Books Like...
'Cosm' by Gregory Benford follows the story of Alicia Butterworth, a black woman physicist who discovers a miniature universe inside a particle accelerator. The novel delves into the world of scientific research, exploring the ethical implications and the struggles of academia. Through the character of Alicia, the author raises questions about physics, scientific discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. The writing style incorporates elements such as letters, emails, and newspaper blurbs to provide different perspectives and enhance the storytelling.
If you liked Cosm, here are the top 20 books to read next:
- #1
In 'Timescape' by Gregory Benford, scientists in the late 1990s are facing global environmental catastrophes and attempt to send messages back in time to prevent the disasters. Meanwhile, in the early 1960s, a scientist discovers a mysterious message from the future hidden in his experimental data. The book delves into the themes of time travel, ecological collapse, and the challenges faced by scientists in different timelines. The writing style alternates between past and present settings, showcasing detailed scientific discussions and character-driven plotlines.
REMEMBER TO SMILE A LOT, JOHN RENFREW thought moodily. People seemed to like that. They never wondered why you kept on smiling, no matter what was said. It was a kind of general sign of good will, he ... - #2
'Artifact' by Gregory Benford is a hard science fiction novel that revolves around the discovery of a mysterious artifact with strange physical properties in an ancient tomb in Greece. The story combines elements of particle physics, action, and romance, following the journey of characters as they unravel the secrets behind the artifact. The book is praised for its strong science backing and detailed descriptions of how science is conducted in real life, providing readers with a mix of mystery, action, and hard science fiction.
Claire shut down the inventory program. She was checking the last catalog numbers of potsherds against the printout manifest, a tedious job. The computerized field inventory was a marvel, neatly organ... Teranesia is a chillingly realistic near-future novel that follows the lives of Prabir and Madhusree Suresh, who escape a war-torn Indonesian island after their parents' tragic deaths. The story delves into genetic mutations, with Madhusree studying the phenomenon that originated with butterflies on Teranesia. As the siblings reunite and uncover the mysteries of the mutations, they are drawn back to the island, facing dangerous consequences and unraveling the secrets of evolution and science.
Greg Egan's writing style in Teranesia is characterized by well-drawn characters with deep emotions, intertwined with a hard science fiction plot that explores genetic mutations and their implications on higher life forms. The story seamlessly weaves personal struggles, scientific discoveries, and ethical dilemmas, creating a thought-provoking narrative set in a captivating world of biological mysteries and technological advancements.
- #4
'Peter Camenzind' by Hermann Hesse is a coming-of-age novel that follows the protagonist, Peter Camenzind, as he grows up in a small mountain village in Switzerland. The book explores Peter's journey of self-discovery, his struggles with love, friendship, and intellectual pursuits, and his eventual return to his roots. Through encounters with various characters and experiences, Peter navigates the complexities of human nature and society, ultimately finding peace and understanding within himself. The writing style of the book is described as simple, lyrical, and introspective, capturing the essence of Peter's emotional and spiritual evolution.
- #5
Jill by Philip Larkin is a semi-autobiographical novel set in Oxford during WWII, following the protagonist John Kemp as he navigates the challenges of fitting in with the upper-class students while coming from a working-class background. The plot revolves around John's experiences at Oxford, his attempt to assimilate, his relationships with other characters, and his invented character, Jill/Gillian, which blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Larkin's writing style is described as simple, unadorned prose with an economical eye for detail, reflecting his later poetic style.
John Kemp sat in the corner of an empty compartment in a train travelling over the last stretch of line before Oxford. It was nearly four o’clock on a Thursday in the middle of October, and the air ha... - #6
The End of the Road by John Barth is a dark comedy that delves into the lives of three main characters: Horner, a man with manic depression who struggles with apathy but possesses clarity; Morgan, an extreme existentialist who aims to dominate others; and Rennie, Morgan's wife who is easily manipulated. The narrative explores a love triangle among these characters, orchestrated by a mysterious Doctor who influences the events. The novel is powerfully written, thought-provoking, and explores themes of existentialism, relativism, and the destructive nature of dominating relationships.
The story unfolds in a small college setting in the 1950s, where the characters' philosophical discussions and moral dilemmas take center stage. The writing style of Barth invites readers to ponder on complex topics such as choice, mythotherapy, and the distortion of life through fiction. The plot intricately weaves together elements of satire, nihilism, and existential crises, ultimately leading to a dark and thought-provoking exploration of human behavior and relationships.
The Doctor had brought me to a certain point in my original schedule of therapies (this was in June 1953), and then, once when I drove down from Baltimore for my quarterly checkup at the Remobilizatio... - #7
"The Feast of Love" by Charles Baxter is a collection of interconnected stories about love, relationships, and life in a community centered around a coffee shop in Michigan. The characters, ranging from ordinary to extraordinary, each have their own unique stories and perspectives on love, loss, and connection. The narrative weaves together multiple viewpoints, creating a tapestry of emotions and experiences that explore the complexities of human relationships in a realistic and engaging way.
Sitting down next to him, I can see his glasses, which reflect the last crescent of the moon and a dim shooting star. In the half-dark he has a handsome mild face, thick curly hair and an easy disarmi... - #8
"Light Years" by James Salter is a novel that delves into the intricacies of marriage and human relationships. The story revolves around Viri and Nedra, a couple living outside New York City with their two daughters. The narrative spans over decades, exploring the evolution of their marriage, including infidelity, divorce, and new relationships. Salter's writing style has been described as poetic, evocative, and deeply moving, capturing the complexities of love and loss with exquisite detail and profound insight.
WE DASH THE BLACK RIVER, ITS flats smooth as stone. Not a ship, not a dinghy, not one cry of white. The water lies broken, cracked from the wind. This great estuary is wide, endless. The river is brac... - #9
'The Engines of God' in the series 'The Academy' by Jack McDevitt is a hard science fiction novel set in the future where humanity is facing challenges on Earth and exploring the universe. The story revolves around xenoarchaeology, dead civilizations, and the mysteries surrounding alien artifacts discovered in different star systems. Characters embark on expeditions, facing plausible and dangerous situations, while trying to unravel the secrets of extinct civilizations. The narrative combines elements of mystery, discovery, and exploration, focusing on the interaction between humans and the vast universe they are exploring.
The writing style of the book is described as focusing on big ideas, political ramifications, ethical discussions, and sociological aspects, rather than depending on violence to create tension. The plot moves in stages, gradually revealing the mysteries of the dead civilizations and the challenges faced by the characters. While some readers find the character development lacking, the book is praised for its focus on mystery, discovery, and the absence of traditional space opera elements, offering a thought-provoking perspective on humanity's place in the cosmos.
Almost overnight, every civilization on this globe had died. It had happened twice: somewhere around 9000 B.C., and again eight thousand years later. On a world filled with curiosities, this fact part... - #10
'Permutation City' by Greg Egan explores mind uploading, digital consciousness, parallel universes, artificial life, and the nature of reality. It delves into the consequences of creating simulated copies of humans, the evolution of intelligent life within virtual environments, and the blurring lines between real and virtual worlds. The writing style is described as exploring complex philosophical concepts, heavy on metaphysics and philosophy, and delving into hard science fiction territory with a focus on high-concept questions and moral dilemmas.
Maria Deluca had ridden past the stinking hole in Pyrmont Bridge Road for six days running, certain each time, as she’d approached, that she’d be greeted by the reassuring sight of a work team putting...