Ringworld

[Anne]

This book was extremely interesting, even though Science fiction is not my usual choice to read. It was written in 1970 so some things that we now have in "the future" were not mentioned--but interworld communication and travel was the focus. I understand that the characters had been somewhat developed in earlier short stories but think he did a good job of developing them for someone who didn't have that background. The science was somewhat beyond me sometimes but the concept of searching for new worlds to inhabit because current worlds are no longer inhabitable is easy to understand. The book includes interesting aliens, a 200 year old man,a 20 year old woman and quite a bit of relationship building and growing. In addition, the very idea of the Ringworld is mind-blowing, a world fifty million times the size of earth. Yet, the development of the world, the evolution of society in it seemed the more important issue to me, as well as the evolution of the relationships of the characters. I really enjoyed it. The story and characters are going to stick with me.

[Amara, Group Creator]

I am definitely looking forward to reading this one! Glad to hear you don't need too much of a science knowledge base to follow the story (though I honestly don't expect to be in over my head, and will actually be pleasantly surprised if I am--gives me more to learn!).

[Anne]

I doubt you'll be in over your head at--I really wasn't though I had to drag some old knowledge out of my past brain. My husband (Lee) tells me that most of Niven's "inventions" were based on hard science although there are a few that may be more fantasy. Enjoy it! There's a sequel called Ringworld Throne which I will probably get around to reading soon.

[Sgs]

Do the sequels to this Ringworld involve the same characters and situation? or are they companions?