Reading the Future: Science Fiction

I’ve liked reading about the future ever since I could read. As I remember, My Weekly Reader would often run small articles like “Your Own Personal Helicopter by 1980″ or “People of the Future will be Eating Bee-burgers.” I couldn’t wait!

While I am still waiting for both my personal helicopter and bee-burgers, I still like reading about the future - especially when the future comes packaged as science fiction.

I’m sort of fussy about my sci-fi. While I was once held in thrall of bug-eyed aliens and death rays, I’m more interested in the writers who forecast the social ramifications of technology in the near term. Interesting things happening because of information technologies seem much more likely than flying saucers zapping my garage.

Here’s a short list of my all time favorites in the “social” sci-fi category:

Neuromancer by William Gibson was my first look at a cyberworld that felt as real as the physical world. (I need to re-read this.)

Enders Game by Orson Scott Card demonstrates learning through gaming. (One of my all-time favorite books on lots of levels.)

The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson explores the possibilities of real e-book on a child’s life.

Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaiden’s Tale and Oryx and Crake. Atwood is the worthy successor to George Orwell in describing dystopias - made by either religious fervor or science gone awry. (She’s why I say a silent thanks every time I drive by the adult bookstore on my way to work.)

Futureland by Walter Mosely (of Easy Rawlings mystery fame) is a series of linked short stories exploring corporate power taken to the extreme.

I have to say I’ve been devouring Dan Simmons’ Hyperion/Endymion and Illium/Olympus series, but mostly for the fine writing, action, and imagination. I suppose the social commentary is there, but it’s not at the forefront. Oh, if you start Simmons’ books, be prepared to make a long-term commitment. There are four books in the first series and two in the second, each averaging about 600 pages or so. I don’t regret having spent the time on them in the least.

I would be most grateful for any recommendations for high-quality science fiction that lets me peer into the future - at least a little ways.

Comments

[Christopher Harris]

In YA Sci-Fi (I love YA fiction!) I highly recommend Vivian Vande Velde's Heir Apparent and User Unfriendly. They are about people who get "stuck" in games and have to make it through. Also might want to look at Scott Westerfield's Uglies.

David Drake's With the Lightnings series is space opera (think the romance of the sci-fi genre) but has one of the most kick ass librarians you will ever find.

Asimov's Foundation Trilogy falls down after a bit, but has some fascinating learning society stuff in it.

I will have to think some more and go look at shelves...

[Ann]

Try Joe Haldeman's The Forever War. And if you like it try ibid., The Forever Peace. Actually, anything by Haldeman.

[another Ann]

Try CJ Cherryh's Foreigner series. Not a look into our future- but an interesting look at the intersection of technology and culture.

[SFeldberg]

I just finished Learning the World by Ken MacLeod. Did not think I'd like it...and I loved it. Futuristic and techie all in one.