Way Station (1963)

by Clifford D. Simak

A book of big ideas loosely stitched together by plot — short and punchy and maybe a little predictable. Full to the brim of Golden Age fundamental optimism but stopping short of overdoing it. The small cast and set keep the story grounded and the deliberately anachronistic protagonist keeps it from becoming dated.

Altogether a better read than most of its peers, most similar to Bester in my eyes but far superior in quality. It’s refreshing to read science fiction that isn’t stained noir by our souring relationship with technology or dripping with cynicism reflecting the prevailing ideology that sees humanity as a parasite.