Rendezvous with RamaRendezvous with Rama
Score Classic
What it's about
In 2131, astronomers detect a huge object entering the solar system. It isn't an asteroid: it's a perfect cylinder fifty kilometers long, clearly built by someone. The crew of the spaceship Endeavour, led by Commander Norton, is the only one close enough to reach it before it swings around the sun. They land, find a way inside, and begin exploring a vast, silent, alien world, with only weeks before they must leave.
Why it's worth reading
It won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. It's a classic of science fiction that's all about the wonder of discovery.
You'll love it if you liked
Good to know
There's little character development; the mystery of Rama is the story. It's short.
By the numbers
- Readers67 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics80 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller34 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
- #31 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #105 of the 762 classics we rank
- #327 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Adventurous, Thought-provoking
More by Arthur C. Clarke
2001: A Space Odyssey
The Fountains of Paradise
Childhood's EndIf you like this, read next
The Lord of the Rings
Foundation
Ficciones
The Gods Themselves
Ubik
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Quick answers
Is Rendezvous with Rama worth reading?
Yes. It won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. It ranks #327 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 81.0 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Rendezvous with Rama about?
In 2131, astronomers detect a huge object entering the solar system. It isn't an asteroid: it's a perfect cylinder fifty kilometers long, clearly built by someone. The crew of the spaceship Endeavour, led by Commander Norton, is the only one close enough to reach it before it swings around the sun. They land, find a way inside, and begin exploring a vast, silent, alien world, with only weeks before they must leave.
How long does it take to read Rendezvous with Rama?
About 7 hours (288 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has Rendezvous with Rama won?
Hugo Award winner (1974); Nebula Award winner (1973).
What should I read after Rendezvous with Rama?
If you liked it, try Dune by Frank Herbert or The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin.