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.
I have all of those. In hard cover...
Alas, Babylon
Never knew that. After 45 years of reading Science Fiction I never heard that before. Sounds a tad picky to me.
At least one Heinlen novel needs to be on the list.
John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The “John Carter” $250M+ movie actually was pretty good; Disney did not name it properly (should have been “A Princess of Mars”), and they did not market it at all. Bad Disney.
“Ramona and Beezus” by Beverly Clearly.
>>Never knew that. After 45 years of reading Science Fiction I never heard that before. Sounds a tad picky to me.<<
It was holy writ when I was growing up. I think either Campbell himself or the Good Doctor noted it.
I have been a voracious read of Science Fiction since about the 4th grade. I must say that I really enjoyed “A Mote In God’s Eye.” It would make a great movie!. It was just fun!
Great list, Nachum!
Stranger in a Strange Land
Mote in God’s Eye
Great choice!
I forgot about that one.
YES!
The longstanding standard translation of ‘20,000 Leagues’ was revealed to be inaccurate and lazy. I just read a new translation by an Englishman who is a French expert. Excellent.
How about RUSTY’S SPACESHIP ? Never heard of Rufus, but it sounds like the same kind of thing. I lapped that stuff up in grade school. VENUS BOY, too. Even in my memory, that one seems maudlin, but I lapped it up!
Very glad to see WOOL on that list. As soon as I read it, I thought it was an instant Science Fiction classic.
When I wuz a kid it was Heinlein all the time.
“Stranger In A Strange Land”.
M4L
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