Science Fiction Aficionados discussion
Authors
>
John Scalzi
date
newest »
newest »
I've read 4 books by him and he's so far been a solid 4-star writer. He does stay more on the light entertainment side, usually with a bit of humor on the side.I've not read Redshirts (can't imagine it being "easily the best sci-fi novel of all-times" though, that's a bit too much to expect from Scalzi, IMHO), but it's on my to read someday list.
I think my favorite of his was the first one I read by him (that's often the case, isn't it?): The Android's Dream.
I've read the first two Old Man's War books. Not sure I really want to read more of them. They're good, but I'm a bit tired of that universe.
Agent to the Stars was fun. I think that was his first novel. It's certainly a lighter weight book but worth a read. Probably a good beach read.
Micah wrote: "Agent to the Stars was fun. I think that was his first novel.It's certainly a lighter weight book but worth a read. Probably a good beach read. "Redshirts is also a lighter read. The book was quite funny to read but I don't know how a novel that is essentially just a satire of Star Trek series could be considered 'a best sci-fi novel of all time', much as I like Star Trek. Most of what Scalzi writes is either a light read or derivative like i.e. Fuzzy Nation which is fine with me, and may be entertaining but not one of the best.
Mod
I quite like Scalzi, the writer and the man. just finished reading Last Colony. I'd say for me he's a solid 3-star writer. at least that's what I've consistently rated him.
mark wrote: "eh, everyone has their favorite for best sci-fi novel of all time. "Actually, I don't :) Too hard a task. I may have a top 10 or even top 5, but seriously, I don't spend much of my time pondering about which book is the best.
Mod
I have read only Red Shirts by Scalzi. On that basis alone I have determined him incapable of writing anything worth reading. And that is that. I won't pick up another of his books except to relocate it to more suitable environs - the trash.Don't get me wrong; I love Star Trek. The premise of Red Shirts though was the most tired joke long before Scalzi's book was ever conceived. If Scalzi introduced you to the joke, all I can say is congratulations on escaping the closet your parents kept you in for 40 years. The book went on and on, repeating the same old joke again then again. Worst of all was the writing craft. Scalzi's motto: leave no line of dialogue unattributed no matter how obvious the speaker.
mark wrote: "What is your top 5? Personal 5, not necessarily what you think are the top 5 classics."To be honest I rarely read old books, because critics have a weird view on what a classic is.
Take Dune for example. Next to The Once and Future King, it is the worst book I have ever read and yet it is considered a classic, both of those books are.
My top 5 books, sci-fi only, because I rank American God's and The Ocean at the End of the Lane as the two best books ever written and they are fairy tales not sci-fi:
1. tie: Redshirts and Revelation Space
2. Dark Intelligence
3. Blindsight
4. The Martian
5. Robopocalypse
Dan wrote: "I have read only Red Shirts by Scalzi. On that basis alone I have determined him incapable of writing anything worth reading. And that is that. I won't pick up another of his books except to reloca..."
I never noticed that until I read Human Division, and even then I still didn't read "he said/she said", my eyes just glossed over it. And no, I got the joke long before I read Redshirts, that's why I loved reading that book.
Redshirts is the best sci-fi book of all time, IMO, because I have never been more entertained when reading a book. Entertainment factor is how I credit what I think is the best.
Mod
an unusual perspective! although actually I do know many readers who prefer modern fantasy did not enjoy Once and Future. but you may be the first person I've seen who has said Dune was one of the worst books he's read. different strokes.
I think both are amazing. although I prefer the original books of Once & Future to the edited omnibus edition.
Jonathan wrote: My top 5 books
I thought Revelation Space was pretty enjoyable. also the second book. haven't read beyond those two.
Blindsight was great! fascinating book.
never heard of Dark Intelligence, I'll have to check it out.
my personal top 5 (which definitely changes over time), in no order:
Stand on Zanzibar - John Brunner
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Philip K. Dick
Her Smoke Rose Up Forever - James Tiptree Jr.
The Man in the Maze - Robert Silverberg
The Rediscovery of Man (collected stories) - Cordwainer Smith
This sounds like a fun game, I'll play, but perhaps it should have its own thread? What are your current top five science fiction reads of all time?
Mod
mark wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Take Dune for example. Next to The Once and Future King, it is the worst book I have ever read ..."an unusual perspective! although actually I do know many readers who prefer mod..."
Thank you for posting that list. I've been wanting to read a Silverberg book for a while, but he has so many I wasn't sure where to start. I'm going to look for that at my library after I finish Abaddon's Gate.
For me Scalzi is somewhere between a 4.5-5 star writer. Plot, writing etc is all very interesting for me but I really enjoy connecting with the characters. And I love Scalzi's characters.
As an added bonus he has a great sense of humour; the quips and one-liners always make me smile.
Mod
The Man in the Maze is my favorite but Downward to Earth, The World Inside, and Lord Valentine's Castle are also fantastic. I also really love Dying Inside but that book is not for everyone.
Mod
Plot, writing etc is all very interesting for me but I really enjoy connecting with the characters. And I love Scalzi's characters. As an ad..."
I don't find his characters particularly fascinating or deep, but I still love them. They are just enjoyable to be around and always sympathetic.
for me, the best thing about Scalzi is his continuing exploration of what it is to be a person, an individual.
mark wrote: "The Man in the Maze is my favorite but Downward to Earth, The World Inside, and Lord Valentine's Castle are also fantastic. I also really love Dying Inside but that book is not for everyone. "I agree with all the above, only for me Majipoor is mostly a fantasy book, not a sci fi. And Lord Valentine's Castle, the first of Majipoor books is my favourite Silverberg novel. The Man in the Maze is probably the one to start reading his sci fi though.
Mod
There are a lot of similar stories, considered sci fi back when they were published:Dragonflight, Gate of Ivrel, or even Amber by Roger Zelazny. I also think of them as science fantasy, but more fantasy than science :) I suppose it's up to you.
Mod
Science Fiction Aficionados
Books mentioned in this topic
Dragonflight (other topics)Gate of Ivrel (other topics)
Lord Valentine's Castle (other topics)
Redshirts (other topics)
Fuzzy Nation (other topics)
More...
Redshirts is easily the best sci-fi novel of all-time. It could have a lot to do with watching Star Trek: TNG every single Sunday with my dad, but it is still an excellent book.