A Door Into Ocean by Joan Slonczewski

This novel unfolds on the ocean-covered planet of Shora, inhabited by the Sharers, an all-female, pacifist society that lives in harmony with their aquatic environment. Their way of life is threatened when they come into contact with the militaristic, male-dominated world of Valan, which seeks to colonize and exploit Shora. Through the lens of bioengineering, nonviolent resistance, and ecological sustainability, the story explores themes of gender, power, and the clash of cultures. The Sharers, with their profound understanding of life sciences, offer a stark contrast to the Valans' approach to technology and control, setting the stage for a compelling narrative about the possibilities of coexistence and the value of understanding and respecting differences.

The 9790th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 27

Since this book was first published in 1986, there is a penalty of 19.2%. The age adjusted score is 21.82.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.