In 2131, astronomers detected what they initially believe to be an asteroid near Jupiter. It is named "Rama" after the Hindu god. An unmanned space probe named "Sita" (after Rama's wife) is sent to investigate and sends back photos, which show that this is no asteroid - it is a perfectly smooth cylinder 34 miles long and 12 miles wide. It is an alien spacecraft. The solar survey vessel the "Endeavor" is sent to investigate "Rama."

This is an intriguing, realistic (if I can use that word for science fiction) story by one of the masters of science fiction. This novel won't appeal to anyone (check out the reviews on Amazon) due to its focus on "Rama" and not characterization. The characters are rather flat and not drawn well, which is why I subtracted a star. Attitudes have also changed since "Rama" was first published in 1973. If you read the book, I think you'll notice what I mean. The emphasis is on the discovery and exploration of "Rama." Another reviewer commented that it was like seeing it all through your own eyes and I agree. I think that's one reason why this book was successfully adapted as PC game twice. I'm amazed it hasn't been made into a movie, though it apparently served as inspiration for "Interstellar."

There are other books in the series: [b:Rama II|17692863|Rama II (Rama, #2)|Arthur C. Clarke|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1364237300s/17692863.jpg|1907786], [b:The Garden of Rama|17690723|The Garden of Rama (Rama, #3)|Arthur C. Clarke|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1364236000s/17690723.jpg|876293], and [b:Rama Revealed|17692870|Rama Revealed (Rama, #4)|Arthur C. Clarke|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1364237442s/17692870.jpg|828267]. Though they have Arthur C Clarke's name on them, they were actually written by [a:Gentry Lee|65129|Gentry Lee|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1358130743p2/65129.jpg]. Clarke simply read them and making editing suggestions. I haven't read them myself and cannot comment on their quality (or lack of it).

P.S. Just for fun, google "O'Neill cylinder" and "McKendree cylinder," which are real-life versions of "Rama."