The Bridge (Earthlight) [Import] [Paperback]

Janine Ellen Young (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Earthlight; paperback / softback edition (November 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743404157
• ISBN-13: 978-0743404150
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absorbing read, September 3, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bridge (Mass Market Paperback)

When the pandemic virus struck the earth, no one knew its origin. All everyone understood was death and mutation. The extraterrestrial Kasaran had sent their friendly hello in a microscopic genetic package throughout the universe in search of intelligent life. When the probe reached earth, it took a wicked twist that its creators could not have envisioned: it had murdered billions without rhyme or reason.

When the plague finally ended its devastating run, two humanoid geneses contend for planetary superiority. One group consisted of those former home sapiens that the virus transformed into an alien populace clamoring for contact with the mother species. The other group is the surviving members of Homo Sapiens who somehow contained a natural immunity to the virus and remain human. After the debacle of the first contact, they prefer nothing to with the Kasaran killing machine.

The Bridge is an excellent science fiction thriller that centers on complex actions and reactions. The story line is crisp, fast-paced, and thought provoking as the reader realizes that even in the innocence of knowledge-seeking and friendships, death even holocausts, can occur. Anyone who enjoys classic Star Trek will fully relish Janine Ellen Young's awesome first contact tale and seek her debut novel, Cinderblock.

Harriet Klausner

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A moving spiritual journey, April 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bridge (Mass Market Paperback)

The Bridge is a strangely powerful and moving literary journey; and, one that may be dificult to accept -- at first. Unlike some other reviewers, I was captivated by this book that doesn't fit the 'normal' mold for science fiction. The author takes a fascinating idea -- a race that communicates through viral means -- and successfully provides multiple viewpoints on a tragic but ultimately moving story.

This novel clearly fits into the 'hopeful' view of alien contact -- whithout minimizing the trauma and upheaval that would be created by such an encounter. And, while I don't know how accurately it was done, the author successfully creates a sense of place for India and its culture, while also capturing a feel for New York.

The book successfully deals with tragedy, anger, hatred, loss and grief while maintaining a positive, life affirming tone. While this book does spend more time dealing with emotion than technology, this choice is consistent with plot and in no way detracts from the reader's experience.

Finally, the book has a strong conlusion that left me with a feeling of proper closure -- something that seems increasingly rare these days. Unlike a lot of other books, the last page did not leave me feeling like the author ran out of ideas and brought the story to an ungainly and untimely end.

If you are looking for a though provoking, enjoyable read -- that will leave thoughts resonating in your head for some time after you are done -- you should read this book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provoking, December 10, 2001

By 

haramis - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bridge (Mass Market Paperback)

I was startled to see the bad reviews for this book. I read it six months ago, and the ideas are still with me. Maybe it's because I read a much wider variety of books than sci-fi, but I didn't find the book slow at all. It does focus more on relationships and spiritual matters, but in a very interesting and haunting way. I believe the concept is well explored and the book well written. This is the kind of book I love to pass on to friends.