I’m hunting for a science fiction book I read more than 35 years ago (likely written before the 1980s, but I read it in the 1990s). Here’s what I clearly remember:
It’s set in the United States, probably in a rural area.
An alien spacesHi book sleuths,
I’m hunting for a science fiction book I read more than 35 years ago (likely written before the 1980s, but I read it in the 1990s). Here’s what I clearly remember:
It’s set in the United States, probably in a rural area.
An alien spaceship crashes on or near the father’s property.
The father and son meet the alien — the alien eventually dies, but they decide to rebuild the spacecraft themselves.
The father has a runway in his backyard (he’s a pilot or aircraft hobbyist).
The son drives a Jaguar sports car and is either in the Air Force or has an aviation background.
They successfully repair the saucer and fly it to the alien’s homeworld.
On that planet, I remember beautiful scenery — grass, water, open sky — and a scene where they have a barbecue or cookout on the alien world.
The tone felt adventurous but grounded — a mix of small-town Americana and wonder-of-the-universe exploration.
I read it in paperback form (U.S.), possibly a mass-market or library edition. It might have been aimed at adults or older teens. I don’t think it was part of a big series — probably a standalone or maybe the first of two books.
Any ideas what this could be? I’d love to finally reconnect with this story — it left a big mark on me.
Catbytheseareads ♡The Spaceship Repair and Restoration Bible by Grant Archvar A heartwarming tale about a father and son who discover a crashed alien spacecraft and work The Spaceship Repair and Restoration Bible by Grant Archvar A heartwarming tale about a father and son who discover a crashed alien spacecraft and work together to repair it. As they mend the ship, their relationship heals too, ultimately leading them to experience an incredible journey to the alien’s home planet....more
Oct 09, 2025 07:24PM
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Catbytheseareads ♡or it says to try the Movies - Explorers or Flight of the Navigator description-Overview of the Film The film tells a heartwarming story about a fatheror it says to try the Movies - Explorers or Flight of the Navigator description-Overview of the Film The film tells a heartwarming story about a father and son who find a crashed alien spacecraft. As they work together to repair the ship, they also mend their strained relationship. This journey not only brings them closer but also leads them to an incredible adventure to the alien's home planet....more
Oct 09, 2025 07:26PM
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by Grant Archvar
A heartwarming tale about a father and son who discover a crashed alien spacecraft and work ...more
Oct 09, 2025 07:24PM · flag
The film tells a heartwarming story about a father ...more
Oct 09, 2025 07:26PM · flag