The Sci-Fi Book Classics You Need to Read Before You Die

Popsugar ^ | 09/06/2014 | NICOLE NGUYEN

[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.

[kalee]

Oops correction
Canticle for Leibowitz

[VietVet]

I’ve read almost all of them. But where Are Clifford Simak, Henry Kuttner, Poul Anderson, Frederick Poul, Gorden Dickson, Ben Bova, Terry Pratchett, Andre Norton, Lois Bujold, along with the others mentioned by the SF fans above?

[10mm]

TRIPLANETARY, first book of "Doc" Smith's Lensman series available for free at Project Gutenberg. Most of his other early books available for free as well. Enjoy.

[10mm]

The entire Lensman series available online (Public Domain. Copyright Expired)

ROY GLASHAN'S LIBRARY

[joseph20]

A Rendezvous with Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke

“This novel won both the Hugo and Nebula awards upon its release, and is regarded as one of the cornerstones in Clarke’s bibliography.”

[Alas Babylon!]

Ha! Thanks to Twotone and his Model T, we can all drink good, clean water!

[Mad Dawgg]

One of my All-Time Favorites. I have it on a special shelf (as well as on My Kindle) alongside Lucifer’s Hammer, Alas Babylon, Island in the Sea of Time, The Stand, On the Beach, One Second After and several other SHTF scenario novels.

[locountry1dr]

bfl

[Mad Dawgg]

I would love to see Fallen Angels make it to the big screen with the "Global Warming is a Huge Fraud" message still intact. BUT if it does so it will either be hacked to death by the Global Warming Crowd and the anti-global warming message totally reversed or be produced as a low budget "fleeing from the man" car chase movie.

[Fzob]

“The Sparrow” by Mary Russel. Not exactly Scifi but worth the read.

[barbarianbabs]

best movie ever

[buffyt]

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe
Logan’s Run
Brave New World
The Man Who Fell to Earth
Stranger in a Strange Land

any Obama speech

[buffyt]

Read ALL Michael Crighton books!

[buffyt]

True, Verne and Wells!

[buffyt]

Also great authors, you are right, man I am forgetting a lot of great ones...
Isaac Asimov,
Ray Bradbury and
Robert A Heinlein

[Smokin' Joe]

Actually, Saucer by Coonts was a fun read.

[buffyt]

I will have to find that book. I saw FALLEN ANGELS as a Noel Coward play, twice, and it is a totally different story. The book sounds good!

[buffyt]

Sci Fi movies
Metropolis
Future World
West World

[Enterprise]

Some people might not know that it was based on a short story be Ellison. I saw the movie because of the story.

[King Moonracer]

I have a nice set of the lensman series that was printed in large paperback format in the 90s. Audible.com has an audio version. It’s good to learn they are on project Guttenberg.