EarthEarth
Score Modern
What it's about
In 2038, a scientist's experiment accidentally creates a tiny black hole, which falls into the center of the Earth and threatens to destroy it. As scientists race to save the planet, the novel follows many characters dealing with climate change, privacy and the fate of the world.
Why it's worth reading
It was a Hugo finalist. It's an ambitious novel that predicted the internet and much else.
You'll love it if you liked
The Postman
Seveneves
The DelugeGood to know
It's long, with many characters.
By the numbers
- Readers30 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics25 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller6 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #260 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #1378 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #2524 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Thought-provoking, Adventurous, Epic
More by David Brin
Startide Rising
The Uplift WarThe Postman
Brightness ReefIf you like this, read next
A Deepness in the Sky
Parable of the Sower
Good Omens
Blindness
Doomsday Book
Making MoneyExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is Earth worth reading?
Yes. It was a Hugo finalist. It ranks #2,524 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 58.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Earth about?
In 2038, a scientist's experiment accidentally creates a tiny black hole, which falls into the center of the Earth and threatens to destroy it. As scientists race to save the planet, the novel follows many characters dealing with climate change, privacy and the fate of the world.
How long does it take to read Earth?
About 19 hours (768 pages), or about 5 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Earth?
If you liked it, try The Postman by David Brin, Seveneves by Neal Stephenson or The Deluge by Stephen Markley.