By realistic, i mean sci-fi that are Jurassic-Parkish (where, the story actually sounds like it could happen), I like science-fictions with humans as the central characters (and not some random alien civilization). Does anyone have any books to recommend.
I like books that are 50% character developement and story and 50% actually the science stuff.
For example, i like the sci-fics like "Mercury", "Venus" and "Jupiter" all by Ben Bova (check his books out if you haven't, they are awesome)
2007-08-26 15:30:55 · 12 answers · asked by Man 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Also, i want books that are written after 2000 (around there). I don't want books from like 40-50 years ago. Thanks :)
2007-08-26 15:46:05 · update #1
Connie Willis' books sound like what you are looking for - look for 'Doomsday Book', 'To Say Nothing of the Dog', 'Bellwether', and 'Passage'. You may also like China Mieville's books.
2007-08-26 17:41:45 · answer #1 · answered by Robin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to be blown away try "The speed of Dark" a really amazing book that you forget is science fiction as you are reading it and all of a sudden it hits you right at the end of the book. One of my top three that I have read recently. I find that I don't stick to reading one genre.
Recently finished Shantaram and hear that they are going to turn it into a movie starring Johnny Depp. Loved it!
Currently reading The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell.
It's historical fiction and as you can see I am all over the board.
Here are some reviews of "The Speed of Dark" by Elizabeth Moon. It also won the Nebula award in 2003
"MAGNIFICENT... ASTONISHING...
The most powerful book you'll read this year."
--SF Site
"Ambitious, beautifully crafted... [This novel] has been compared to Daniel Keyes' classic and tragic Flowers for Algernon... The Speed of Dark may be an even greater book.... A subtle, eerily nuanced character portrait of a man who is both unforgettable and unlike anyone else in fiction."
--The Washington Post Book World
"At a time when cases of autism seem to be on the rise, The Speed of Dark provides valuable insight while delivering a thoroughly engrossing, even suspenseful story."
--San Francisco Chronicle
"The Speed of Dark gives a stunning, insightful, and openhearted look at the world through the eyes of a man with autism.... Elizabeth Moon has written an outstanding testament to the unique gift every one of us has to share, exactly as we are, while also cheering us on to be all that we can be. Kudos to Ms. Moon for helping us to see with new clarity not only the mystery of autism, but also the wonder of it."
--Barry Neil Kaufman
Director of The Option Institute and
the Autism Treatment Center of Americaâ¢
"One of those exceptionally rare novels that has the power to alter one's entire worldview, and reading it is a profoundly rewarding and enriching experience."
--Infinity Plus
"This book really made me look at my life from another point of view. A tremendous read. I couldn't put it down!!
--Philip Slocum noted Sci Fi afficinado (my review) JOKE
2007-08-26 23:33:45 · answer #2 · answered by Traveler 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally loved the Legends of Dune series by Brian Herbert, son of Frank Herbert who authored the original Dune novel. I think Brian is a much better writer than his Dad. This is a great story with strong characters.
Titles of the three books in the trilogy:
The Butlerian Jihad
The Machine Crusade
The Battle of Corrin
2007-08-26 22:48:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really enjoyed "The Ear, the Eye and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer. It is futuristic (set in Zimbabwe), and all characters are human, though there are some mutations in the three characters Ear, Eye and Arm. But it is one of the best books I've read in a while, and I don't generally like science fiction.
2007-08-26 22:39:59 · answer #4 · answered by Kate 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Green and the Gray- Timothy Zahn
I don't tend to like a lot of science fiction, because it tends to be so "gadget-y" without a lot of emphasis on characters or plot. Well, not characters anyway. This book though, focuses a lot on character developement.
2007-08-26 22:42:23 · answer #5 · answered by Angeliss 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if this is "real" science fiction,but currently I'm reading Halcyon by James Swallow.It's about 300 pages long and REALLY good.Be forewarned,if you have anything against TV show novelizations/tie ins,you won't like this one.It's based on the TV show Stargate Atlantis.
2007-08-27 01:28:43 · answer #6 · answered by Karate Kid 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by PK Dick
Neuromancer by William Gibson.
Pax - C
2007-08-26 22:35:15 · answer #7 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jules Verne
..Journey to the Center of the Earth
..20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
..Mysterious Island
So realistic, many of the inventions he envisioned became reality, and some he is even given credit for "inventing" (although he only invented the idea, not the actual devices).
Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com
2007-08-26 22:40:31 · answer #8 · answered by JimPettis 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rising by Sally Malcolm
Halcyon by James Swallow
Trial By Fire by Sabine C Bauer
Roswell by Sonny Whitelaw
2007-08-27 00:46:07 · answer #9 · answered by Bet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anything written by Robert A. Heinlein would be good, or anything by Larry Niven. Ben Bova's stuff is very good, too.
Stuff written by Harlan Ellison may really be up your alley, or it may wierd you out. He has a very dry wit.
2007-08-26 22:40:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋