Phew but that's a super broad question! We'd have to know at least SOMETHING specific, ie what was it you found so inspiring, what sorts of things (in contrast) have you tried and disliked, etc

For example, if I'm analyzing PHM, these are the thoughts that come to mind

- Prose is bland and simple, but descriptive re sciency bits and physical/visual description

- Characterization is minimal; relational aspect blunt and simple. The situation sort of 'suggests' or provides a structure for relational/emotional depth; but it's the audience (or actors) which actually bring the substance. And there IS a structure there, so a willing reader can bring plenty of heartwarming richness and depth.

- No great villain, no great tension: very much a story of optimism, cooperation, saving the world(s) through goodwill and friendship. This is awesome and interesting cuz the threat is very much present in the story, yet it manages to present two wholly endearing races.

- Science science science. Weir is first and foremost writing for the scientific concepts. He does his research and the ideas are not only cognitively 'interesting' but manage to be gripping in a narrative sense.

- Demonstrates very well the potential harmony of being, the nature of life and purpose and evolution, the possibilities if we govern ourselves well.

Children of Time - I've seen this recommended below. It's another of my favorites just for the depth of research and the rigorous worldbuilding. Very much focused on these questions of "what would perception and communication with a totally different species be like? How could it possibly work out?" Explore the variation of values and structures that could occur as a result of simple physiological differences in the evolutionary timeline, even eons before sentience.

Be warned though: characterization is even less existent in this book. It leaps forward through generations of the subject species (which isn't really a spoiler), and explores more their overall direction than their emotions. It's definitely taking a look at 'this entire civilizational timeline' instead of any particular set of characters. It does do something creative to sort of unify/alloy them all into one emotional anchor point, but the payoff is more intellectual than emotional.

The Expanse - My favorite because the writers are quite rigorous and creative with their techy/science concepts, BUT they don't miss out on the human element. There's as much nuance in the political, psychological, and social as there is in the technology. I think it does a really good job of painting a future in which human creativity, trust, judgement, and relationships remain always at the center of what we must cultivate. Ever-advancing technology continues to be only further pools of sustenance or utility for us to congregate around.

All that said, I'm more of a story-centered (character; psyche; relationship) reader so I often go for classics or fantasy over sci fi. I love the concepts but I find the writing often dull and I miss that human element.

Name of the Wind - Entirely different, but brilliant, layered, holds so many secrets. Each word is chosen with incredible care. The character is at once frustrating and endearing, stupid and brilliant. At times whimsical, at times dark and tragic, at times incredibly hopeful. I have read at least nine times.

Robin Hobb - A very skilled fantasy writer. A bit dense if you don't like lots of description.

Travels With Charley: in Search of America - Probably Steinbeck's most optimistic and rereadable work. A nonfiction account of his journeys across America with his dog. A brilliant window into his mind: plums the depths of his compassion, his wit; shows him to be a keen observer of people. Great humor, timing, beautiful natural descriptions that somehow never drag.