Who decides which books are the 'best in science fiction books'?

It's a collective effort. Fans, critics, and scholars all play a part in determining the 'canon of science fiction'. Their opinions, reviews, and academic studies contribute to which works are considered part of the canon.

For lovers of science fiction, 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a must - read. It tells the story of a young boy trained to fight in an interstellar war. The characters are well - developed, and the plot is full of twists. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also excellent. It combines elements of different science fiction sub - genres, such as time travel and artificial intelligence, and has a very engaging narrative structure.

One of the best is Paul Atreides from 'Dune'. His journey from a young noble to a messianic figure is captivating. He has to deal with political intrigue, a harsh desert environment, and his own emerging powers. Another great character is Ripley from the 'Alien' series. She is a strong, resourceful woman who faces terrifying extraterrestrial threats and survives against all odds. And let's not forget Arthur Dent from 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'. His bumbling and ordinary nature in the face of the extraordinary universe he's thrust into makes him both relatable and endearing.

One of the best aliens is the Martians from H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds'. They are highly intelligent and their advanced technology makes them a formidable force. Their tripods are iconic symbols of their invasion.

For beginners, 'Flowers for Algernon' is a great choice. It's not too complex in terms of its biological concepts and the story is very engaging. Another good one is 'Jurassic Park'. Most people are already familiar with the idea of dinosaurs, and the book does a good job of explaining the genetic engineering behind bringing them back. Also, 'The Andromeda Strain' is accessible as it focuses on a single, understandable biological threat.

In 2019, 'The City in the Middle of the Night' was quite good. It's set on a tidally - locked planet and explores themes of power, society, and survival. The world - building is really well - done, creating a vivid and unique setting for the story to unfold.

For beginners, 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is a great start. It has a simple yet engaging story about an astronaut stranded on Mars. The science is explained in an easy - to - understand way. Another good option is 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline. It's set in a virtual reality world full of 80s pop - culture references, which is really fun. And 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury, though more of a dystopian classic, has science - fiction undertones and is not too complex.

For beginners, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' is a great choice. It's easy to read, really funny, and gives a taste of the vastness and strangeness of the universe in science fiction. Another good one is 'Ender's Game'. It has a relatable protagonist in Ender, and the story is engaging from start to finish. 'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov is also suitable. It's a collection of short stories that introduce some of the basic concepts in science fiction, like artificial intelligence and robotics in a very accessible way.

Definitely 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov. It's a series that presents a grand vision of a galactic empire in decline and the attempts to preserve knowledge and civilization. Asimov's ideas about psychohistory are fascinating. Also, 'The Invisible Man' by H.G. Wells is a classic. It's about a scientist who becomes invisible and the chaos that ensues, exploring themes of isolation and the misuse of scientific discovery.

For me, 'Ringworld' by Larry Niven is among the best. It has a really unique and imaginative concept of a huge, artificial ring in space. 'Childhood's End' by Arthur C. Clarke is also a top choice. It deals with the arrival of an alien race and the transformation of humanity. And 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells, which is an early and very influential work. It makes you think about time and the future of the human race.