Science Fiction
Library of Congress
Welcome to Sci Fi
Science Fiction is literature that is created around possible past, present, or future worlds (for example, "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...")
It relies on scientific principles (sometimes ones that are different than ours on modern-day Earth), and theoretical technologies in order to create a world that is different from where we live now. Interstellar space travel, sentient AI, cyborgs, and cloning are all common themes in science fiction. The idea of writing about advanced technologies and future worlds is not new. In fact, some of the great classic SciFi works were published well before the 20th century.
Try these favorites...
The Calculating Stars by Call Number: PS3611.O74948 C35 2018ISBN: 9780765378385Publication Date: 2018-07-03A meteor decimates the U.S. government and paves the way for a climate cataclysm that will eventually render the earth inhospitable to humanity. This looming threat calls for a radically accelerated timeline in the earth's efforts to colonize space, as well as an unprecedented opportunity for a much larger share of humanity to take part. One of these new entrants in the space race is Elma York, whose experience as a WASP pilot and mathematician earns her a place in the International Aerospace Coalition's attempts to put man on the moon. But with so many skilled and experienced women pilots and scientists involved with the program, it doesn't take long before Elma begins to wonder why they can't go into space, too--aside from some pesky barriers like thousands of years of history and a host of expectations about the proper place of the fairer sex. And yet, Elma's drive to become the first Lady Astronaut is so strong that even the most dearly held conventions may not stand a chance.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- A Trilogy in Five Parts by Call Number: PR6051.D3352 H5ISBN: 0345418913Publication Date: 1997
Dune by Call Number: PS3558.E63 D8ISBN: 0441172717Publication Date: 1990Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family--and would bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream. A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what it undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Call Number: PS3556.O844 W4 2013ISBN: 0399162097Publication Date: 2013In this recent award winner, a young woman comes to terms with a strange childhood that included a sister who also happened to be a research chimpanzee.
Oryx and Crake by Call Number: PR9199.3.A8 O79 2003ISBN: 0385503857Publication Date: 2003This first novel in Margaret Atwood's trilogy follows a young man who may be the last human left alive after a devastating plague.
Neuromancer by Call Number: PR9199.3.G53 N49 2004ISBN: 0441012035Publication Date: 2004The lines between mind and computer get blurry in this popular novel about brains-for-hire in a heavily networked future.
1984 by Call Number: PR6029.R8 N49 1977ISBN: 0451524934George Orwell's frightening, prophetic book portrays a future where a totalitarian government maintains constant, omnipresent surveillance over it's citizens.
Websites of Interest
The Hugo Awards (www.thehugoawards.org) "The Hugo Awards, presented annually since 1955, are science fiction’s most prestigious award. The Hugo Awards are voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Convention (“Worldcon”), which is also responsible for administering them."
The Nebula Awards (www.sfwa.org/nebula-awards) "The Nebula Awards ® are voted on, and presented by, active members of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc. Founded as the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1965 by Damon Knight, the organization began with a charter membership of 78 writers; it now has over 1,500 members, among them many of the leading writers of science fiction and fantasy."
The I09 Book Club (http://io9.com/tag/io9-book-club) This online book club recommends and fosters community discussion for a wide variety of SciFi and fantasy titles. If you are interested in reading deepy and sharing your ideas, this is a great way to connect!
Lightspeed Magazine (http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/) Lightspeed is a magazine for Science Fiction as well as fantasy which can be read free online. The website publishes and reviews stories and non-fiction writing, as well as providing criticism, author information, and podcasts.
Sci Fi Authors
- Douglas Adams
- Margaret Atwood
- Isaac Asimov
- Ray Bradbury
- Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Orson Scott Card
- Robert A. Heinlein
- Frank Herbert
- Ursula K. Le Guin
- Jules Verne
- Kurt Vonnegut
- H.G. Wells
Do you have a favorite book you would like to share? Are there any other authors you would recommend? Feel free to share your thoughts by clicking on the "comments" button below...
Films
Close Encounters of the Third Kind by Call Number: PN1995.9.S26 C5 2002ISBN: 0767898796Publication Date: 2002
Criticism
If you need to find criticism or articles about a SciFi book or film, try searching for the title or author name and "criticism"
For example "Ray Bradbury criticism" or "Fahrenheit 451 criticism"
You may be able to find print books, e-books, or articles on your topic!