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…).

(Image: wikispaces.com)

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. (more…)