If you were fascinated by the meticulous scientific extrapolation and sense of cosmic scale in Vacuum Diagrams, you'll love Tau Zero. Anderson follows the crew of the spaceship Leonora Christine as they accelerate close to the speed of light, confronting the hard limits of physics and the awe-inspiring, relentless march of entropy. The narrative’s respect for scientific accuracy and mind-bending concepts about time and space make it a must-read for any hard science fiction enthusiast.

If the vast, epoch-spanning structure of Vacuum Diagrams captured your imagination, The Years of Rice and Salt offers a similarly ambitious journey. Robinson imagines an alternate history where the Black Death wipes out most of Europe, following reincarnated characters across centuries as civilizations rise and fall. The book’s epic scope, shifting eras, and grand philosophical questions about progress and meaning will deeply resonate with you.

If you were drawn to the intricate settings and well-developed alien societies in Vacuum Diagrams, you'll find The Dispossessed irresistible. Le Guin crafts the dual worlds of Anarres and Urras with astonishing depth, exploring their philosophies, economies, and cultures through the eyes of physicist Shevek. The immersive worldbuilding and thoughtful exploration of society will keep you enthralled.

If the philosophical undertones and existential musings in Vacuum Diagrams stayed with you, Ted Chiang’s Exhalation will be a perfect fit. This collection of stories—such as the titular "Exhalation" and "The Lifecycle of Software Objects"—delve into the nature of reality, free will, and the boundaries of consciousness with clarity and emotional resonance, provoking thought long after you finish reading.

If you appreciated the exploration of alien cultures and the challenge of understanding the Other in Vacuum Diagrams, The Left Hand of Darkness will captivate you. Set on the planet Gethen, where inhabitants are ambisexual, the novel follows Genly Ai as he navigates intricate customs and political intrigue. Le Guin’s nuanced portrayal of culture and identity will satisfy your curiosity for truly alien worlds.