What are some of the most literary science fiction books?

Well, 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is a great literary science fiction book. It has a complex universe with detailed politics, ecology, and religion. Then there's 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It delves into gender and cultural differences in a science - fictional setting. Also, 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov, which is about a galactic empire's decline and the attempt to save civilization through a science called 'psychohistory'.

Literary science fiction usually has a thought - provoking theme. It might explore philosophical questions about existence, morality, and the future of humanity. Take Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation' series, which contemplates the long - term development and decline of civilizations through the lens of psychohistory.

Well, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is among the best. It delves into gender and society in a unique way on an alien planet. 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is a classic. It's about a mathematician's plan to shorten a future dark age through the use of psychohistory. And 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson. It combines elements of cyberpunk, with a virtual world called the Metaverse and explores the implications of a world where people are more connected to digital realms than the real one.

One way is to look at the writing style. If the prose is rich, detailed, and uses complex language and literary devices like metaphor and symbolism, it's likely a very literary work. For example, in 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry, the simple yet profound descriptions add to its literary quality. Another aspect is the depth of themes. Books that explore deep philosophical, social, or moral questions within a science - fiction setting are usually more literary. Such as 'Solaris' by Stanislaw Lem, which delves into the nature of human consciousness.

Well, 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is a great one. It's about a mathematician who tries to shorten the coming dark age through the use of psychohistory. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is also very popular. It tells the story of a young boy, Ender, who is trained to fight in a future inter - species war. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which presents a disturbing vision of a future society where people are genetically engineered and conditioned.

One of the most popular is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and immersive universe with detailed world - building. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, although often considered dystopian, also has strong science - fiction elements. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also very popular. It's a hilarious and mind - bending adventure through space.

Some of the most recent science fiction books include 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It's an exciting read with a unique plot about a lone astronaut on a mission to save Earth. Another one is 'The Light of the Midnight Stars' by Rena Rossner, which combines elements of magic and science fiction in a really interesting way.

Some of the most influential science fiction books include 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It has a unique take on military training and leadership among children, and the concept of the 'game' has been widely imitated. 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is also very influential. It was one of the first to really explore the idea of a virtual reality - like metaverse. And 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is crucial as it basically defined the cyberpunk genre with its vision of a high - tech, low - life future.

'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.