Big dumb objects

Big dumb objects (BDO) are a favorite of sci-fi, and there is no shortage of books on this topic. The objects are not always “dumb”, but are always big and the variety is staggering.

Pushing ice by Alastair Reynolds (2006)

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My rating: ★★★★★

This is my favorite book with a big-dumb-object (BDO) in it. There’s lots of hard-science-fiction, well developed characters wrapped up in a fascinating story. Yes, there’s BDOs, but the story is more about the characters and humanity’s fight for survival.

This is one of those books that after you’ve finished it, you cannot stop thinking about it.

Eon by Greg Bear (1985)

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My rating: ★★★★

This is an older book (published in 1985), and is set in the near future (even from today’s standards). A massive asteroid suddenly appearing in earth’s orbit? Ruins inside the asteroid? More space inside the asteroid than outside? Yes to all of these.

This book takes you on a journey inside the asteroid, with awe-inspiring hard-science fiction. It is also the first book of a 3-part series, so if you enjoy it, there is more!

Spin by Robert Charles Wilson (2005)

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My rating: ★★★★

This BDO makes the stars and moon disappear, and no-one knows why. It is a first-contact story, with lots of character development and tons of science thrown in.

This book is a Hugo award winner and is highly recommended. Like Eon, it is the first book of a 3-part series.

Ringworld by Larry Niven (1970)

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My rating: ★★★★

The ringworld. It has inspired stories and games like Halo, and remains one of the biggest BDOs conceived. Six hundred million miles long and ninety million miles in radius.

Yes, this book was written in 1970, but I still think it holds up today… mostly. It does have some odd 70’s attitudes, and the characters are a bit wooden, but just the concept of the ringworld and the technical details the book delves into makes it a fascinating read.

Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clarke (1977)

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My rating: ★★★★

This is the classic BDO story. A huge interstellar space craft comes close to earth and mankind sends an expedition to explore it.

This one is a slow burn, and there is tons of science and edge-of-the-seat reading as the characters explore Rama. If you haven’t read it, please do!