Ring Around the Sun (1953)

Another Simak novel that is utterly unpredictable. There is much about pre-1960s science fiction that I like, usually an emphasis that has since become outmoded. There is much that I dislike: predictable plots; positively Zoroastrian levels of good and evil.

Ring Around the Sun is utterly unpredictable. I never saw the next plot twist. I cannot even begin to summarize the story without spoiling it. When Simak decides to let aliens play with our notions of economics, the results are always intriguing. His vision of untouched frontier is tremendously awe-inspiring, regardless of which time period or location.

There is a love for small town America that would utterly amaze the current audience for science fiction. It is not blind to its flaws.