst will find pleasure in this book. Menard's world building skills are both intelligent and original and his minimalist approach leaves you wanting more.

"Absolute Values" is a highly satisfying and welcome addition to the genre.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mathmatics, science, and fiction, April 13, 2005

By 

William R. Creamer (Marblehead, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Absolute Values (Hardcover)

This is a book that will appeal to science fiction buffs that prefer a new approach to what is in their future use of computers and other ancillary equipment. The story plot is very different as it takes the reader into a paralell world through the talent of a 15 year old girl who borders on genius. The two worlds are different; one occupied by humans and the other by a different, intellegent race with a different social structure that is without speech but is able to communicate by telepathy. Avery different approach to science and fiction.
A very good read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, May 8, 2005

By 

Melissa Heus "Avid Reader - origonal name, huh?" (Ridgefield, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Absolute Values (Hardcover)

I was lucky enough to get to read this book before it skyrocketed into book stores (its not there yet, but it will be soon - trust me, it's that good). I was drawn to this book by its great cover, with the ancient ruins and a mixture of mathematical forumals. I judge books by there cover, but this book was better than its cover.

It starts out with Anaba, a fifteen year old girl who is lazy, and stubborn, and rude. She refuses to accept her culture and heritege, she has no friends save her horse, and is a selfish brat (in my opionion). She also happens to be a mathamatical child prodigy who excells on the quantam computer. Set in the year 2065 it starst out with the intruige of a futuristic sci-fi book, but then gets even better.

While trying to proove her theory of everything she finds herself on a hostile alternate world, with new intellegent beings. The new life on this planet was probably the most intersting part of the book. The society, and way of being is so different and so real, its just great. From the beginnign to the end the book grips you as you think 'what will happen next? will ananba get off this world? will she survive? etc'

It has a very satisfying ending, and even has a slight promise of a sequal. It is a must read for those who like sci-fi and survival stories (like those people who are stranded on a deserted isladn and must make a raft to survive - people who like those kinds of books and movies and not necessarily sci fi will still love this book). It is very easy to connect to the female protaginist, and its great to see how her character and personality progresses througout hte book.

I am fifteen years old and I usually get books off the fantasy and teen sections in the book store but I still really enjoyed this book. So did my mother who reads all sorts of books, and my friend who only reads classical literature. This book is for all sorts of readers, and I highly, hihgly recomend it to you.