Sci-Fi 101

[EmMcK]

I need to choose and read a Sci-Fi book of my choice for my next book club and really don't know where to begin. I have read a fair bit of fantasy - Clive Barker, Pullman etc but am a total Sci-Fi novice. Where do I start? Is going for something like Asimov ?

How about Ray Bradbury or Douglas Adams?

Enders game (orson Scott card)...but please read it before you see the film.

Fab child psychology, politics and a great ending!

Right - off to the awesome second hand bookshop down the road I go! thanks.

Are you all sci-fi novices in your book club?

Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Douglas Adams etc are very old school. There is some brilliant sci-fi written in the past 20 years.

John Scalzi's "Old Man's War" - it's funny and witty, and touching, and a great story about "real" people you can believe in, with a "hard sci-fi" setting - character driven and a great plot too.
A nice read for people who maybe aren't actually sure they will like "Sci-Fi" but who will like a good story line and "forget" it's sci-fi if that makes sense and it has some sequels for anyone who wants them later, but is good as a stand alone book too.

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin is a stone cold classic.

I love Peter F Hamilton, but they can be pretty hard going and may need a few reads!