Rite of Passage by Alexei Panshin

In this coming-of-age science fiction novel, we follow the story of a young girl aboard a massive spaceship, a remnant of Earth's civilization that travels between distant colonies. As part of a societal norm, she must undergo a survival test on an alien planet to transition into adulthood. The narrative explores themes of maturity, societal expectations, and the moral implications of the ship's inhabitants considering themselves superior to the colony dwellers. As the protagonist faces the challenges of her rite of passage, she grapples with her own beliefs and the harsh realities of the world around her, ultimately questioning the ethics of her insulated society and their treatment of others.

The 10755th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 6

Since this book was first published in 1968, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 6.0.

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.