An eclectic beginner’s guide to SFF

With thanks for the pointer to Elaine T.

I always do enjoy these kinds of lists. This one has a little attitude to go with its suggestions:

“People say it all the time: they’d love to get into science fiction or fantasy, but they’ve no idea where to start. If this is you, listen up.”

This list follows a handful of sensible rules — only one work by any particular author, no short stories, like that.

I’ve read 35 of the 50 suggested works and agree that this list comprises an excellent snapshot of the SFF genres.

My favorite of the 50: For SF, probably ENDER’S GAME. For F, naturally it’s THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

Works they included I most disliked: THE HANDMAID’S TALE. Too heavy-handed for me.

The one I hadn’t ever even heard of: UBIK by Philip K Dick. I guess I just never read much by Dick.

The one I don’t think belongs: ALICE IN WONDERLAND. To me that is really a child’s book and out of place on ths list.

One author who should most have been included but wasn’t: Patricia McKillip. I would have put THE BOOK OF ATRIX WOLFE on here no matter what had to come off.

If you enjoy this kind of list, or for that matter enjoy a look at vintage covers, then click through and see what you think.