Books Like...

Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand is a play that follows the adventures of the titular character, Cyrano de Bergerac, a man known for his big nose and sharp wit. The story revolves around Cyrano's unrequited love for the beautiful Roxane, whom he believes will never love him due to his appearance. The play is a blend of romance, comedy, and tragedy, showcasing Cyrano's courage, poetry, and sword fighting skills as he navigates love, honor, and selflessness.

The play is set in 17th century France and is known for its lyrical and poetic language, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, pride, honor, and appearance. Through Cyrano's character, the author delves into the complexities of human nature, portraying a man who is both heroic and flawed, noble yet plagued by self-doubt. The story unfolds with humor, wit, and poignant moments, making it a classic tale of love and sacrifice that resonates with readers and audiences alike.

A classic of the genre, the first in Farmer's Riverworld series is a wonderful read based on a fascinating premise. All the humans who ever lived wake up after death in a mysterious Riverworld on the shores of a massive river, restored to youth and vigor. The basic story follows a group centered around Sir Richard Burton as they set off up the River to find out what's going on. The encounters between various people from different times are most interesting. The tale is told from the point of view of a progressive 19th-century man who must adapt to the physical and social realities of this new world, where physical strength and dominant personalities gain immediate followers.

Richard Francis Burton finds himself resurrected along with the rest of humanity in a strange alien place, waking up on the banks of a mighty river. The story follows Burton's journey to explore the source of the river and understand why they've been brought back. The book is the first in a trilogy, with a primitive and violent new world similar to the real world Burton experienced. The premise of everyone from all of human history being resurrected along the riverbank provides a fascinating exploration of humanity and survival in a new environment.

'The Sunne in Splendour' by Sharon Kay Penman is a meticulously researched historical fiction novel that vividly brings to life the tumultuous period of the late 15th century in England. The book primarily focuses on the rise and fall of Richard III, offering a sympathetic portrayal of the controversial king as well as delving into the intricate political intrigues of the War of the Roses era. Through rich character development and detailed historical accuracy, Penman weaves a captivating narrative that immerses readers in a world filled with power struggles, betrayals, and personal sacrifices. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, engaging, and educational, making the lengthy 900-page novel a compelling and absorbing read for fans of historical fiction.

'The Daughter of Time' by Josephine Tey follows Inspector Alan Grant, a Scotland Yard detective who is recuperating in the hospital and becomes intrigued by the portrait of Richard III. While bedridden, Grant decides to investigate the historical mystery of the Princes in the Tower, challenging the conventional narrative of Richard III as a villain. With the help of a young American researcher, Grant delves into the past to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the young princes, using modern policing methods to analyze historical events and characters.

The novel cleverly intertwines past and present, blending elements of historical fiction and mystery as Inspector Grant questions the established narrative surrounding Richard III's reign and the fate of the princes. Through meticulous research and analysis, Grant challenges long-held beliefs about Richard III, leading readers on a journey of intrigue, betrayal, and historical revisionism that ultimately sheds light on the complexities of British history and the power of perception.

On the giant planet of Majipoor, a poor amnesiac juggler named Valentine embarks on a long and adventurous journey to reclaim his throne, accompanied by his friends. The story follows Valentine's self-discovery and realization of his true identity as the Coronal of the world, leading to a conflict between his desire for a simple life and the responsibilities of monarchy. The book blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, depicting a world with diverse human and alien characters, exotic settings, and themes of justice and self-realization.

A Gift from Earth by Larry Niven is set on a planet in the Tau Ceti system called Plateau, colonized by humans and ruled by a hierarchical class system. The society is maintained through fear, obedience, and forcible organ donations to keep the ruling class healthy and young. The arrival of artificial organs from Earth disrupts the status quo, leading to a story of rebellion and revolution against the oppressive regime. The narrative explores themes of societal control, ethics, and the impact of new technologies on established power structures.

'Protector' by Larry Niven is a standalone science fiction novel set in the Known Space universe, offering a hard science viewpoint. It explores human first contact with an alien spacefaring race and delves into the details of the alien culture, which plays a crucial role in the plot. The story follows a Pak Protector who arrives in the Solar System on a Bussard Ramjet drive, seeking refuge after the destruction of his breeders and children in an eternal war on his home planet. The narrative spans different time periods, showcasing the evolution of characters and civilizations, while incorporating elements of mystery, epic space battles, and thought-provoking ideas about human origins and purpose.

The writing style of 'Protector' is described as engaging, with accurate science for its time, well-fleshed science ideas, and adherence to physics. Despite some dry and underdeveloped characters, the novel presents a consistent world that stimulates readers to think about futurology, philosophy, and fantasy anthropology. Larry Niven's storytelling captivates readers with his fully fleshed science ideas and intricate world-building, making them ponder over the implications of the depicted possibilities and the thought-provoking concepts explored throughout the book.

Norstrilia by Cordwainer Smith is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Roderick Frederick Ronald Arnold William MacArthur McBan, a young man from the dry, dusty planet of Norstrilia. The planet is home to sick sheep that produce an immortality drug called stroon, making all Norstrilians immensely rich. Roderick ends up becoming the richest man in the galaxy after a series of events that involve stock market manipulation and winning Earth in a contest. The novel explores themes of immortality, telepathy, eugenics, and the struggle for power in a distant future setting.

Cordwainer Smith's writing style in Norstrilia combines elements of classic Chinese literature with a unique imagination to create a future history spanning thousands of years. The story weaves together themes of man's evolution, self-discovery, and societal transformation, all set against a backdrop of strange people, societies, and technologies. Through a blend of charm, sentimentality, and epic storytelling, Smith presents a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature and the exploration of strange yet familiar worlds.

"Scanners Live in Vain" by Cordwainer Smith is a short story set in a distant future where space travel is common. It explores the concept of a society where a special group of modified humans, known as Scanners, oversee space travel by standing the pain of deep space travel in a conscious state. The story follows the protagonist, Martel, who is a Scanner and is married, showcasing his desire for normality and human experiences amidst his unique role in society. The narrative delves into themes of sacrifice, human emotions, and the question of what it means to be human, all while presenting a vision of futuristic government and society.

'Tales of Known Space: The Universe of Larry Niven (Known Space)' is an anthology of short stories set in Larry Niven's Known Space universe. The stories explore a vast timeline of spacefaring adventures, covering themes such as human exploration on Mars, encounters with alien races like Puppeteers and Kzinti, and the quirky humans who inhabit Known Space. Niven's writing style in this collection of 13 stories is characterized by hard science fiction, focusing on real physics and their effects on the narrative, while also providing insights into the background of Known Space.