The Science Fiction genre was my gateway into the wonders of the novel and this is my official nod to a dozen of my favorite Science fiction works. Some of them are on the list only because of memories; these are marked by * (and, although I have copies of all books on the list, I haven’t read most of them for many years…).

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The Man in the High Castle (1962), Philip K. Dick

Mr. Dick had a remarkable imagination and was a master of blurring the line between reality and the imagination (he was not an effective prose stylist, but I think this novel is his best). The book’s alternate reality premise is that the Germans and Japanese won WWII. Apparently, Mr. Dick used the I Ching extensively to move the plot along; the story delves into the basis of reality, value, and much more. Some find the ending abrupt, but I think it is apropos. Hugo award winner.

Neuromancer (1984), William Gibson

An early shot in the arm for the cyberpunk genre. Neuromancer won the ‘triple crown’ of SF awards: the Nebula, Philip K. Dick and Hugo.

The Left Hand of Darkness (1969), Ursula K Le Guinn

One of the few SF writers that is recognized by the ‘literary’ community. This is not for those seeking a fast-moving plot; the story explores social, psychological, and philosophical issues. An emissary visits a world where the people spend portions of their lives as both male and female. Highly recommended (I would rank Le Guinn’s The Dispossessed slightly higher, but I’ve mentioned it elsewhere, and The Left Hand made an indelible mark when I was younger). Hugo and Nebula awards.

Dune (1966), Frank Herbert*

A novel that involves brilliant world-building. There were sequels, but, IMHO, they did not live up to the first novel in the series. Hugo and Nebula awards.

The Book of the New Sun (1980-83), Gene Wolfe

A four-volume series that (I think) is allegory disguised as science fiction, which is disguised as fantasy (or a jumble of those forms, with linguistic flourishes). If you enjoy a leisurely read, like savoring a fine red wine, then this is the book for you; but be warned, the story is offered in the form of a puzzle. The books in the series won various awards: the World Fantasy, British Science Fiction, John W. Campbell Memorial, and Nebula.

More Than Human (1953), Theodore Sturgeon

An imaginative and atypical story about human evolution through a gestalt of individuals. Mr. Sturgeon is best known for his numerous excellent short stories (e.g.: Microcosmic God, The Man Who Lost the Sea, and Baby is Three (which forms part of the novel More than Human)). There is an award named after him.

Childhood’s End (1953), Arthur C. Clarke*

A classic novel about the next big evolutionary leap of humanity.

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame (1970 (stories from1929–1964)), Robert Silverberg (Ed.)

This is a collection of short stories that were written prior to the Hugo and Nebula awards. The Science Fiction Writers of America voted on their favorite stories, and Mr. Silverberg edited the jumble into a manageable volume. There are some absolute gems in this book, but there are also a few weak stories (even some of these are quite enjoyable (e.g.: A Martian Odyssey: a ‘pulpy’ story, but highly imaginative and fun)).

Stranger in a Strange Land (1961), Robert Heinlein*

A classic novel . Very ‘pulpy’, but it was one of my favorite books when I was a teenager (also: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress). Hugo award.

Speaker for the Dead (1986), Orson Scott Card*

I disagree with many of Mr. Card’s public philosophies, but I enjoyed his stories when I was younger. Speaker is a sequel to Ender’s Game (also one of my favorites from years gone by). Hugo and Nebula awards (for both Speaker and Ender’s Game).

Gateway (1977), Frederick Pohl*

A slightly dated spin on psychoanalysis, but an imaginative premise: humans have found an ancient gateway to the stars, complete with spaceships: the problem is, there are no user’s guides, and it is the luck of the draw whether you’ll come back alive or not.

The Foundation Trilogy (1951), Isaac Asimov

I haven’t re-read this since I was young, and I’m reluctant to do so. My recollection: a brilliant mathematician creates a predictive tool (psychohistory) and is able to see that the galactic civilization will fall. He sets up a series of checks and balances that will aid humanity’s recovery.