Science Fiction means fantasy based on science. The genre is disregarded by literary purists, but we recommend you do not take into account all that critics say. Reading science fiction books can be a great experience into the imagination of the writer. And trust us when we say you are going to be surprised every time. That’s the thing with science fiction books: you will never get bored.
Science fiction books will open your mind. You can learn how to make your own destiny and not have to stay locked in a cage. You open your eyes and you learn that the world is just one of many possible worlds. You will see that the society we leave in is no standard for perfection, as there are many possible ways that political and economic systems can evolve, that people can be detained in prison under the pretext that they are protected. but they can choose not to become prisoners.
So, here are ten science fiction books you should read in a lifetime.
1. Dune – Frank Herbert (1965)
We simply cannot talk about science fiction without Frank Herbert or Dune. Considered the best science fiction novel of all time, Dune won the Hugo and Nebula awards. In 1984 it was filmed in a movie, and in 2000 in a television series. They even made several video games (Dune, Dune II, Dune 2000, Frank Herbert’s Dune and Emperor: Battle for Dune).
2. The Foundation – Isaac Asimov (1952)
Isaac Asimov was considered a master of the genre. He has written and edited over 500 books, being one of the members of the “Big Trio” of science fiction writers during his lifetime.
3. The left hand of darkness – Ursula K. Le Guin (1969)
The novel is part of the Hainish cycle and was written the same way as many of the works of Ursula Le Guin: interplanetary expansion started with the human race from the planer Hain and expanded throughout the universe, thus forming the League of All Worlds. For this novel, Le Guin was awarded with the Nebula and Hugo awards in 1969 and in 1970.
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams (1979)
Begun as a radio series in 1978, it was adapted for other formats: theater, a series of six books, a video game, three comic book series, a TV series and a movie appeared in 2005. The novel series has been translated into over 30 languages.
5. Neuromancer – William Gibson (1984)
Debut novel by William Gibson, which is part of Sprawl trilogy was very well received by the public. It won the Nebula, Hugo and Philip K. Dick awards and triggered the cyberpunk literary movement.
6. The Forever War – Joe Haldeman (1975)
The author’s most famous novel, The Forever War is inspired by the author’s experience in Vietnam. He won both the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award.
7. Stranger in a strange land – Robert A. Heinlein (1961)
Considered the most famous science fiction book ever written, Stranger in a strange land follows the story of a man who comes to Earth after being born and raised on Mars. The novel won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1962.
8. 2001: A Space Odyssey – Arthur C. Clarke (1968)
One of the most famous works of Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey is based on several of his novels, especially on Sentinel. It was released after the release of the film with the same name, directed by Stanley Kubrick.
9. Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card (1985)
Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards for “Best book”, Ender’s Game is the first book in the Ender’s Saga. It was adapted for two comic book series in 2008.
10. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury (1953)
The novel presents a future where books are banned and firemen are the ones who have to burn them. 451 Fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper catches fire. In 1966, François Truffaut wrote and directed the film adaptation with the same name.
