I'm joining the other commenters. It's a really good book. Bought it based on a recommendation. You know, how it is with older Sci-Fi novels and how they feel severely outdated? Rama isn't. The only thing that feels outdated is how competent and disciplined the entire crew of the Endeavour (the ship that explores Rama) is. We're used to drama, incompetence and personal agendas etc. nowadays, Rama goes a different approach. Very Hard Sc-Fi, very refreshing, a lot of mystery surrounding Rama's purpose and nature. I'm torn between what Clarke novel I like better, 2001 or Rama. Definitely worth a read