If you were fascinated by Father Emilio Sandoz's crisis of faith and the novel's probing of religion in The Sparrow, you’ll find A Canticle for Leibowitz equally compelling. This classic follows monks in a post-apocalyptic future as they preserve remnants of human knowledge, wrestling with spiritual questions and the cyclical nature of civilization. Miller’s story delves deeply into the meaning of faith amid suffering, moral ambiguity, and humanity’s search for purpose.

If you were captivated by the Jesuits' journey to Rakhat and the intricate depiction of an alien civilization in The Sparrow, Children of Time will enthrall you. Tchaikovsky constructs a unique alien world, following the evolution of sentient spiders and their society in parallel with humanity’s own struggles. The novel’s careful attention to alien psychology, communication, and cultural development mirrors the awe and complexity you enjoyed.

If you appreciated Emilio Sandoz’s journey of self-discovery and the profound changes experienced by the characters in The Sparrow, then Anathem will resonate with you. Stephenson’s protagonist, Fraa Erasmas, embarks on a philosophical and physical journey that challenges his beliefs and identity. The novel’s focus on rigorous self-examination and the transformative power of knowledge will strike a familiar and rewarding chord.

If you were drawn to The Sparrow for its deep philosophical inquiries—about ethics, colonialism, and the consequences of human action—then The Dispossessed is a must-read. Le Guin’s novel follows physicist Shevek as he confronts the tensions between two contrasting worlds, exploring questions of freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of progress in a richly layered, thought-provoking narrative.

If you loved the sense of purpose and the collective drive of the Jesuit team in The Sparrow, Contact will appeal to you. Sagan’s novel centers on Ellie Arroway and an international team as they unravel a mysterious message from space and grapple with the personal, political, and existential challenges of first contact. The story’s focus on collaboration, exploration, and the risks and rewards of reaching for the unknown echoes the spirit that made The Sparrow so compelling.