What are the most popular science fiction books in the list of 1988 science fiction books?

'Gateway' is also very popular. Its exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown, along with the unique setting of the alien space station, has attracted a large number of readers. People are drawn to the mystery of the ships and the potential for discovery, as well as the well - developed characters.

'Wool' by Hugh Howey was quite popular too. It's set in a post - apocalyptic silo, and the mystery and the characters' struggles within that confined space were really engaging for readers. The story gradually unfolds, revealing more about the world outside the silo as it progresses, which kept readers hooked.

I'm not sure which ones are the most popular exactly, but 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is often highly regarded. It's set in a future where the world has been transformed by a new form of technology and virtual reality, and it has a really unique and engaging plot.

I'm not entirely sure which ones were the most popular, but 'Doomsday Book' was widely talked about. It had an interesting premise of time - traveling historians.

Another popular one might be 'The Uplift War' by David Brin. It's part of a series and in 1989 it was attracting a lot of attention for its unique take on the evolution of intelligent species and the politics between them.

'Contact' by Carl Sagan was also very popular. It was a thought - provoking story about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The movie adaptation also helped to boost its popularity. It delved into scientific concepts as well as human emotions when faced with the possibility of first contact.

Another potentially popular one could be any book that dealt with emerging technologies at the time like genetic engineering. It would have caught the public's attention as it related to real - world scientific advancements. Books with such themes often create a sense of wonder and fear at the same time, making them very appealing to the science fiction reading audience.

One of the most popular was 'Hyperion'. It has a very unique narrative structure, which attracted a lot of readers. The world - building is also extremely detailed.

Among the popular ones is 'The Forever War'. It won several awards and has been highly regarded for its realistic take on the horrors of war in a science - fiction context. The way it deals with time differences due to space travel is also very interesting.

I'm not sure which were the most popular exactly, but 'The Graveyard Book' was widely loved. It won the Newbery Medal. Its blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, along with its engaging characters, made it a hit.