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.
Animal Farm George Orwell
Cat’s Cradle Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Childhood’s End Arthur C. Clarke
City (collection of related short stories) Clifford D. Simak
The Demolished Man Alfred Bester
The Door into Summer Robert A. Heinlein
The Dreaming Jewels (AKA: The Synthetic Man) Theodore Sturgeon
Ender’s Game Orson Scott Card
Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury
The Haunted Stars Edmond Hamilton
Lucifer’s Hammer Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle
The Mote in God’s Eye Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle
Nineteen Eighty-Four George Orwell
The Power Frank M. Robinson
Slan A. E. van Vogt
The Stars, My Destination Alfred Bester
The Third Level (short story collection) Jack Finney
To Your Scattered Bodies Go Philip José Farmer
The Twenty-Seventh Day John Mantley
Way Station Clifford D. Simak
The War of the Worlds H. G. Welles
The Winds of Time Chad Oliver
Dreams of my Fath...
Never mind.
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