Posted on 09/12/2014 5:32:37 PM PDT by Fzob
Happy National Read a Book Day! Celebrate with these essential sci-fi classics. Space, dystopian futures, robots, technology, aliens . . . what is there not to love about science fiction, a genre that stretches the imagination and offers a glimpse into what lies in a galaxy and time far, far away? Now that you've indulged on the most compelling, classic epic fantasy series, it's time to switch gears. Onward, futurists!
We recruited our own POPSUGAR editors to help compile the ultimate list of geeky reads. And this week, we're showcasing the best sci-fi narratives, with all the traditional elements of the genre: artificial intelligence, travel to remote parts of the universe, futuristic gadgets, wormholes, apocalyptic political systems, and extraterrestrials.
This list of essential geek reads isn't complete — there are plenty of time-travel, tech, and graphic novel editions still to come. But in the meanwhile, take a look at our recommendations for science fiction stories every geek must know, and tell us which books you'd add to the list.
What? No, “Rufus and the Saucer”?
Some of that stuff was published after I left the 6th grade...
Lots of good science fiction out there. Lots of bad science fiction out there. Tastes vary.
lol
/johnny
Glory Road! By Heinlen.
Nothing fancy: Just sword-and-soccery and sex-and-drink and rock and roll and hell-fighting before it became popular.
And with a small dose of Starship Troopers social commentary addded.
I tend to stay away from the libertarian stuff.
Real Science Fiction readers do NOT use the derisive and irritating term “Sci Fi.”
I found the book entrancing. The movie was a little slow and drawn out and a let down.
The book made me a big fan of Arthur C. Clarke's work.
Bmfl
Is that a book written by NASA for the muzzies?
Yes, Jules Verne is very readable. I have read several of his novels and also several of H.G. Wells’.
Wells had some great ideas but he is tough reading. Maybe whoever translated Verne was just good.
The first ones to come to mind:
The Forever War, Joe Haldeman
A Princess of Mars, Edgar Rice Burroughs,
Enders Game
The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
Starship Troopers, Robert A Heinlein
I, Robot, Isaac Asimov
The Time Machine, H G Wells
Last and First Men
Star Maker
The Forever War
Earth Abides
I wish I’d been the genius who figured out how to make people click thru 20 pages of crap that they ignore anyway just to get to a damn list.
No “Stranger In a Strange Land” nor “Past Through Tomorrow?” None of Asimov’s “Robot” series?
This list is maybe 25% correct.
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