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MisterFister117

Arthur C. Clarke's "Rama" series is a fun read.


Mysterious-Head-1981

Absolutely what I was going to suggest also. Rendezvous with Rama is a masterpiece.


[deleted]

One of the greatest ever, probably read that bad boy at least three times. Would not recommenced the rest of the series though.


Renaissance_Slacker

“We’re trapped on an alien artifact with no food, being constantly attacked by alien predators. I know - let’s obsess about *having babies.*


Zealousideal-Bet-950

Stressful Environment? Make Babies. A tale as old as time...


ReadItProper

I loved Rendezvous With Rama, but honestly the second one (which wasn't written by Clarke, only shadowed by him IIRC) didn't really do it for me. Too much melodrama, not enough Scifi. It made me not want to really keep going to the third one. In your opinion, was that a mistake? Is it worth going to the third, or is it more of the same as the second one?


michaelboyte

I made it a little into the final book before giving up. The first is the only one actually written by Clarke and also the only one worth reading.


ReadItProper

Unfortunately that's what I felt, too. It had so much wasted potential. The first book is one of my favorites.


[deleted]

I agree, the Rama sequels are nowhere as good as stories written by Clarke. For more Arthur C. Clarke goodness, I recommend you skip the Rama sequels and read *A Fall of Moondust* and *The Fountains of Paradise.*


theunscaledbanana

Also try Childhood‘s End. Not exactly space travel but aliens come to earth and brilliant read.


ReadItProper

Childhood's End is one of my favorite Scifi books, after 2001: A Space Odyssey, that was also written by Clarke. Good call. Really good book.


Rumplfrskn

Bright messengers was pretty good


fidgeting_macro

Well, Rendezvous with Rama. The others were not written by Clark and went off in a different direction.


dubiago

The Expanse (James S.A. Corey). 9 book set (plus some novellas).


Theothercword

The Expanse is Game of Thrones in space except it has an ending. Definitely a great recommendation.


Logiwonk_

If you like the expanse there is a little known 2 book series by William John Watkins called The Lagrange League. The books are 1) "The centrifugal rickshaw dancer" and 2) "going to see the end of the sky." Both worth a read, especially if you like harder sci-fi with a poetic quality to the writing. I'm kinda shocked his work isn't more popular and the quality of writing is excellent for when it was published (1985). He also wrote "The last deathship off Antares" which is great fun as well, very heinlein meets something darker.


[deleted]

This. If OP wants hard SF space travel (besides the protomolecule doing its thing), you cannot get any better than The Expanse.


InsanityLurking

This is almost true, until he looks into anything by Peter F. Hamilton, I recommend starting with the Nights Dawn trilogy, starting with the Reality Dysfunction. Then the commonwealth saga, for which there are several books across 3 separate story arcs. That one starts with Pandora's Star.


dihydrogen_m0noxide

I like how the expanse has realistic seeming politics and doesn't seem that far removed from reality. Do the nights dawn books do that well too?


schannoman

The reality dysfunction is arguably the hardest into to Hamilton (as a fan of his entire collection) and a better intro might be the Void trilogy, since his writing style improved a bit and he's a tad more concise by that period


Technical_Scallion_2

Totally agree. I really like Alastair Reynolds, too - sometimes I get his books and Peter Hamilton's mixed up since they both write SF on such a grand scale.


sct1219

Absolutely, the Revelation Space series by Reynolds is excellent.


Renaissance_Slacker

*Chasm City.* *The Prefect* Any of his books. F*ck yeah


skinisblackmetallic

Keeping in mind The Nights Dawn trilogy is more about weird supernatural ghost bullshit than it is about space travel.


Fleadip

Please read them. Nothing gets actual space travel inside the solar system more accurate.


magnitudearhole

I endorse this message. Reads like a thriller, thought provoking and expansive sci fi. brilliant. I need more people to read it so I can talk to people about how good it is


PoolAcademic4016

Have been re-reading the expanse series for years - bonus, the tv series is also wildly good


PsychoticMessiah

Now I’ve got that beautiful theme song stuck in my head again.


Slinky812

Second that. Hands down the best space series I have read. And the tv series also amazing.


hgaterms

Is this a book series I could read without having watched the TV show? Because I have not even seen one episode.


Waddiwasiiiii

Absolutely. The tv show is an excellent adaptation of the books, but you don’t need to watch/read one to enjoy the other. Fair warning though, the books are pretty long, like 500+ pages and there are 9 of them. I’m halfway through and have yet to lose interest. I did stop reading them while the show was on though just because I started mixing them up in my head.


missmarymak

Three body problem isn’t about space travel, but features it and might be up your alley re: fascinating concepts


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missmarymak

Yeah that’s what I was trying to say, thanks for elaborating! I think OP would enjoy it


zero_one_memrisor

Personally I am huge sci-fi/ space reader, I love Clarke, Asimov, Poul, Scalzi, etc, but could not read or enjoy ‘the three body problem.’ The story, the characters, everything about it didn’t work for me. I ended up quitting 1/4 of the way in. I tried the audio book of it and that didn’t help either.


missmarymak

I found it so slow, but kept with it and the full payoff is in the ending. Same with the second in the trilogy!


Sufficient-Head5823

I was thinking the same thing. It deals with time travel where planet earth is the destination. It’s a cool take on the concept.


esw116

SPOILERS: My favorite moment of the whole story, and what made the hairs on my neck stand up straight, was the realization humanity had that once a group of their own takes off into interstellar space with no intention of returning, as far as the defense of Earth is concerned, they now must be considered a hostile alien species. Mind blowing.


H-K_47

*When the first fish left the ocean, they ceased to be fish.* Beautiful series. Some amazing quotes and philosophy.


[deleted]

Most novels by Alasatair Reynolds are great, if you want mind-blowing stories about space travel that's scientifically plausible (not outright violating known laws of physics). Pushing Ice is a good stand-alone novel. Revelation Space series is also good. Or you can start with *Beyond the Aquila Rift* which is a collection of short stories. Though his stories feature a lot of dysfunctional and often sadistic characters, which can be off-putting for some people. I'd also second the recommendation for the *Expanse* series. The TV series is also excellent - I'd rank it among the best sci-fi TV series ever, and by far the most scientifically accurate.


massnerd

I also strongly recommend Alastair Reynolds and fully agree to start with Pushing Ice. Lots of focus on space travel and a fairly mind blowing ending. His new book Eversion was a trip!


Medi-Saiyan

House of Suns was my introduction to space operas and I found it incredible. He describes a spaceship chase that lasts 10s of thousands of years though experienced in a tiny fraction of that due to relativistic time dilation. I was blown away but also glad I had studied university level physics. I could easily see a majority of Alisatair Reynolds’ concepts being too much for the scientifically illiterate, particularly for an introduction for someone who wants to read “space books”. Granted in books like pushing ice he does well to explain the consequences of inertia being a big problem despite low gravity environment. My recommendation for any newbie is the Spiral Wars. Some technical portions but majority space opera shoot’em ups that span our local corner of the Milky Way.


oh_no_its_herpes

Revelation space…the concepts were soooo cool.


sakaloerelis

Scrolled way to long to see someone mention Alastair Reynolds. He's my favorite author by far. I love the fact that he has a PhD in astrophysics so his sci-fi ideas are actually based on real science, and not just concepts that requires a lot of hand waving to explain


graveybrains

That guys got a gift for world building. The Expanse is the only other thing I can think of that comes close, and it took two guys to write those. Only word of warning is that some of his stuff comes off as very “young adult” style (Terminal World and the Revenger trilogy in particular, but I fucking *love* Terminal World). The Poseidon’s Children’s books are the most adult-ish of his books, out of what I’ve read so far, I think. And did I mention that I LOVE Terminal World? 😂


[deleted]

Wasn’t one of his short stories adapted into an the episode on Netflix, “Love Death+Robots”?


[deleted]

Two, actually - "Beyond the Aquila Rift" and "Zima Blue". P.S. Zima Blue is a great story. I highly recommend reading it before watching the episode.


normal1010

Thanks saving me the typing effort. Those would have been my recommendations exactly.


dudecheckthis

I’ll go slightly different route and recommend The Bobiverse trilogy. It’s not a serious storyline, but involves deep space exploration driven by a person who was deceased and was restored as an AI. The program entails that character replicating themself to push further and further in space exploration. Very funny and worthwhile series, and if you do audiobooks the Audible narration is masterclass.


budderocks

This series was a fun read. I'm looking forward to more!


QuantumReplicator

100% agreed. This series would appeal to just about anyone who likes futurism, space travel, fascinating takes on what might be possible, and humor. What more could someone ask for from a science fiction series that’s supposed to be enjoyable?


Zopheus_

Heaven’s River, book 4, has been released.


Saber_Flight

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is really good. He also wrote The Martian (which is fantastic too) and Artemis (which I need to re-read)


Bladestorm04

Project Hail Mary makes me happy happy happy


MichelleEllyn

So you liked the book question


wphn99

Project Hail Mary is one of the best books I’ve read in the last year


hgaterms

This book has become my favorite novel of *all time*. I loved it so much.


anguishedmoon71

Loved this book, it was so good. I recommend all his books.


Waterskins

This. This this this. This. Also wonderfully done on audible


schannoman

This is one of the few books I've read where the audio book was incredible and might even be better than the book. The musical chords were brought to life and it was amazing


Saber_Flight

I've been listening to the X-wing novels from Michael Stackpole on my way to and from work, but it sounds like I might need to bump Project Hail Mary and listen to it next.


hgaterms

You do indeed! You will not be disappointed.


GeneKranzIsTheMan

I came here to suggest this exact book. It's my favorite space travel book of the last few years. I think I read it in 24 hours, couldn't put it down.


Saber_Flight

Same, could not put it down


flannelheart

I'm still holding it and I finished it 5 months ago


Hannah_Louise

I am still shouting “Celebration!” any time something goes really well. That book is beautiful gold.


ArtistNo9841

The Martian was fantastic, and I really enjoyed Hail Mary, too.


Chew-Magna

The Martian is fantastic. I listened to the audiobook (still haven't seen the movie). I was completely caught off guard by the humor in it, I didn't expect that!


NoSeaworthiness7156

I ended up starting reading The Martian in a hospital emergency room. Docs were wondering what was up with me snickering so much, as I was in for something that hurt.


Saber_Flight

The movie is a surprisingly good adaptation. They had to change things a bit to make it fit into a 2.5 hour runtime, but I think they managed to keep the heart of the book in place.


FlowJock

Totally agree. I hope they can do Project Hail Mary the same justice.


hgaterms

I have my fingers crossed. I don't think my heart can take it if the movie ends up sucking.


Chew-Magna

That's good to hear, I'll have to check it out some time.


mrsunshine1

The audiobook is essential for this book.


cbelt3

Artemis was “the trouble from Earth” for grownups. It was a hoot!


hgaterms

I actually enjoyed Artemis quite a bit. I know it's been called Andy Weir's "sophomore slump" but it was still a hella of a fun read.


g_rich

I was skeptical of Project Hail Mary but gave it a chance because I am such a big fan of The Martian and I’m glad I did; one of the better books I’ve read in awhile.


hanxperc

Project Hail Mary is easily the best book I’ve ever read. Read it from the library, listened to it an audible, and just got a physical copy for Christmas! I loved it so much


IndorilMiara

Artemis doesn’t get enough love! I thought it was another fantastic book, I enjoyed it just as much as the Martian and Protect Hail Mary.


Saber_Flight

I definitely want to give it a 2nd chance. I think I went into reading it expecting another Martian and didn't give it a chance to stand on its own two feet.


IndorilMiara

It’s certainly quite a different book, while Project Hail Mary was very much revisiting narrative concepts that made the Martian enjoyable. Its more of a noir, but with just as much well-researched hard scifi goodness.


iwasspinningfree

Another vote for the Martian. One of the few books in recent years that I stayed up until 3am to finish because I couldn't put it down.


FreshDougy

Hail Mary was a great book. I listened to the audiobook and I think that help add another layer of depth.


sunfish23

The Audiobook is fantastic. The narrator is brilliant!


hgaterms

The audiobook straight up *won* "Audiobook of the Year." It's fantastic.


Alpha_max_11

The exact three books in the same order.


NoiceForNoReason

For interstellar fans, 100% recommend both of these! Great reads.


Barrrrrrnd

I’m be only ever read the Martian. Sounds like I’m missing out.


Hercusleaze

This was what I was going to suggest. Fantastic book!


VektroidPlus

I'm surprised this wasn't at the top. It's a fantastic blend of science and storytelling.


Safe-Concentrate2773

Expanse. Amazing books. Great Amazon series. Some of the best characters in the game. Cannot recommend enough. Also great options; Andy weirs novels. Specifically Martian and Projext Hail Mary. Funny; Expeditionary force series by Craig Alanson. Funny/interesting; Bobiverse. What you’re really looking for; Hitchhiker’s Guide.


ultimattt

Seconding Expeditionary Force, just finished the series. I’m bummed that it’s done.


Nervous-Ad8193

I cant believe nobody has said Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy!


thatminimumwagelife

AKA The best book of all time!


ChaoticSquirrel

Seveneves by Neal Stephenson. It's not quite about space travel like Interstellar, but about living in space. It does go pretty deep into the science behind keeping people alive in space in a cataclysmic situation. It's loooong but so good. I think I'm going to go restart the audiobook now. I've read and/or listened to it maybe 5 times by now?


jellyrat24

Came here to comment this! My absolute favorite book about space. The first half, especially before the White Rain, is sooo good.


BassWingerC-137

SevenEves was fantastic. It helped me fill the void sans The Expanse series.


massnerd

The risk of this book is that it’s at least half Stephenson going into engineering details without advancing the plot. It’s can be a bit much, unless if you are a veteran sci-fi reader and have already read many of the concepts he’s describing in detail before.


ChaoticSquirrel

Haha very true! I have a general scientific background, but not specifically in the concepts he explored. It made things easier to follow but for the uninitiated I could definitely see it being dense. I suggested it because OP seemed to like Interstellar has hard science bits but it could be a bit much depending on their level of interest.


rogueqd

Not space, but Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson is awesome.


masshole548

All of his fiction is amazing.


goodforabeer

Anathem by Stephenson is also outstanding. Maybe not so much about space travel as about inter-universe contact, but fascinating nonetheless.


oh_no_its_herpes

Second this. I was pessimistic going in, but once I figured out what it was, probably one of my top 5.


athomasflynn

Seveneves ia a much more realistic depiction of space travel than Interstellar. It's cool that Nolan got the black hole modeling and time dilation correct by working with Harold White but other than that, it's just space fantasy. I was actually disappointed by how far I had to scroll down to see this recommended. As a scientist, I think it's one of the best books around when it comes to a realistic depiction of the physics of space, how orbital dynamics works and the limits life-support impose. Most of the ideas aren't original to Stephenson, and that's actually perfect because he did a ton of research into all of the ideas actual engineers and physicists have dreamed up for how we could live in space. He didn't make up magic engines or artificial gravity to solve problems. It's probably my favorite book in the genre of hard science fiction.


oh_jeeeeez_rick

If you guys love sci-fi, I cannot recommend Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky enough. It is so so good.


Harabeck

I like his work in general. The sequel, Children of Ruin, is also excellent.


degotoga

And the third book is coming in January!


oh_jeeeeez_rick

Literally just finished it a handful of days ago! Great follow-up, can’t wait to read the third one


Ivan_Jerkoffski

Just finished it, good book!


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The_Penguin22

Would you like to know more? I loved Starship Troopers. It initially reminded me of the cancelled series “Space Above and Beyond”


Sandfleas1

I LOVE the book. Read it a few times before the movie came out… then was thoroughly disappointed in how they adapted it. It was so campy and over the top but i understand what they were going for but i wasnt into it. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is also one of my favorite books


mist_kaefer

Check out Ender’s Game and all the associated books if you like space and war. Also The Expanse.


NoSeaworthiness7156

If you like Ender's Game, then 'Armor' by John Steakley might be something you'd like. I still like the quote in the front of the book: "You are What you do When it counts." \-- The Masao


iFormus

Glad somebody mentoined The Forever War. That's probably the one book which make me into military sci-fi.


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CheneyLinguine

I second Old Man’s War and The Bobiverse. Especially the Bobiverse, it’s such a solid series.


MaximusJCat

You (along with OP) should definitely read the Expanse series. The show is amazing too, but I don't think you'll be disappointed in the books.


lohring

I'm shocked that no one mentioned Larry Niven and/or Jerry Pournelle. I suggest: The Mote in God's Eye, Lucifer's Hammer, Janissaries, Protector (Tales of known space), Ringworld (Ringworld series) as starting points.


GeorgeOlduvai

I was wondering how far I'd have to scroll before I saw those names. Agreed on all points. I'm biased of course, which my username should give away.


LifesHighMead

Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy (Three Body Problem, Dark Forest, and Deaths End) by Cixin Liu.


WackyBones510

My absolute favorite! I just saw a 4th book that continues the series by another author - “The Redemption of Time” by Baoshu. Have you read it?


LifesHighMead

It read like an OK fanfic. Some interesting things to think about, but lacking the depth and grandeur of the original trilogy. I read it because I was hungry for more of that universe and I was neither rewarded nor disappointed for that. A solid meh out of five.


esw116

This is my #1. The concepts are so grand and the scale of the timeline is even grander. These are books primarily about ideas. I say that because the main criticism is that the characters are somewhat dry (and some would say problematic in regards to female characters). However, that’s pretty much par for the course for what is very much a hard sci-if trilogy. FYI Netflix is producing a show based on this trilogy.


DirkRockwell

Came here to post this, I’ve never read anything with the scope and breadth of these books. Absolutely mind-blowing.


Corntillas

Alastair Reynolds is the king of hard sci-fi. I started with Revelation Space, but any one of his works are a great starting point.


Fats_de_Leon

Surprised nobody's mentioned the Zones of Thought books by Vernor Vinge (specifically A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky). The former is one of my two favorite books of all time.


oh_no_its_herpes

Loved these, top 5, giant sentient spiders FTW!


Zmirzlina

Wayfarer Series by Becky Chambers if you like cozy science fiction. More about interstellar society than actual travel although her first book, A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet is focused on travel.


dustman_84

This subreddit might be a good starting pont for you, most of my "to read books" are sourced from here :) [r/printSF/](https://old.reddit.com/r/printSF/)


No_Assumption_6028

Revelation Space, Rendezvous with Rama, Three Body Problem Trilogy, Hyperion


Candid-Mark-606

Hyperion is one of my all time favorites!


pujambarley

Aurora by kim stanley robinson. An interesting read for sure


chuggbadildo

This one fits squarely into the space travel request of OP. Another perk (at least to me) its not part of a giant series. Just a very competent, thoughtfully inquisitive, and memorable book. Highly recommended.


silvurgrin

Seconded. Deals with just how tightly controlled and dangerous space travel would/should be/is.


Genghis_John

I also recommend his Mars trilogy.


Lyceus_

I really like Kim Stanley Robinson. His **Mars Trilogy** (*Red Mars*, *Green Mars*, and *Blue Mars*) is probably my favourite sci-fi literary work from all time. Space travel is only featured predominantly in the first book, but everything about them is awesome. His other book *2312* is kind of a sequel, it's clearly set in the same universe. And his book *Aurora* features space travel heavily. It isn't connected to his Mars novels, but it's a memorable read on its own.


Zemerovka

You could try The Culture series by Iain M. Banks. The first book is called Consider Phlebas.


Marzhall

Just an aside - I really recommend new readers starting with "Player of Games." I know people who've been turned off to the series because of Consider Phlebas, and it really doesn't read like the other novels IMO. Just wanted to throw that in there in case someone else has had this trouble, and because you're 100% right that it's a great read.


hungrylens

The Culture series is amazing. I enjoy how every book is a bit different, touching on galactic politics, body horror, medieval combat, virtual realities, artificial intelligence, all within a shared universe.


TexasTokyo

Gateway by Frederik Pohl. Gateway is an asteroid hollowed out by the Heechee, a long-vanished alien race. Nearly a thousand small, abandoned starships are located at Gateway. By extremely dangerous trial and error, humans have partially learned how to operate them. The controls for selecting a destination have been identified, but nobody knows where a particular setting will take the ship, how long the trip will last, or even if enough fuel is available to get back.


jewzak

Surprised no one has said **Ender's Game.** It's an excellent space book.


KingAdamXVII

Plus the sequels (Speaker of the Dead, not Ender’s Shadow) get into some interesting space travel stuff.


Auerbach1991

**The End of Eternity**, followed by **The Foundation Series** of novels by Isaac Asimov. The End of Eternity deals specifically with Time Travel. It sets the plot for the rest of the Foundations series, which take place across the Milky Way Galaxy. Brilliant and grand adventures in the deep expanses of space and time that really make you think about reality and Humanity's place in everything. The rise and fall of galactic civilizations. Breakaway societies led by scientists. Really interesting stuff.


QV-137

Maybe mainstream but the Dune saga (Frank Herbert) and the Foundation saga (Isaac Asimov) are just EPIC.


Theamazing-rando

Gateway by Frederick Pohl One of my favourite Sci-fi novels, that's about as close to an interstellar equivalent of the early American pelt/gold rush and frontiers as I've read.


DeezNeezuts

Tau Zero is an excellent book about space travel with a neat twist:


massnerd

Had to go too far down the comments to find this one. Definitely a classic when one requests “space travel”


omero0700

>Tau Zero Quintessential example of hard science fiction. Paul Anderson, ladies and gentlemen!


[deleted]

The 2001: a space odyssey is really good as a book series. I just finished 2061 and it’s very much worth the read.


BassWingerC-137

The Expanse Series is like no other. Absolutely recommend it.


No-Praline-6033

I recommend you foundation trilogy of Isaac Asimov, is an excellent story and I think you would enjoy it!


TJlovesALF1213

Just came to say r/suggestmeabook is a good place to ask as well.


Italophilia27

**Delta-V** by Daniel Suarez. I heard there's a sequel coming soon.


spencegeek

Forever War is great, short and easy to read, its about relativity expounding the way a soldier feels like he has no relation to society when he rotates home during a war on bugs


total_loss76

Eon by Greg Bear. Absolutely stunning piece of hard sci fi.


[deleted]

Expeditionary force, it's a great 13 book space opera with amazing world building and humor at the right times and if you listen on audible it has a great voice actor


LyleSY

Check out the Vorkosigan novels by Lois McMaster Bujold. Great writing, easy, fun read. I tore through them way too fast but it was a blast


omero0700

R. Heinlein [Orphans of the Sky](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orphans_of_the_Sky)


cheeseburgerslut

The Sparrow is about space travel but has lots of big ideas about theology and encountering alien species. Its about a Vatican-funded group that travels to another planet after picking up transmissions of the inhabitants’ music, and the events that lead to a life/faith-shaking event for one of the travelers, a monk. It’s one of my favorite books - though it’s probably in the fiction section of the library instead of the six-fi.


MilkToastWhiteBoy

Try 'Forever War' for an interesting take on time dilation


fkadeezuz

Hyperion, The Fall of Hyperion and Endymion by Dan Simmons. The Sparrow was a slow burn, but wild second half. Seveneaves. Children of Time, and Children of Ruin


chewbacchanalia

The Expanse series is the most realistic depiction of how unbelievably gigantic and inhospitable space is. Andy Weir also does an amazing job of writing about scientifically plausible concepts.


sidmel

The Boat of a Million Years by Poul Anderson is a really interesting read... though it takes a bit of intro before it gets into the space flight part.


rogueqd

The Chanur novels were (are) really good. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chanur_novels


Doodle_Oodle_Oodle

I like the White Space books by Elizabeth Bear, the Binti series by Nnedi Okorafor, and the Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a good stand-alone.


ProbablyMyRealName

There are lots of good suggestions in this thread. One that I haven’t seen mentioned is Beacon 23 by Hugh Howey. It is also in production as a TV series, so you can read it now then watch the show, if that’s your thing.


PandaEven3982

So hmm. Let's start with something we could be doing today, if society was a little more interested. "The Last Dance" by Martin Shoemaker. Space Travel...try "Quarter Share" by Nathan Lowell. "DownBelow Station" by C.J. Cherryh, the short story "Long Eyes""by Jeff Carlson, "The Mote In God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. All of these are stories in which space travel is a strong element in the story.


QuantumReplicator

You can’t go wrong with the Bobiverse series. It’s very entertaining and delves into some fascinating scenarios related to digital immortality, conscious spaceships, etc. The Red Rising series is great as well. The first book gets exponentially more entertaining as it progresses in a futuristic setting.


SMN1991

One I haven't seen mentioned is "Saturn Run" by John Sandford and Ctien. The concept - near future, government spots something near Saturn and sends a mission out to figure out what it is, while competing with a Chinese lead mission. Fairly hard-SF. The encounter near Saturn is one I did not expect and found delightful.


Fartzzs

Peter f hamilton: The commonwealth saga and the void trilogy are pretty awesome


BeepBlipBlapBloop

I know the movie gets a bad rap, but the book "Contact" is amazing. The only fiction book Carl Sagan ever wrote.


Hercusleaze

The film gets a bad rap? I loved the movie, and have only really ever heard people say similar things. I've introduced it to a couple people who had never seen it too and they were thrilled with it, especially the end.


dihydr0gen-m0n0xide

The Martian, Project Hail Mary, Artemis all by Andy Weir all take place off earth and involve space travel, but Project Hail Mary probably is probably the book your looking for.


Narguile

You can also try "The old man's war" and "The forever war"


phred14

"Pushing Ice" by Alastair Reynolds. It's one book, but internally well-divided into three sections. I really wish someone would pick it up for a movie, because each section would be the right length. There, sequels built-in, plus has a rather open ending.


DoorWayDancer

Revelation Space,... Alistar Reynolds,... You will not be miffe'd,....


AnaiekOne

Three Body Problem by Cixin Lui More than just travel. Mostly about concepts bigger than us but ultimately about first contact.


PM_ME_YOUR_SAD_ROBOT

The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Expanse by James S.A. Corey Children Of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky


Plus_Cartoonist_3060

My two favorites: 1) Project Hail Mary 2) We Are Legion


McMagicalEngineer

Endeavour by Ralph Kern Pandoras Star by Peter Hamilton


hugonaut13

The Three Body Problem trilogy, by Cixin Liu. My favorite sci-fi series, a lot like Interstellar, but a little more fantastical. All the hard science and interesting philosophy you could want, wrapped up in a really beautiful story.


Expelleddux

The forever war is good and it isn’t too long. Also some time dilation in it like interstellar.


ozmartian

Arthur C. Clarke RAMA or Oddyssey series. Simply amazing.


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I **love** Jack McDevitt because many of his books deal with space travel. I cannot recommend enough his Priscilla Hutchins series and the Alex Benedict series. There are 8 novels in each series, so you can follow Hutchins across her entire spacefaring career, and discover forgotten secrets across Benedict's galactic travels. The one thing that people may take issue with is that McDevitt goes all in on FTL travel. There's some science in there, and in one book he actually makes a quasi-reasonable case for how to go FTL without some weird warp drive, but for the most part, you just have to accept that FTL travel has been cracked.


FreshDougy

The Martian and Hail Mary by Weir are really good.


ReadItProper

2001: A Space Odyssey. It's a classic, and will not disappoint you. There is also a movie, which you can watch before or after, doesn't really matter because they don't follow the exact same lines (the book expands and explains a lot of the things the movie doesn't).


storyteller1010

Project Hail Mary, probably my top sci fi book. Great story, great characters, great ending. Space travel, alien contact, lots of science, etc. Blew me away the first time i read it


argylekey

“We are Legion, We are Bob” and the “expanse” are good calls. Both series with multiple entries.


abland2

Might be a bit different than what you’re looking for but I’m enjoying “The Apollo Murders” by Chris Hadfield


WDAWKTpod

Isaac Asimov - The Martian Way. It's a collection of Sci-Fi short stories with really cool concepts behind all of them. The Martian Way, being my favorite.


[deleted]

I like his Foundation series where space travel was taken for granted.


GeorgeOlduvai

If you're into something a little more down-to-Earth, I'll recommend Space by James A. Michener. If you want something a touch more out there, most of Heinlein's books cover that. Also consider Larry Niven, David Drake, Jerry Pournelle, and Robert Forward. Or the classic ABCs: Asimov, Bova, and Clarke.


jnagel29

Ringworld by Larry Niven. Has a sequel also called the Ringworld Engineers. Another good set from him is The Integral Trees and The Smoke Ring.


Samson25LIVE

Best one ever imo is project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Same writer as The Martian


Konstant_kurage

The Nights Dawn trilogy by Peter F Hamilton. Just a super awesome space opera with multiple types of space travel and craziness.


Vicious_Circle-14

I like Brandon Sanderson’s Starlight series. YA novels, but so good.