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.
Limiting it to just books is unfair to Science Fiction, as some of the greatest of the genre were short stories and anthologies.
For example, Heinlein’s The Past Through Tomorrow is a collection of his “Future Histories”, very different short stories that formed the fabric of his universe, held together to some extent by his close to immortal character, Lazarus Long.
Asimov also used a close to immortal character, with R. Daneel Olivaw, again for continuities sake through very different settings.
It certainly bears some relation to such, but only insofar as it depicts the untutored perception of that style of modulation.
I don't see a mention of Heinlein's "Time Enough for Love" yet.
Yep, I’ve noticed that myself a time or two.
For anyone that wants a ton of free SF.
Free Speculative Fiction
Great site
Arthur Conan Doyle’s Professor Challenger adventure, “Lost World”.
There was a Russian Scifi book in the early 60’s which had the same theme, a hole to the center of the earth/lost world, entered by a Russian team of Arctic explorers. Have no idea what the name of it is, or who wrote it other than he was a Russian. Pretty good.
Also the Carson Napier of Venus series, the Tarzan series....all of Burroughs' work.
Great post. later
That Hyperion/Endymion stuff is fantastic. Simmons is the guy who wrote message from a from a time traveler that gets posted to FR once in while.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1743776/posts
FReegards
/johnny
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
E.E. Doc Smith and his Lensman series. A classic!!!!
“Oh, once I finish my dinner, I’ll tell you all I know about this Tarzan, Flash Gordon person.” —Our Gang
Because being left the hell alone is so outdated?
Forgot about that car racing story. Thanks.
Nope. I'll look for it.
IIRC, Disney did not want confusion with the earlier movie, plus they were worried about “Princess” not appealing to boys (sheesh). I don’t think titles can be copyrighted, only the content.
I liked the movie; sorry you did not. It combined plot elements from the first group of novels, plus some new twists. Also liked the effects, particularly the portrayals of creatures such as the Tharks, Thoats, and Woola. Also liked the depiction of the aircraft & weaponry; had the “steam punk” feel I envisioned. Acting pretty wooden, but there you go.
I think of the two Pournelle-Niven I read, I preferred Lucifer's Hammer about 1/4 star more...
Name him, ping him.
May as well ping Twotone...
I knew there was a reason we clicked! lol
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.