Types of Science Fiction Books

When mentioning "science fiction" many ignorant readers imagine Luke Skywalker fighting on some kind of galactic ship. Or they could also imagine Star Trek-type kitsch charachters with pointed ears, talking over a radio signal on a space ship which seems to only consist of two or three rooms.

The visions of these 80's images would repulse more than one potential SF reader.

I am not here saying that these kitschy scenes do not have interesting charachters or (even) stories. Nor do I doubt their capacities at unraveling ones child-like imagination. The problem is that many people are having a limited view of what science fiction really has to offer. They are not aware of the immense contributions of science fiction. If you are one of these people that somehow cannot relate to a TV scene having greenish, puppet-like charachters talking to eachother on a space ship, then this blog is made for you.

So this type of Trekkie science fiction is NOT what I am talking about. The books that are recommended here are all genial works, often well written and always intelligent and intriguing.

To help you make some order in the vast (trash like) ocean of available types of SF I have categorized "The Best of the Best" books into the following four categories:

Epic science fiction: These books often involve many worlds or societies, multiple charachters, sometimes several storylines, a hero or messiah.

Humorous or satirical science fiction: The stories one or many funny charachters or an hilarious (often provocative) situation or setting. These books make you piss on yourself from laughter and at the same time make you dream with their creative genius.

Psycho-mindblowing science fiction: These books are not for the feint-hearted. You will be totally amazed by the mind boggling turnings of the stories. Sometimes seriously delirious stuff - not for everyone.

Unclassified: The titles mentioned under this heading are great SF books which do not fall into any of the three previous categories.