I read a Clifford Simak book every now and again. I like his writing style, it's comfortable and easy to read. Simak has written two of my favourite ever books. Now this doesn't rate in the same league as City or Way Station but it is good and definitely worth tracking down and reading.

Set in a future when technology has declined, and a University is more like an organised farming community, this book tells the story of one Thomas Cushing. He determines to find the secrets of mankind's technological past. He sets out to find the Place of Going to the Stars – the place where the people of Cushing's distant past lauched their space missions to discover alien civilisations.

On his journey he is joined by strange companions, the mystic hilltop witch Meg and (as far he knows) the last surviving robot Rollo, and the group centre in on the place that could hold the answers to their quest.

Simak's great knack as a writer is in being totally uncomplicated. He has a simple way of describing events, places and people, which leads to a very clear easy to follow story.

This is never going to feature on anyone's favourite novels list, but it is entertaining – a very pleasant way of spending a couple of hours of your life.