book review
Books reviews of the best science fiction stories, texts, educational texts, and journals.
Best Octavia E. Butler Books
Butler was a fascinating writer and an inspiration to many. Raised by her mother and grandmother, she was born a black woman in 1947 California. As if they could be simply pushed away, Butler disregarded the social structures and ideologies potentially holding her back. At a young age, she was inspired to write science fiction novels and short stories, and so she did. The parables that Octavia E. Butler wrote reveal undeniable parallels to real-world power structures that we interact with on a daily basis. Among her long list of achievements is the MacAurthur Fellowship award, or "Genius Grant" awarded to Butler in 1995, the first science fiction writer to receive this award. Science fiction fan or not, these titles aren't your typical sci-fi books. In no particular order, I give you ten of Octavia E. Butler's best books and must- reads.
By Sophie Heller8 years ago in Futurism
Best Iain Banks Books
Iain Banks was one of the best writers of the 20th century, best known for his popular space opera novels known as theCulture series. Many of Banks novels have been adapted for theatre, radio, and television over the years. The man left behind an incredible body of work, and if you're new to the science fiction game, you might be wondering, what are the best Iain Banks books?
By Bill Shaffir8 years ago in Futurism
Best Tanith Lee Books
Where do you start with Tanith Lee? The highly prolific writer wrote 90 novels and more than 300 short stories — so jumping in just anywhere can seem pretty intimidating to most readers, possibly causing some to give up all together. But, if you're a true lover of science fiction and fantasy literature, many of her stories should be required reading and are not to be missed.
By Amanda Stamper8 years ago in Futurism
Ever Wanted to Go to Space?
We all know that space outside our atmosphere is pretty dangerous. In a vacuum, there is no air to breathe, no gravity to hold you down, and the pressure on your body is trying to tear your cellular make-up apart. So far as we on Earth know, there is no other planet out there capable of sustaining life.
By Emily White8 years ago in Futurism
Must Read Alfred Bester Books
As one of the kings in science fiction storytelling, Alfred Bester enlightens his readers with warps in time, wars in space, and men degraded by technology. His characters are brought to life in so many different and gargantuan ways, oftentimes providing a fault of some kind in being human, or the inefficiency of artificial intelligence. He knows exactly what to avoid when writing sci-fi, which inherently makes him difficult to miss.
By Salvador Lorenz8 years ago in Futurism
Best Gene Wolfe Books
Gene Wolfe is widely considered to be one of the best living science fiction writers, and many consider him to be the best writer period. Award winning author Michael Swanwick certainly thinks so: "Gene Wolfe is the greatest writer in the English language alive today. Let me repeat that: Gene Wolfe is the greatest writer in the English language alive today."
By Joseph Farley8 years ago in Futurism
Best Robert A. Heinlein Books
Robert A. Heinlein is an American science fictionauthor who usually wrote very controversial pieces of writing. He is commonly referred to as the dean of science fiction writers because of his popularity and influential writing. Heinlein had a big obsession with writing and reading science fiction.
By James Lizowski8 years ago in Futurism
Best Peter Watts Books
Peter Watts is a Canadian science fiction author and former marine-mammal biologist. He has led an interesting life since he was stopped at the United States and Canadian border during a random car search. Due to the immigration laws and Watts being convicted of a felony for assaulting an officer, he is not able to re-enter the United States.
By James Lizowski8 years ago in Futurism
The Kneale Legacy: An Interview with Andy Murray
Nigel Kneale might well be the most important television writer you've never heard of. If you have enjoyed a piece of British science fiction made since at least the 1960s, chances are that you've encountered something either written by or influenced by his writings. It could be Doctor Who, its spin-off series Torchwood, or even works from across the Atlantic such as Stephen King's The Tommyknockers.
By Matthew Kresal8 years ago in Futurism
A Bluffer's Guide To Great Books: George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four
A warning, a prophecy, or just a story? In retrospect, it can be seen as all three. Indeed, it would appear to have over-fulfilled its literary quota and moved from being a sci-fi inspired future-history novel, to become a piece of historical fiction. The old, worn out debate about its prophetic significance has gone by the board; look around you — do you get the feeling you are being watched?
By Kevin McClintock9 years ago in Futurism
Best George Orwell Books
Born as Eric Arthur Blair, George Orwell, was known in the 19th century for his direct and creative writing style. He often wrote novels with short concise sentences instead of using a lengthy poetic style. By using metaphors and allusions he made the themes of his stories more apparent to readers.
By Jessica Herring9 years ago in Futurism
