"Out of the Silent Planet" by C. S. Lewis

Being an avowed Lewis fan, I felt compelled to read his space trilogy (this being the 1st), despite a lack of interest in most science fiction, having seen too many B-grade sci-fi flicks in my youth.  However, as usual, Lewis' brilliant writing captured my imagination at the outset, and it was a treat to imagine the various hnau in their Malacandran environments.  I love how Lewis seamlessly weaves theology with a thoroughly enjoyable relational tale.

Here are some favorite quotes, both from Ransom:

• "Two things about our world particularly stuck in their minds.  One was the extraordinary degree to which problems of lifting and carrying things absorbed our energy."
• "He felt the old lift of the heart, the soaring solemnity, the sense, at once sober and ecstatic, of life and power offered in unasked and unmeasured abundance.  If there had been air enough in his lungs he would have laughed aloud."