This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on January 17, 2021). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
📚 3/2021: Ringworld by Larry Niven ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1971 Hugo Best Novel
This was one of my formative SF books of childhood, and for the most part, still holds up well, especially in the sheer mind-boggling nature of the Ringworld itself and the true alien-ness of the puppeteers.
@djwudi Where it fails in today’s eyes, of course, is his (and his characters’) treatment of the women. One is little more than an empty shell damsel in distress for much of the book (though he attempts to make this plot-driven, it’s still an issue); the other is a sex toy.
The scale of the (literal and figurative) world building (and probably some nostalgia for how this book influenced my SF tastes in my youth) is enough for me to keep this rated highly, but it definitely feels dated in its interpersonal relationships.
@djwudi I always liked how Niven described the various aliens, they all felt unique and believable and not just humans-but-green. I could however, not find any of Niven’s other novels that great.
@JacksonOfTrades I’ve long had Niven slotted in with my list of “favorite SF authors”, but it’s also been a long time since I read any of his books. I’m going on with the next two books in the Ringworld series now, so we’ll see what I think of those.