This is my favorite Clarke novel. I first read it back in 1976 for grade 11 English class as part of the curriculum. I've read the book about half a dozen times since then over the years and I am amazed and get something new out of it each time. I believe it has something to do with age. I was 16 when I first read it, and at the age of 64, I am ready to read it once again as my perspective on life and the world has changed over the years as it does for most as we go through life. In doing so, I suspect that I may come away with yet a different reaction to the book itself and the true meaning of the book on a much more personal level? I won't go into detail in terms of providing a review of the book itself as it would be a long one. The best I can say is that get what you can from other reviews, purchase the book, read it and decide for yourself. I personally would not classify it as Science Fiction, but rather a book about humanity. I have no complaints about this book at all, and that is rare in that you can usually find a flaw or two along the way in the best of books. I didn't with Childhood's End. For me, it was one of those rare books that had me stop along the way to ponder what I had just read. I love that in a book. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone as I consider it a classic, and for me, Arthur C. Clarkes best.