The Sparrow

Combining elements of science fiction and spiritual philosophy, this novel is a tale of the devastating consequences of a scientific mission to make contact with an extraterrestrial culture.

This is another of my re-read books (the count is 5x). An epic story about man attempting to get it right, and ending up doing what man usually does: failing miserably and then looking for redemption.
I think it's probably my favourite book (with it's sequel "Children of God", which puts a spin on this part of the tale), and Mary Doria Russell is a wonderful storyteller!
ps. Really, you have to read the sequel too!