Adams brilliantly paired this science fiction genre with comedy, creating a unique narrative that many readers adore.
The book has since expanded into other forms of media thanks to its immense popularity.
This best-selling book revolves around Arthur Dent, a seemingly mundane man who leads an ordinary life.
However, his normal morning is interrupted when Arthur’s home is destroyed.
To construct a hyperspace bypass, Earth is destroyed by Vogons. Not to mention, Arthur discovers that his close friend is an alien.
Arthur is then thrust into an extraordinary journey spanning the entire galaxy. What could go wrong?!
Thanks to its unique style and merging of comedy with science fiction, few books are comparable to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
As a result, you may be struggling to find something to whet your appetite after finishing this beloved book.
Luckily, here are a bunch of books that are similar to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
If you are a fan of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, then you will seriously appreciate similar books, such as Dune, Neverwhere, The Humans, Ready Player One, and The Color of Magic.
Check out this incredible list of 5 books to read after The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Themes In The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a comedic satire that also fits into the science fiction genre.
It explores some thought-provoking themes, such as:
Absurdity
The book tells an absurd and bizarre narrative.
Dent is taken on an unusual journey through the galaxy, which contrasts with his mundane everyday life.
The narrative highlights that the universe is an absurd place where almost anything can happen.
The ship itself, named The Heart of Gold, is empowered by improbability.
To further reinforce this theme, Adamas continuously plays with the expectations of the reader, often taking the narrative in different directions.
Power
Power and powerlessness are key themes in this novel.
As a character, Arthur Dent is continuously confronted by his own powerlessness and inability to stop the world from being destroyed.
Throughout the novel, Arthur learns just how little power he had. He discovers that Earth has been under the control of another species.
The President of the Galaxy is Zaphod Beeblebrox, who is self-centered and incompetent. He is not the best person to lead the galaxy.
Exploration
The narrative explores Arthur’s journey through the galaxy.
Adams explores the idea that exploration is a key part of human nature. The quest to find the meaning of life is often more satisfying than the answer itself.
First released in 1965, Dune is a science fiction novel on an epic scale. Frank Herbert’s book is one of the most famous science fiction books of all time.
Dune tells the story of a distant future, in which a feudal society has been set up.
In this world, melange is a powerful and desirable substance that can extend a person’s life.
Found only on Arrakis, different factions fight for control over this planet.
The book follows the gifted Paul Atreides, who is born into an important aristocratic family.
This book creates an immersive world, which is perfect for fans of science fiction narratives.
As one of the most celebrated science fiction novels in the world, Dune is an incredible read for fans of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
It explores similar themes, like politics and power.
Pros
Frank Herbert creates an amazingly rich and complex fictional world.
Many readers consider Dune to be a must-read for science fiction fans.
The politics of this narrative are exceptionally well explored.
If you want a warm and cozy novel with a subtle science fiction genre, Matt Haig’s The Humans is a charming read with a similar vibe to Adam’s iconic book.
Haig writes a compelling protagonist in Professor Andrew Martin, whose form is stolen by an alien. This alien feels lost in the world of humanity.
However, this alien soon begins to appreciate human nature. As a consequence, this alien begins to question his motives.
The Humans is best suited to readers who are looking for something warm and cozy.
Its exploration of humanity makes it an ideal alternative to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Pros
This is a fun and interesting exploration of human nature.
Haig has a great writing style that many readers are bound to appreciate.
Finally, Ready Player One is Ernest Cline’s debut novel. Despite this, it has become one of the most recognizable science fiction novels of all time.
The novel is set in a dystopian world in the year 2045. In this world, people escape their everyday lives through virtual reality, providing them with a dynamic form of escapism.
The narrative centers around Wade Watts, who is attempting to find an Easter Egg in this pop culture-obsessed world.
Ready Player One is an immense science fiction narrative, thus belonging to the same genre as Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
This book is brilliant for people who have a passion for technology. It will be particularly interesting for young adult readers.
Pros
This book is essential reading for science fiction enthusiasts.
The premise of the plot is incredibly interesting and raises important questions.
Cons
The obsession with popular culture can feel dated.
After finishing the vibrant and unique narrative of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, you will likely find it difficult to locate a book that explores similar themes.
Not to mention, few writers can capture the unique writing style that Douglas Adams uses.
But as this list demonstrates, there are a few different books that are suitable for avid fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
These dynamic and page-turning books are sure to engage readers who are enthusiasts of this franchise!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Point Of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy?
Many readers consider the book to be a statement about the negative ways in which humans are using the Earth. After all, the planet is destroyed in the book merely so that aliens can make a bypass.
Is The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy Worth Reading?
Yes, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is an outstanding option if you enjoy science fiction and comedy.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
