More like The Real Thing

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Childhood's EndNovel
Arthur C. Clarkestandalone novel1953
First contact, bittersweet in tone, set in our world and near future.
Downward to the EarthNovel
Robert Silverbergstandalone novel1969
About redemption and colonialism, set in other star systems.
“On his return, he feels a new sense of kinship with the natives, perhaps more than for the Terran tourists.”
from the catalogue
Stranger in a Strange LandNovel
Robert A. Heinleinstandalone novel1961
First contact, about faith and religion, set in north america and near future.
This ImmortalSeries
series2 books1966
Post-apocalyptic, about immortality and colonialism, set in our world.
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Cycle of FireNovel
Hal Clementstandalone novel1957
Hard science fiction, about survival and friendship, set in other star systems.
“After his ship crashed on the inhospitable planet Abyorman, Nils Kruger had spent weeks wandering across the face of the planet.suffering from blistering heat, the searing cold of an alien climate.”
from the catalogue
Remnant PopulationNovel
Elizabeth Moonstandalone novel1996
First contact, about space colonization and survival, set in other star systems.
“People had always told Ofelia what to do; for once she was going to do what she wanted.”
from the catalogue