5 witty sci-fi reads for fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide

If you’ve ever picked up The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, you already know it’s more than just a sci-fi story — it’s a rollercoaster of sharp wit, absurd humour, and clever satire wrapped in an interstellar adventure. Douglas Adams crafted a universe where the mundane meets the cosmic, where existential questions are met with cheeky answers, and where the phrase “Don’t Panic” isn’t just advice—it’s a lifestyle.

For many readers, Adams’ unique blend of comedy and science fiction feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre that can often take itself too seriously. It’s no surprise that The Hitchhiker’s Guide has become a cult classic, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike.

But what if you’re craving more books that capture that same quirky spirit? The good news is, several novels out there echo Adams’ humour, creativity, and heart, offering you more of that brilliant mix of laughs and cosmic wonder.

5 Sci-fi books to read if you loved The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

1. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

If you adored the satirical tone of Adams, Good Omens is a must-read. This collaboration between two fantasy and sci-fi giants spins the story of an angel and a demon teaming up to stop the apocalypse. Packed with dry British humour, hilarious dialogue, and sharp observations about humanity, this novel combines the fantastical with the absurd in a way that will feel instantly familiar.

2. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

If you want more of Adams’ signature style but with a detective twist, this series is a hidden gem. Following the bizarre cases of holistic detective Dirk Gently, Adams takes you on a journey through time travel, ghosts, and cosmic coincidences — all laced with his trademark wit and irreverence.

3. Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers by Grant Naylor

Fans of quirky space comedies will love this cult classic based on the British TV series Red Dwarf. The story follows a hapless crew stranded in deep space with absurd situations and a hilarious AI companion. It’s like a spiritual cousin to Hitchhiker’s Guide with its mix of sci-fi tropes and British humour.

4. The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut

While Vonnegut’s style is a bit darker and more satirical, The Sirens of Titan offers a similarly cosmic and absurd take on life’s meaning. It’s a philosophical sci-fi novel peppered with sharp humour, unexpected twists, and a sprawling galactic journey.

5. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

This novel is a fresh take on space exploration with heart, humour, and diversity. It’s less satirical but shares Adams’ optimistic view of a chaotic universe and the beauty of unlikely friendships. The book balances lighthearted moments with thoughtful reflections on identity, culture, and belonging.

Final thoughts

Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy isn’t just a book—it’s a mood, a worldview, a reason to laugh at the universe’s absurdities. These five books capture parts of that magic in their own unique ways, whether through satirical wit, cosmic silliness, or heartfelt space odysseys.

So next time you’re craving a read that combines clever humour with mind-bending sci-fi, give one of these a try. They’ll remind you why it’s so fun to ask the big questions, especially when you don’t take the answers too seriously.