I read Martin McInnes’s In Ascension recently. What I loved about it is that it felt both intimate and sweeping. Intimate in the sense of going deep into the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings; sweeping in the nature of the things she thinks and does. Discovering and investigating things beyond all human knowledge, monologuing about the cyclic nature of life… The former keeps it grounded, the latter makes it exciting.
Another book that made me feel a similar way is Jeff Vandermeer’s Annihilation, although it’s a very different kind of awe. Being a horror book and all.
What are other books that can make me feel that way again?
The Library at Mount Char is a bit like what you’re describing - quite intimate in getting to know the characters but as the story develops there’s a huge “holy shit” awe to it for me.
I also second the Ursula le Guin recommendation.
Mount Char is perfect if OP liked Annihilation, big agree
I’ve not actually read Annihilation but if it’s anything like Mount Char I’m in, as that’s one of my favorite books period.
Jeff Vandermeer in general is a fantastic author, I think the Area X books are my favorite but the Ambergris books and Borne are also great
I’ll check some of those out, thanks!