Science Fiction is a genre that is exceptionally compelling, as it straddles the historical, contemporary, and futuristic. It enables a certain amount of world building that is impossible in many other genres and indeed draws the reader into the details of that world and the characters who live within. Here are a couple of Sci-Fi books that I would recommend reading if you are new to the genre.
Fahrenheit 451: Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451 is a traditional American dystopian sci-fi novel published in 1953. The plot fast-forwards to the future, where books are outlawed and burned in efforts of extreme censorship. The main character, Montag, quits his job as a fireman–a previous burner of books–to join a resistance group, thus rebelling against the entire society established around him.
Ender’s Game: Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game is a military sci-fi novel that was published in 1985. It is set on Earth in the future, and humankind is being threatened by the “buggers” which are a species of aliens closely resembling insects. It is a book both fit with an exhilarating plot and a dependency on morality to pivot the reader into a truly rewarding experience.
The Left Hand of Darkness: Ursula Le Guin
This novel was published in 1969 and follows the path of Genly Ai who is sent from the planet, Terra, to the planet, Gethen as an envoy. When Genly Ai reaches Gethen, he realizes that it will be quite challenging to understand the planet as it has entirely different social constructs in comparison to Ai’s home planet, Terra. This book is a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and brilliant imagination.
A Wrinkle in Time: Madeleine L’Engle
A Wrinkle in Time is considered a bit of a classic, dubbed with numerous medals and awards since its first publication in 1962. It has also inspired multiple film adaptations. However, they do not compete with the vivid world and depth of the book series.
Artemis: Andy Weir
Artemis is a relatively new science fiction novel first published in 2017. it is set in the 2080s in the city of Artemis, the only city on the moon. It follows the life of a woman named Jasmine (Jazz) who gets caught up in a conspiracy to control the city.