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The Nine Billion Names Of God 1954
i really liked how this story played out especially the ending. the main characters seem so demeaning towards the monks beliefs about the world ending after discovering all of the names. yet the characters are acting in much the same way any of us would. the concept of the world ending in such a way (if at all) is too preposterous for many to even give a second thought. by reiterating the characters speculations on the audacity  of the presumed destruction, the author has crafted relatable characters that the reader can identify and agree with. at the closing paragraph though, the author exercises the shock factor by revealing in the most minimalist way that the monks were truly right. just the simplest of statements, "the stars were going out" was able to send shivers up my spine. having connected with the relatable characters i could now place myself in their shoes and feel the overwhelming dread of realization set in.
   on a larger note, i could take away a rather different message than would come to the mind of most. in this story it is the monks who have indeed onset the end of the world, without any announcement to the rest of man kind. a small group of people singlehandedly were able to end the world. extrapolating from this, i take part of the message as a warning of never letting to much power end up in the hands of a singular group.
i really enjoyed the flavor of this story. in a way its play out reminded me of Douglas Adams style. it was quirky but really packed a punch. i will definitely be looking this author up again.

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