Sounds of Distant Earth

This science fiction novel explores the story of Berenice, a middle-class college junior who needs a summer job to earn money for her fall semester. Berenice visits the college placement office to meet with a prospective employer. Having taken flying lessons in a jet trainer and thanks to her skills in art metal sculpture, she becomes an ideal match for her future employer. Her eccentric would-be employer, Dr. Eigen, describes himself as the Chief Executive Officer of a foreign mining company interested in exploring business opportunities in the US. Berenice's role is to act as a surrogate business officer for the reclusive CEO. Although initially reluctant to take on this position, when he reveals exotic diamonds and gold nuggets and mentions the handsome commission she can earn, her doubts quickly evaporate.

Eventually, she begins to have second thoughts about the true nature of their project, prompting her employer to confess. He is, in fact, a desperate human-appearing extraterrestrial with a seriously damaged spaceship!

Sounds of Distant Earth is a novel that teens and adults alike would enjoy. It is filled with vivid descriptions of adventures and humorous passages designed to keep the reader entertained.