If you were captivated by the intricate cultures and societal divisions on January in The City in the Middle of the Night, you'll be drawn to The Dispossessed. Le Guin masterfully explores two contrasting worlds—one anarchist, one capitalist—through the eyes of Shevek, a physicist whose journey between them reveals the strengths and flaws of both. The depth of worldbuilding and attention to how environment shapes society will resonate with you.

If you connected deeply with Sophie and her journey through oppression and self-discovery in The City in the Middle of the Night, you'll find a kindred spirit in Aster, the brilliant and determined protagonist of An Unkindness of Ghosts. Aster navigates a harsh, stratified generation ship with courage and nuance, confronting both personal and systemic challenges in ways that feel raw and real.

If you loved how The City in the Middle of the Night tackled questions of belonging, identity, and the nature of society, The Left Hand of Darkness will enthrall you. Follow Genly Ai as he navigates the wintry world of Gethen, coming to terms with radically different ideas of gender, friendship, and political loyalty. The book’s profound philosophical themes will give you much to ponder.

If you were drawn to the evocative, immersive atmosphere of January’s eternal night and the vivid sense of place in The City in the Middle of the Night, you'll be enchanted by Station Eleven. Mandel crafts a haunting, beautifully detailed post-pandemic world, following characters as they seek meaning and connection in the ruins of civilization.

If you appreciated the focus on social structures, revolution, and interpersonal dynamics in The City in the Middle of the Night, you'll be fascinated by A Door Into Ocean. The novel explores an ocean world inhabited entirely by women, examining their pacifist society and the challenges they face when threatened by outsiders. Its emphasis on culture and social science over hard technology will feel right at home.