If you're just starting with science fiction, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a must - read. It explores gender and society in a unique alien world. 'Childhood's End' by Arthur C. Clarke is another excellent choice. It has a grand vision of humanity's future under the guidance of an alien race. 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut, which has some science - fiction elements like time - travel - like experiences, is also a very interesting read.
You should check out 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick. It inspired the movie 'Blade Runner' and deals with the question of what it means to be human in a world with androids. 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury, while also a dystopian novel, has science - fiction elements like the future society's relationship with books. 'Ringworld' by Larry Niven is a great book that features an enormous artificial ring in space.
Dune by Frank Herbert is a classic that you can't go wrong with. It has a richly detailed universe with complex political intrigue, unique cultures, and a hero's journey. The story of Paul Atreides on the desert planet Arrakis is full of action, mysticism, and grand ideas about power, ecology, and human evolution.
Another good 2020 science fiction read is 'Axiom's End' by Lindsay Ellis. It deals with the idea of first contact with an alien species. The story follows a young woman named Cora who gets involved in a complex situation when an alien crash - lands near her. The book explores themes like government cover - ups, alien communication, and the impact of such an event on humanity.
I'm not sure if there are a ton of really well - known 'V' - starting science fiction books, but 'Visions' by various authors could be considered. It might be an anthology that contains different short science fiction stories. These could range from stories about future technologies to far - flung space adventures, all within the pages of one collection.
It broadens your imagination. Science fiction often presents unique and out - of - this - world concepts that can expand how you think about the universe.
One great 2018 science fiction book to read is 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It presents an interesting interstellar empire on the verge of collapse with complex political intrigue and engaging characters.
I would recommend 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a richly detailed universe with complex politics, interesting characters, and a unique take on ecology and power. The story of Paul Atreides is captivating.
One great genetic engineering science fiction book is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. It presents a world where genetic engineering is used to create a highly stratified society. Another is 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson which touches on genetic modification in the context of a cyberpunk future. Also, 'The Windup Girl' by Paolo Bacigalupi features genetically engineered organisms in a post - apocalyptic setting.
Some good science fiction books to read are 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. It's a hilarious and mind - bending adventure through space. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is also excellent. It tells the story of a young boy trained to fight in a future war against an alien race, exploring themes of leadership and morality. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is another great choice. It has a complex and engaging plot with multiple storylines that come together in a unique way.
A really good one is 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov. It's set in a vast galactic empire and follows the efforts to preserve knowledge and civilization during its decline. The series is known for its grand scope and scientific concepts. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also excellent. It weaves together multiple stories of different characters on a pilgrimage to a mysterious and dangerous place. The book is rich in literary references and has a complex narrative structure. 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is a classic science and fiction book that tells the story of a Martian invasion of Earth, which was quite revolutionary for its time.