Must-Read Science Fiction List submissions and discussion > Likes and Comments

At the time of writing the SFBRP site has twenty novels awarded a 5 star rating from Luke, but I'm curious what are the standout SF novels that come to mind when thinking of the genre.

Personally, I have a lot of novels rated 4 stars that often get cited for ideas that they've tackled but not explored well enough to justify a higher rating. And on the flipside, there are novels I've rated 5 stars because the execution of what the author wanted to do and my enjoyment of reading them were without fault that I never mention for various reasons.

I think I'm asking this question in an attempt to determine what Luke and fellow SFBRP listeners would deem Classic SF or "must read' SF that isn't simply regurgitating what the many Top SF novel lists that are full of 'golden age' tales that really aren't readable or relevant now. There are novels like the Planetfall series that I would argue should be read by new and old SF fans. Whilst works by authors like Phillip K. Dick that really shouldn't be brought up in discussions of the great feats/ideas that the genre is capable of.

Then there's a book like The Calculating Stars, which is possibly the most mentioned novel on SFBRP despite Luke's near hatred of it.

So, what stories for you standout as the best of what the genre can do or leave such an impression on a reader that they can't help but mention them in literary conversations?

Ryan wrote: "At the time of writing the SFBRP site has twenty novels awarded a 5 star rating from Luke, but I'm curious what are the standout SF novels that come to mind when thinking of the genre.

Personally,..."

I think this discussion would make a good special episode 550. I’m thinking we could make an “SFBRP Masterworks” list, which would include good/important/influential novels that stand the test of time and are still enjoyable to read today. I’m not sure how long the list would be, but we can make a round number decision at the time.

Also we could discuss why some books are left off the list.

I don’t hate Calculating Star, it’s just the most disappointing book because I thought it was for me but it was very not for me. But For All Mankind healed me, and I’ve made peace with the Lady Astronaut.

A great episode full of challenging titles. I agree on so many. Others are chunky titles, some of which I started and put down (City of Golden Shade) or I got easily distracted by flashier or more topical works. I intend to dive back into some of these classics and you reminded me of my large to read pile. I would also uncle Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel, Stranger in a Strange Land, the Traitor Baru Cormorant, but I respect the discipline You used in limiting the length of the list. Thank you!

It would be good to get the books on the list added to this group so we can find them. Or Luke, if you had a bookshelf with them.

At least I cannot find the list anywhere here on Goodsread.

Two books I was surprised were not on the list are:
The Tourist - which is the best time-travel/suspense book. Its perhaps a bit hard to read, but stick with it. And second time its even better,

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

The Light brigade - again, a wonderful time-travel book, this time coupled with military sci-fi. I have read and listened to it several times, and each time I am really enjoying my time. Its so well written.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

Hi Søren,

All the books are on the website, and each has a link to the Goodreads page or my review. Maybe I'll make a goodreads list but for now that will have to do.

Søren wrote: "Two books I was surprised were not on the list are:"

The Light Brigade is on the list.

The Tourist isn't, mainly because except for the basic premise (there's a time travel story happening but it's told from the point of view of those who aren't doing the time travel) I remember nothing about it. Except that I enjoyed it, and gave it 4.5 stars. But that's not enough! A book has to stick with me and make me think about it and also make me want to read it again.

This isn't unique to The Tourist. It's the same with books like China Mountain Zhang. 4.5 stars... but I read it in 2018 and wouldn't be able to tell you a single thing in it, or any plot points, or even what it's about.

Books that leave my brain so completely didn't make it onto the first version of the must-reads list.