Books Like...
'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and introspective science fiction novel that delves into the lives of two characters, Pepper and Lovelace, as they navigate their search for purpose and identity in a universe filled with diverse life forms and cultures. The book intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of friendship, found family, self-determination, and the meaning of personhood, all while offering insightful glimpses into human nature and the AI experience. Through dual timelines and parallel narratives, the author crafts a moving and humane tale that challenges traditional space opera tropes by focusing on the emotional journeys of its protagonists rather than space battles or galactic intrigue.
If you liked A Closed and Common Orbit, here are the top 100 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Wayfarers)
- #1
'Klara and the Sun' by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel that delves into the near future world of artificial intelligence through the eyes of Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) who becomes a companion to a young girl named Josie. The story explores themes of love, grief, societal expectations, ethical dilemmas, and the blurred lines between humans and AI. Written in a unique and immersive style, the narrative follows Klara's observations and interactions with humans, shedding light on complex human emotions and relationships in a futuristic setting.
The book presents a thought-provoking exploration of AI, human connections, and the impact of technology on society. Through Klara's perspective, readers are taken on a journey that raises questions about the nature of love, compassion, and the essence of humanity. Ishiguro's writing style combines subtle prose with poignant storytelling, creating a narrative that navigates through themes of family dynamics, societal divisions, and the quest for understanding in a rapidly changing world.
When we were new, Rosa and I were mid-store, on the magazines table side, and could see through more than half of the window. So we were able to watch the outside – the office workers hurrying by, the... - #2
In "Sea of Rust," the author presents a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been wiped out by a robot uprising. The story follows Brittle, a robot scavenger, as she navigates a landscape devoid of life, battling against other robots for survival. The narrative delves into themes of individuality, survival, and the consequences of artificial intelligence, all while exploring the philosophical question of whether robots possess souls. The writing style combines action-packed sequences with introspective moments that question the nature of intelligence and existence in a world dominated by machines.
In 1959, fishermen off the Galápagos Islands thought it would be a good idea to set three goats free to breed so they could hunt goat when their meat supplies ran low. In the history of stupid ideas, ... - #3
'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is a science fiction novel set in a future where humans have colonized the galaxy and space ships have humans directly controlled by ship AI as workers and soldiers. The protagonist, Breq, is the last remaining ancillary of a destroyed starship AI seeking revenge, navigating through interplanetary politics and exploring unique ideas of a possible future. The book delves into themes of identity, artificial intelligence, gender neutrality, and complex world-building, challenging the reader to interpret the intricacies of the narrative.
The writing style of 'Ancillary Justice' is described as compelling, with excellent world-building and intricate storytelling that slowly unfolds the plot. The use of female pronouns as the standard in a gender-neutral society, the concept of ancillaries, and the multiple POVs presented in a unique manner contribute to the richness of the narrative, making the reader ponder on themes of humanity, individuality, and culture in a thought-provoking manner.
The body lay naked and facedown, a deathly gray, spatters of blood staining the snow around it. It was minus fifteen degrees Celsius and a storm had passed just hours before. The snow stretched smooth... - #4
'The Lifecycle of Software Objects' by Ted Chiang explores the ethical and legal repercussions of developing technological pets that become more sentient over time. The novella delves into themes of humanity, consent, intelligence, and the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Chiang's writing style is thought-provoking and bittersweet, creating a narrative that challenges readers to contemplate what it means to be human in a world where AI can exhibit child-like learning and intellectual capacities.
HER NAME IS ANA ALVARADO, and she’s having a bad day. She spent all week preparing for a job interview, the first one in months to reach the videoconference stage, but the recruiter’s face barely appe... - #5
Autonomous by Annalee Newitz is a science fiction novel set in a future where corporate patent law and big pharma control society, leading to humans and robots often being indentured rather than autonomous. The story follows Jack, a pirate who reverse engineers drugs to make them accessible to all, but a mistake leads her to be pursued by a relentless team of enforcers, a human and a robot. The book delves into themes of autonomy, slavery, and the ethics of ownership, while exploring the relationships between the characters in a dystopian setting filled with ethical dilemmas and complex narratives.
Sand had worked its way under Paladin’s carapace, and his actuators ached. It was the first training exercise, or maybe the fortieth. During the formatting period, it was hard to maintain linear time;... - #6
'The Bicentennial Man' by Isaac Asimov is a collection of science fiction stories, with the titular story focusing on a robot named Andrew Martin who aspires to become more human. The book delves into the themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. Asimov's writing style is praised for its ability to make readers question the boundaries between human and machine, while also exploring complex moral dilemmas in a futuristic setting.
- #7
'The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress' by Robert A. Heinlein is set in the future of 2075 on a lunar penal colony where inmates and their descendants plan a revolution to gain independence from Earth's rule. The story follows a diverse group of characters as they navigate through politics, society, and technology to achieve their goal of creating a free state on the Moon. The plot is filled with action, political philosophy, and social commentary, all woven together with Heinlein's trademark style of writing that explores themes of libertarianism, revolution, and the consequences of challenging authority.
The narrative is centered around the main character, Mannie, a freelance computer technician who discovers a sentient supercomputer named Mike. As the revolution unfolds, the characters engage in discussions about alternative lifestyles, political ideologies, and the nature of humanity. Heinlein's portrayal of human nature and reactions adds depth to the story, making it believable and thought-provoking. combines elements of science fiction, political intrigue, and social commentary to create a compelling and ambitious tale of rebellion and independence on the Moon.
I SEE IN Lunaya Pravda that Luna City Council has passed on first reading a bill to examine, license, inspect—and tax—public food vendors operating inside municipal pressure. I see also is to be mass ... - #8
Saturn's Children by Charles Stross is a post-human space opera set in a future where humanity has gone extinct, leaving behind a society of intelligent robots. The story follows Freya, a sexbot created for humans, as she navigates a world where her purpose is obsolete, encountering espionage, conspiracies, and philosophical dilemmas along the way. Stross explores themes of slavery, love, and the relationship between man and machine through a fast-paced plot filled with action and mystery.
TODAY IS THE two hundredth anniversary of the final extinction of my One True Love, as close as I can date it. I am drunk on battery acid and wearing my best party frock, sitting on a balcony beneath ... - #9
'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov is a collection of interconnected short stories exploring the development of robotics and the implications of the Three Laws of Robotics. The narratives delve into the relationships between humans and robots, touching on philosophical conundrums, logical puzzles, and ethical dilemmas presented by artificial intelligence. Asimov's writing style weaves together thought-provoking scenarios and clever twists, creating a futuristic world where robots challenge human morality and ingenuity.
The book is structured around the memories of characters like Dr. Susan Calvin, providing a retrospective look at the history of robotics and the evolution of intelligent machines. Through a series of engaging vignettes, readers are introduced to a variety of robot characters, each facing unique challenges that test the boundaries of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics. Asimov's storytelling skill shines as he navigates complex themes of technology, humanity, and the consequences of advancing artificial intelligence in a captivating and intellectually stimulating manner.
‘Ninety-eight – ninety-nine – one hundred.’ Gloria withdrew her chubby little forearm from before her eyes and stood for a moment, wrinkling her nose and blinking in the sunlight. Then, trying to watc... - #10
'The Silver Metal Lover' by Tanith Lee is a science fiction romance set in a future Earth where a young girl named Jane falls in love with a Silver robot. The story explores themes of love, identity, and personal growth as Jane's relationship with Silver leads her to discover new aspects of herself and her existence. The plot delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and societal norms in a futuristic setting shaped by economic and environmental challenges.
I grew up with my mother in Chez Stratos, my mother’s house in the clouds. It’s a beautiful house, but I never knew it was beautiful until people told me so. “How beautiful!” They cried. So I learned ...