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The Planet Buyer by Cordwainer Smith

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Love The Planet Buyer but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for The Planet Buyer below.

In The Planet Buyer, did you enjoy ...

... a protagonist's journey across a distant future society?

The Book of the New Sun: Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe

The Book of the New Sun follows Severian, an outcast and torturer, on a quest through a richly imagined future Earth. If you were drawn in by the epic journey of Rod McBan as he navigates the strange and social labyrinths of Norstrilia, you'll be captivated by Severian's odyssey—filled with cryptic societies, mysticism, and revelations that span centuries and continents.

... alien societies with unique cultures and values?

The Left Hand Of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

If the intricate and alien customs of Old North Australia and the Underpeople fascinated you in The Planet Buyer, The Left Hand of Darkness will immerse you in the world of Gethen—a planet where gender is fluid and customs are radically different from Earth. Genly Ai's efforts to understand and navigate this society echo the cultural dislocation and wonder you enjoyed.

... a deep exploration of a protagonist's internal struggles and identity?

Dying Inside by Robert Silverberg

If you appreciated Rod McBan's internal battles and the psychological complexity of his journey, you'll connect with David Selig in Dying Inside. Selig, a telepath losing his powers, confronts the loss of identity and meaning, exploring the same psychological depth and bittersweet introspection that made The Planet Buyer memorable.

... a goal-driven quest across an imaginative galactic setting?

Nova by Samuel R. Delany

Nova centers on Lorq Von Ray and his crew as they pursue the rare element Illyrion across the stars. If Rod McBan's determined quest for survival and meaning gripped you in The Planet Buyer, you'll be drawn to Delany's fast-paced, character-driven mission—full of intrigue, stakes, and a vivid universe.

... philosophical explorations of society, freedom, and individuality?

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

If the philosophical questions about individual worth, societal structure, and what it means to be human resonated with you in The Planet Buyer, The Dispossessed offers a thought-provoking tale. Shevek’s struggle to bridge two contrasting worlds—one communal, one capitalistic—will engage you with its deep moral and existential themes.

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