As a college student, do you ever wish you could escape the real world and travel through time and space into a futuristic universe? The science fiction genre teleports you into a world where reality becomes augmented and distorted. Futuristic technology and environmental changes shape the fictional society, setting the stage for an intriguing read.
Travel to a parallel universe with us through these must-read science fiction novels.
1. ENDER’S GAME – ORSON SCOTT CARD
Next time you scream after seeing a small bug on the counter, know that somewhere little kids fight giant space insects. Card’s Ender’s Game depicts the tale genius children drafted for saving the Earth from an insectoid alien species. This novel evokes the mental and physical struggle Ender encounters during his time at the space training facility. The compelling technological feats of the training facility makes for an encapsulating read.
2. DUNE – FRANK HERBERT
Morning coffee keeps many going, just as spice keeps the entire galaxy at bay. Herbert’s Dune infuses politics with adventure through the eyes of Duke Leto’s son. The spice on planet Arrakis extends life and enhances one’s mental aptitude. Due to high demand, much competition arises to gain control of the planet. The spice isn’t the only thing that makes this planet dangerous. There is everything from sandstorms to mile-long worms. Pick up this novel to find out who wins the struggle over the spice.
3. 1984 – GEORGE ORWELL
As one of the most prominent dystopias ever created, Orwell explores the power surveillance has on society. “I like the premise of forbidden love, but 1984 gives a whole new context to the common literary cliché. Winston and Julia are sneaking love notes back and forth and setting up secret meeting times and hideouts to accomplish love, even when the stakes can be so high to even contemplate the possibility of love and sexuality,” Emily Berndt, a University of Florida senior, said. Big Brother will watch you if you choose to pick up this novel.
4. THE DISPOSSESSED – URSULA K. LE GUIN
Some write about utopian societies whilst others write anarchy societies. Le Guin depicts both within her anarchical utopian on the moon. This moon society is separated from the Earth-like planet generations before the novel takes place. Shevek, a physicist, desires to reconnect these two worlds in order to finish his scientific theory. Shevek soon becomes a key player as both these worlds use his work to their liking without him knowing. This novel interests those of scientific background, for discussion of relativity and physics persists throughout this science fiction novel.
5. READY PLAYER ONE – ERNEST CLINE
Even if you possess the movie on your shelf, this novel serves as a very fun and easy read. Cline’s Ready Player One takes virtual reality to the next level. In the novel, everyone lives within the virtual realm rather than the actual Earth. Avid video gamers love this novel due to the large number of references to classics such as Joust and Pac-Man. The premise of the novel surrounds the death of the game’s creator. If one solves his puzzle, then they themselves win the creator’s entire fortune. An average teenager taking on this challenge ends up the target of a major corporation. Pick up this novel to find out what happens next.
6. THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY – DOUGLAS ADAMS
As a monolith of the sci-fi industry, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxyexists internationally on multi-media platforms. The world loves the engrossing story of Arthur Dent, a survivor rescued from Earth’s destruction by hitchhiking onto a passing spacecraft. Dent encounters many supernatural and futuristic beings during his misadventure around the galaxy. “It’s a fever dream of a sci-fi novel that tickles all the right spots,” Gavin St. John said, a University of Florida junior. Fun fact: the novel appears in more than 30 languages.
7. BRAVE NEW WORLD – ALDOUS HUXLEY
The hallmark of classic dystopias, published in the early 20th century, this novel illustrates the dangers of medical technology on society as a whole. Brave New World explores reproductive technology, sleep-learning, and a unique social structure through the eyes of a savage. This societal outcast becomes a celebrity within this advanced society. However, the horrors the savage experiences showcase technology contaminating the essence of one’s humanity.
8. RINGWORLD – LARRY NIVEN
The alien structure of Ringworldmakes Saturn look like an infant. With 86 million miles in diameter, this giant artificial ring exists at the center of Louis Wu’s mission. Assisted by companions, they crash land on this structure without the ability to contact anyone. Everything changes once they discover all different aspects of Ringworld. This novel won the Nebula, Hugo and Locus Award in the early 1970s.
9. THE MARTIAN – ANDY WEIR
Everyone wonders how humans would live on Mars, so why not find out? Do so through the adventures of Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on the red planet. The protagonist uses his wits to improvise a survival plan until hopefully rescued. Science lovers appreciate The Martian for the attention to detail regarding the basics of physics, biology and chemistry that Weir employs.“This is one of my all-time favorites because it goes into detail about the science,” said Aidan Mitchell, a University of Central Florida freshman. For sci-fi fans who don’t love to read, check out the 2015 film version with Matt Damon.
10. FRANKENSTEIN – MARY SHELLEY
First things first, Frankenstein refers to the doctor, not the monster. But what exactly does monster really mean? Shelley’s Frankenstein not only distorts mortality, but it distorts the reader’s own view of the divide between good and evil. The true novel’s meaning delves deeper than the green skin of the creature. For those somehow unfamiliar with the novel, a doctor brings a hideous creature to life during one of his science experiments. Chaos ensues of course, but how exactly? Grab a copy of this all-time classic.
