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Oh for that sensawonda!

Sensawonda...that's the word! Those books (to me) seemed rather "joyous" about exploring the universe and meeting new species. I haven't really been looking at the new SF that's coming out now. I got rather discouraged by all the "gloom and doom" or people's "issues" that I found the last time I looked. Either that or there's nothing original and the work is just...ho hum rehashes.

Now I'll have to go raid the old library again. Just can't beat that "sensawonda!"

I know exactly what you mean - sensawonda. That's what I get from those early Heinlein novels that have pride of place on my shelf; from the silly short stories with green Martians and amphibious Venusians; from the books with pictures of improbable skyscapes and gorgeous rocket ships... there are a few recent books that manage to have that sense, but not many. That's why I spend a few dollars a month in the used bookstore, looking for books with little rockets on the spine.

And LotR has that same sense, doesn't it? Just because it's about Elves and hobbits doesn't mean there's no wonder - but I can't think of many other fantasies that are the same way. I think it's because LotR is closer to the original myths and fairy tales than the books that are basically derivatives of LotR. And science fiction is, in a way, a new sort of myth, so it would have that same sort of wonder about it.

exploring the universe and meeting new species

Although I think man ought to follow his dreams, sometimes I think we ought to be careful exploring space. What if we find a species that removes us from (our perch at) the top of the food chain?

I love Sci Fi too, but find much of it pretty juvenile these days. I was easier to please 25 years ago. Somewhere in FR, I think there's a thread posted that recommends authors, does anyone know where?