Reading the 20th Century discussion

The twentieth century was a golden age for Science Fiction


Are you someone how enjoys science fiction?

Who are your favourite Sci Fi authors?

What are your favourite Sci Fi books?

I posted this in the Kindle Offers (2020) thread...


The Man Who Fell to Earth (1963) by Walter Tevis

I read this one decades ago too. Predictably, as a huge teenage Bowie fan, I was inspired by the Nic Roeg film adaptation but it is a book that stands up on its own merits. A sci-fi classic indeed.

It's currently 99 pence in the UK for Kindle

If anyone fancies a buddy read do let me know

More information...
The Man Who Fell to Earth is a 1963 science fiction novel by American author Walter Tevis, about an extraterrestrial who lands on Earth seeking a way to ferry his people to Earth from his home planet, which is suffering from a severe drought. The novel served as the basis for the 1976 film by Nicolas Roeg as well as a 1987 television adaptation and an upcoming television series.

Although I am not big on sci-fi, there have been some novels I have loved. I think my favourite was:

The Book of Strange New Things

I am not sure it was really loved by fans of the genre though - it might have been more literary fiction than science fiction?

More typical fare was Altered Carbon

There are some crime books set in space, I have liked too.

Places in the Darkness by Christopher Brookmyre

Gravity by Tess Gerritsen

Interesting - thanks Susan

Judging by the number of her books that I own, I would say that C J Cherryh is my favourite SF author. Favourite book is however impossible to say!

Here's something a bit different and a good little exercise to tickle your brain cells - a murder mystery which is set on a space cruiser (crew of 6). Nothing too heavy, just a whole heap of good old honest fun...

Six Wakes



Well worth it.

Looks good, Ian, thanks.

I'll keep on eye on this thread and watch out for recommendations. I've never read a sci-fi novel, though I enjoy the films.

Thanks all


I wonder why I don't read more Science Fiction as I have read some really great examples of the genre

A few off the top of my head...

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

Roadside Picnic by Arkady Strugatsky

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (and many other great books by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.)

Dune by Frank Herbert

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Currently rereading for 3rd or 4th time Fahrenheit 451. This edition has introduction by Neil Gaiman and some literary commentary on the novel. The extra information is nice. What stuns me more this read: How mediative this short novel is.

At the moment I am ploughing my way through Xenocide, volume 3 in the Ender series which began with Ender’s Game.

It is not a complicated read, though it is filled with philosophies and religions. It is just that it is not filled with much in the way of action. Listening to philosophers and divines discussing their beliefs and the reasons for their beliefs is hardly riveting stuff, especially when much of it refers to made up situations. I will persevere. Just over half way through, only 200 pages to go.