Monday, August 31, 2015

Top 33 Fantasy Novel Classics

Last week I posted a list of my Top 33 Science Fiction Classics.  This week it's time for Fantasy classics to get their time in the limelight.  Some of these are still on my to-read list, like Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman.  Others are founding texts of the genre.  As with last week, I didn't put more than one book by the same author on the list.  Following that principle, I also chose just one book from whole series that I adored - and often it wasn't the first book from the series that I picked.  Sometimes I play a little fast and loose with my interpretation of what fantasy really is.  Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments!  What did I miss?  What should I have left out?  I want to hear all about it.

ps - check out this list, too: Top 33 Science Fiction Classics.

Adventure


The Tombs of Atuan - Ursula K. Le Guin



Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll



 Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman



Monday, August 24, 2015

Top 33 Science Fiction Classics

This is my subjectively curated list of science fiction classics from the very roots of the genre to the turn of the millennium.  Most of these I have read, but some are well-regarded classics on my list of books to read.  I tried to throw in some surprises for the hardened sci-fi nerds to contemplate.  Looking for Fantasy novels?  Check out this list: Top 33 Fantasy Classics.

I have divided the books into three categories: Space Travel, Dystopian and Post-apocalyptic, and Speculative Fiction for those I couldn't find a more specific category for.  Many would fit into more than one category, but I didn't repeat so as not to bore you.  I also didn't choose more than one book from the same author, or list a whole series instead of a single book.  For the fantasy enthusiasts out there, I'll compile a separate list to be posted another day.

What would you have put on the list?  How many of these have you read? Tell me in the comments!


Space Travel


A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine




The Left Hand of Darkness - Ursula K. Le Guin



Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut



Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card