2026 Reading Challenge
Ringworld (Ringworld #1)

Questions About Ringworld (Ringworld #1)

by Larry Niven

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Ringworld, please sign up.

Answered Questions (11)

I have and have read all three of the Ringworld series and enjoyed them they are in my Library to be read again .If you havent read them whats holding you back ? Ben
Melissa Wykes What's holding me back? The offending representation of the female characters. I mean, all female characters in the first book only exist to blindly f…moreWhat's holding me back? The offending representation of the female characters. I mean, all female characters in the first book only exist to blindly follow and sexually please the main male character. Come on man, we women are much more than that! (less)
flag
I have a soon to be 14 year old and wanted to know if the Ringworld Series is a good idea for him. He is big into worldbuilding, but I am checking to see how much adult content is in it. More relationship stuff?
Aarne It does talk about sex and is very misognystic and gross in its portrayal of the female characters / their relationship to the protagonist. Like 20 ye…moreIt does talk about sex and is very misognystic and gross in its portrayal of the female characters / their relationship to the protagonist. Like 20 year old Teela and Louis Wu's explicit relationship.. when he multiple times recognises he is literally 10x her age, and views her as immature and at times a child.. If you let your 14 y/o read this just make sure it's clear to him that those parts are not OK.(less)
flag
Does this book work as a standalone novel, or would you have to read the rest of the series to be satisfied with the story?
Kumari de Silva It was written to be stand alone, then turned out to be so popular the others were written. So if you read any of them, read this one and see what you…moreIt was written to be stand alone, then turned out to be so popular the others were written. So if you read any of them, read this one and see what you think!(less)
flag
Can anyone explain how they got back into their ship at the end? i understood the black thread was going through their ship: in the airlock and out that port. how are they going to get it out? Prill is in the ship without a space suit. the only way to let the thread out is to open both airlock doors yes? if they do that Prill dies and they loose all their air. and how do they physically get back to the ship?
Fran Mosqueira Sáez
This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)
flag
I'm 14 years old. Can I read this? Will I face any difficulty or any other problems?
Daniel Henneke The only difficulty you will face is the same difficulty the characters face, the scale of the Ringworld. If you want to, you can read it.
flag

Unanswered Questions (2)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more