Science fiction recommendations please

[MrsFTHC]

Hi, I'm looking for science fiction book recommendations, the problem is I've never really read any so I can't say what kind of thing I like, can anyone help with any suggestions? Probably something fairly short to start with to see if I enjoy it thenI can always look for more by the same author. Thanks

Of course....Hitchhikers Guide...brilliant!

I might have to reread the first ones beforehand....my reading list has suddenly got quite long!

I'm going to do a complete re-read in the run up to the new book. Last re-read I did was in the run up to the first book of the third chronicles so it's about time. I've read them all roughly every 5 years since my A levels.

Try 'Emerald' by Rosemary Smith - on kindle/ iPad . It's very exciting and not weird. It's aimed at young adults but my daughter raved about it so much and pushed me to read it too and I loved it

I'm not a big sci fi fan but I recently enjoyed Angelmaker by Nick Harkaway - maybe more fantasy than sci fi?

If I had to pick just one, then The Left Hand of Darkness by Le Guin, which is utterly flawless (although a bit light on giant robots, time travel paradoxes and space battles if that's what you're looking for).

But it's bloody impossible without knowing some examples of the sorts of books you like.

Sylvia Engdahl has lots of character development in her books and most of them are available as cheap ebooks from her website.

The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord is good.

Ursula Le Guin gets very into emotions and people - The Dispossessed, or The Birthday of the World.

Yes to Sheri Tepper.

Octavia Butler is excellent but you might find her too gory/upsetting.