What Are The Top Ten Science Fiction Books?

Hmm... can't believe I missed this thread from two years ago. Great subject! Anyway, I'll put my two cents in.

I'd definitely recommend Leo Frankowski and his "Cross Time Engineer" series. I'll admit, the fact that the main character is a Polish Engineer accidentally traveling back in time to 13th century Poland, is near and dear to my heart. (I'm first generation American from Polish immigrants). The books are written in a way that most of us could identify with, and understand in a way that non-engineers can't relate to. Of course, he makes full use of his engineering skills to survive and grow in stature, just as any of us would do! The last couple of books get into a lot of political issues as he rises in power, but the first couple are really full of juicy engineering stuff, even if you can't appreciate time travel books. Ah, if only....

"Childhood's End" by Clark was the first S/F book that totally wowed me. The story line is similar to the famous Twilight Zone episode entitled "To Serve Man". Although the aliens don't end up eating humanity.

Harry Turtledove has a book entitled "In the Balance", which is the first of a tetrology. I find the premise fascinating in that an invading alien culture sent pre-invasion scouts to Earth, ahead of time to see what weapons the main force would be up against. Based on that, they prepared accordingly. Unfortunately, the scout ship surveyed Earth during the Middle Ages, and they didn't account for the rapid advancement in weaponology. The other bizarre aspect of the story was that the invasion came during WWII, which forced Hitler, Stalin, Roosevelt, the Japanse and Churchill to all join forces during the middle of the war. Very interesting how that was accomplished.

"Riverworld" by Philip Jose` Farmer. All of humanity that ever lived is reincarnated in one place and time, and must survive together. Trillions of people. The interaction of so many great leaders from across time, all trying to become leaders again, but in conflict or alliance with such absolute different cultures. Great read!

"Ring World" by Larry Niven. An artificial ribbon, a million miles wide, and the diameter of the Earths orbit is found circling a star. On the inner face of that ribbon exists a vast habitable area that is far greater than any single planet could ever have. And it is inhabited.

"Man-Kzin Wars" by Larry Niven is a series of books of short stories. Premise... just like man originated from apes, there exists another civilization that originated from felines. It's a military based series of stories. The feline civilization exhibits characteristics far different from man, and are severely aggressive. They cannot co-habitate with humans, and are bent on prevailing. The stories are of individual battles over several hundreds of years. As aggressive as the cats are, they simply can't seem to win more battles than they lose. Great read for ex-military!

"Berserker" by Fred Saberhagen is a collection of books of short stories. The stories are of individual battles between humanity and a civilization of self-replicating machines, all across the galaxy. Something like Terminator, but on a galactic scale.

"Fountains of Paradise" by Clark. This is the classic book that first spawned the idea of the Space Elevator.

"Gateway" by Frederik Pohl. This is first in a trilogy called Heechee Saga. Man discovers an asteroid around Earth left millions of years ago by who knows. The asteroid is full of thousands of ships that are preprogrammed to follow a course to other parts of the galaxy. No one knows how to operate them, other than pushing the GO button. But if you have the money, you can risk your life by picking one and seeing where it takes you. To treasures of the universe, or more often, to your death. But the ships always return, and you might become a billionaire, or return empty handed, or return dead. Great books! The first book can be a bit confusing at parts, but the following books are quite exciting all through.

"Starship Troopers" by Heinlein. I read this a couple decades before the movies came out. Loved it then. Less than thrilled about the cinematic renditions. Read the book. You'll love it!

I've read all of these more than once. Enjoy! Great thread!

Have not read that series, I will have to try it. There was an older book or two on a Polish engineer ending up back in time. I really enjoyed it, but do not recall title or author from 20 or 30 years ago.

Thanks Brad

Okay, so here are the results from our distinguished panel:

Authors most suggested:

- Heinlein 13x

- Niven 12 x

- Asimov 11 x

- Clark 9 x

- Adams 7 x

- Verne 6 x

- Dick 6 x

- Simak 6 x

No surprises there.

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Book most suggested:

- Dune 4 x

- RAMA 3 x

- Ringworld 3 x

- Brave New World 3 x

- Neutron Star 3 x * (This one is just a short story)

Editorial note: Personally I would add my own vote to RAMA, but I already picked 10. Though Ringworld was one of those ten.