Because of upcoming mid-semester exams I’ve been bogged down with a fair bit of study lately, which has not given me much time for anything science-fiction. I’ve corrected this wrong and ordered four classics that I’ve been meaning to read. They’ll be arriving when my exams finish on the 21st of this month. In the meantime I’ll give a quick overview of what I’ve bought.
Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children’s Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death (1969)
This is a satirical novel by Kurt Vonnegut about the WWII experiences and time travelling journeys of a soldier named Billy Pilgrim. One of the classics in science-fiction that has been read by many non sci-fi fans the world around. This is considered to be one of Vonnegut’s most influential and popular novels and I’m definitely anticipating this one.
Stranger in a Strange Land (1961)
This is a true science-fiction novel by American author Robert A. Heinlein. It tells the story of Valentine Michael Smith, a human who has returned to Earth in early adulthood after being raised by Martians on the planet Mars. The novel explores his interaction with – and the eventual transformation of – earth culture.
Darwin’s Radio (1999)
This one comes from the author Greg Bear. In the novel, a new form of endogenous retrovirus has emerged, SHEVA. It controls human evolution by rapidly evolving the next generation while in the womb, leading to speciation. The novel follows several characters as the “plague” is discovered as well as the reaction of the public and government.
The Forge of God (1987)
Another novel by Greg Bear this time one about an alien race and Earth’s demise. The Forge of God was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1987, and was also nominated for the Hugo and Locus Awards in 1988. Can’t wait for this one.
Red Mars 