I purposefully re-watched the movie first, so I’m sure my opinions on the book are heavily influenced. Like the movie, I grew impatient with what I call Acts 1 and 4 (the apes and the stargate) and enjoyed Acts 2 and 3 (the more traditional space scenarios). In fact, I was hoping the book would fill in some interesting backstory in Acts 2 and 3 –– while deemphasizing Acts 1 and 4 (at least Act 4’s tedious stargate passage). That didn’t really materialize. While the book deviated in minor ways from the film, it mostly stayed true to the movie’s surface level approach to the astronauts and to HAL. Overall, an interesting premise, fairly entertaining execution, vague/fantastical ending (as expected). I remain uncertain about the “classic” moniker attributed to 2001. Viewing the movie through the lens of a late 60s audience, I can see how it was a visual and conceptual trip. The novelization though lacks some impact –– at least when compared, unfairly so, side by side with the film. I guess when it comes down to it, I’m not against reading other books in the series. I’m intrigued. But not so much that I find myself seeking out the sequels.