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.
>>Real Science Fiction readers do NOT use the derisive and irritating term “Sci Fi.”
Well, whatever I’ve been reading since 1969 sure did feel like Sci Fi.
Of course, this guy also hates it when you call Sci Fi.
http://danecobain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/cbgheart.gif
My dad used to tout 20k when I was kid, so one year at the shore I took a crack at it, with a hard cover copy I picked up for 10 cents or something ... Oh brother! I was chugging through it, but I got to one passage where Arronax is detailing at length the various fish species visible at a viewport, and I consciously gave up at that point. I finally read it, as an adult, and although I count myself as a fan, the writing is not without fault.
They should add the Heinlein “Starship Troopers”. Its mechanical suits were the forerunners to “Iron Man”’s suit.
Sci-fi, not fantasy. Otherwise Lord of the Rings should definitely have been included.
The Dying Earth is my favorite Jack Vance novel.
I’m and avid sc-fi/fantasy reader and I’ve never been able to get past chapter 1 of wheel of time. Tried many times.
I think Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle did some great books together and solo, and I loved the Pliocene Exile series by Julian May. H. Piper, Philip K. Dick, Harry Turtledove, Roger Zelany, Poul Anderson,
There were so many one or two hit wonders in the 70’s and 80’s that’s it’s hard to remember. I think Historical/SCI-FI, Historical/Fantasy, Alternate history and the space military type genres where born in the 70’s and 80’s.
Tolkien, Frank Herbert, and Asimov are all gimmies and should be 3 out of anybody’s top 10 list.
Arther C. Clark is another gimmie. Robert Heinline is a gimmie for some, but not so much for others.
L.Ron Hubbard’s writing has improved since he went to the big Engram in the sky. Battlefield Earth Book 1 was so bad I couldn’t put it down. It was like watching a train wreck but with words.
I highly recommend this Science Fiction novel.
Yeah, it’s a classic. I wouldn’t go so far as saying it’s better than Demon Princes or Planet of Adventure, but it’s certainly just as good. I would say it belongs but probably a lot might say it belongs on another list, so I just gave the harder sci-fi stuff, well harder for Vance.
Here’s something I found a while ago, a list from a 1968 Galaxy mag of sci-fi authors for and against the Vietnam war. You might have to zoom to read it properly. I would take the pro authors over the antis on this one as far as which side I would want to read, if I had to choose. Asimov opposed involvement, Vance was pro involvement.
http://www.natsmusic.net/articles_galaxy_magazine_viet_nam_war.htm
Freegards
Or...you could go to heaven and read them at leisure.
OR, you could be a genius like me at look for the "View all at once" button...
Just sayin'...
My wife says the EXACT same thing. I’ve read and re-read them dozens of times.
1954 my friend!
I saw it when it was new, and I remain impressed by the effort. James Mason as Nemo! How could you go wrong.
One thing though, on seeing it in recent times: the scene where the natives get a dose of the electrified deck is actually "racist" in the sense of the accusation that is so often made. Aside from their reaction to electric shock, which might be excused as natural, there is the depiction of their language, which consists of simple gibberish, such as "Uga bugga bugga" in repetition. I'm sure they were just following direction!
“A Boy and His Dog”
Gotta agree with you on that.
Nothing from Heinlein? Oh c’mon.
That’s like creating a list of the best thrillers without including Alfred Hitchcock.
Wow, I did not know it was that old. I was 7 in 1954 so probably saw it when it first came out.
It’s funny about people’s tastes. So many rate the Demolished Man to be such a great book, but I’ve never gotten past chapter 2. Conversely, I totally agree about The Stars My Destination. It’s brilliant.
I really like a lot of Gordon R. Dickson’s stuff, especially Tactics of Mistake and Time Storm. I also really like Alan Dean Foster’s The I Inside.
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