Beach or boat, few things in life are as relaxing and enjoyable as having a cocktail, finding a relaxing seat in the shade, and spending a summer day reading a book that's as familiar as an old friend. Science Fiction is tailor-made for summer reading... so here's my Favorite 7 Science Fiction Summer Reading Book List.
1. The Ultimate Hitchiker's Guide To The Galaxy, Douglas Adams
Fantastical, light, funny and an easy read, this huge five volume trilogy gets better with each read. My all-time favorite Sci-Fi summer novel.
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2. The Stand, Steven King
While some may argue that this is not pure Sci-Fi, the apocalyptic nature of the novel fits my own description. This is an epic adventure with philosophic and religious overtones, with King's own macabre sense of humor thrown in to (barely) keep it light.
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3. Dune, Frank Herbert
Not the easiest read (the first time) but one that rewards the reader who goes back for more. A classic, and for a reason.
4. The Foundation Trilogy, Issac Asimov
Science Fiction that is considered "hard" yet able to embrace the infinite possibilities of "soft" Sci-Fi, another true classic that is made for summer re-reads.
5. Starship Troopers, Robert Heinlein
Pure escapist fare, with an applicable modern-day (unintentional) warnings about militarism, xenophobia, totalitarianism/fascism... but at its core a light shoot-em-'up from one of the most controversial author of the genre.
6. Ringworld, Larry Niven
While the video game series "Halo" clearly ripped off the idea, it never comes close to the book. This is adventure on a unique scale, easy to put down for a quick dip in the pool and pick back up without missing a beat.
7. ANYTHING by Bradbury, Wells, Orwell, Clarke, or Vonnegut.
Really, anything. They are almost all great books. And it's MY list, so I can cheat if I want to regarding what in it and how it's assembled. And it's summer, so cut me a break, and, while you are up....grab me a beer? Feel free to tack on your own submissions to the list...it's only late July, after all, and the boat's full of gas, my cooler's full, and it's sunny....
