| Way Station |
Clifford D. Simak
|
1963 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| 1966 | Analog All-Time Favorite Science Fiction Poll |
| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Library of America Science Fiction |
| 2023 | My 25 Favourite Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Words in Time |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Unreasoning Mask |
Philip José Farmer
|
1980 |
|
|
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Trouble on Triton |
Samuel R. Delany
|
1976 |
|
|
| 2004 | Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy by Cynthia Ward |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2023 | The 25 Best Science Fiction Books I've Ever Read (Parts 1 and 2) - Outlaw Bookseller |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Tower of Glass |
Robert Silverberg
|
1970 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Station Eleven |
Emily St. John Mandel
|
2014 |
|
|
| Arthur C. Clarke Awards |
| 2016 | Sci Femme: The Reading List edited by Shannon Turlington |
| 2016 | Book Riot 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels by Female Authors |
| 2016 | Best-Sci-Fi-Books: 31 Best Literary Science Fiction Books |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2020 | 15 Recent Sci-Fi Books That Forever Shaped The Genre - Andrew Liptak for Polygon |
| 2020 | The Best Modern Classic Science Fiction Books |
| 2021 | NPR Books Summer Poll 2021: A Decade of Great Sci-Fi and Fantasy |
| 2021 | Worlds Without End: Award Winning Books by Women Authors |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2022 | Best Science Fiction of the 21st Century (Listopia/Goodreads 6/25/22) |
| 2022 | The Greatest Science Fiction Books of the 2010s - The Portalist |
| 2024 | Best Sci-Fi of the 2010s - Goodreads/Listopia (1/29/24) |
| 2024 | The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century NY Times - Poll of Writers |
| 2024 | The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century NY Times - Poll of Readers |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Starship Troopers |
Robert A. Heinlein
|
1959 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| 1966 | Analog All-Time Favorite Science Fiction Poll |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2012 | AbeBooks: 50 Essential Science Fiction Books |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Speaker for the Dead |
Orson Scott Card
|
1986 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel |
| Nebula Award - Novel Winner |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Space Merchants |
Frederik Pohl,
C. M. Kornbluth
|
1953 |
|
|
| 1956 | Astounding Magazine, The Twenty-Six All-Time Best SF Books |
| 1966 | Analog All-Time Favorite Science Fiction Poll |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1977 | "A Basic Science-Fiction Library" from The Road to Science Fiction by James Gunn |
| 1979 | A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction by Baird Searles, et al. |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1994 | The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction by David Pringle |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2020 | Library of America Science Fiction |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Snow Crash |
Neal Stephenson
|
1992 |
|
|
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2021 | 29 of the Best Science Fiction Books Everyone Should Read - WIRED UK |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Sheep Look Up |
John Brunner
|
1972 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Rendezvous with Rama |
Arthur C. Clarke
|
1973 |
|
|
| British Science Fiction Association Awards |
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel |
| Nebula Award - Novel Winner |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2012 | AbeBooks: 50 Essential Science Fiction Books |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Postman |
David Brin
|
1985 |
|
|
| John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel |
| Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel |
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Past Master |
R. A. Lafferty
|
1968 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 2020 | Library of America Science Fiction |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Parable of the Sower |
Octavia E. Butler
|
1993 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 2001 | 200 Significant Science Fiction Books by Women, 1984-2001 by David G. Hartwell |
| 2004 | Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy by Cynthia Ward |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2012 | Science Fiction the 101 Best Novels 1985-2010 by Damien Broderick and Paul Di Filippo |
| 2016 | Goodreads Science Fiction Books by Female Authors |
| 2016 | Sci Femme: The Reading List edited by Shannon Turlington |
| 2016 | Book Riot 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels by Female Authors |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Norstrilia |
Cordwainer Smith
|
1975 |
|
|
| 1979 | A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction by Baird Searles, et al. |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Nineteen Eighty-Four |
George Orwell
|
1949 |
|
|
| 1952 | Astounding Magazine, the Twenty-Eight All-Time Best SF Books |
| 1956 | Astounding Magazine, The Twenty-Six All-Time Best SF Books |
| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1977 | "A Basic Science-Fiction Library" from The Road to Science Fiction by James Gunn |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1994 | The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction by David Pringle |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2012 | AbeBooks: 50 Essential Science Fiction Books |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Best-Sci-Fi-Books: 31 Best Literary Science Fiction Books |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2018 | The Great American Read - PBS |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2023 | My 25 Favourite Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Words in Time |
| 2023 | Your Top Science Fiction Books Of All Time (Survey Results) - Media Death Cult |
| 2023 | The 25 Best Science Fiction Books I've Ever Read (Parts 1 and 2) - Outlaw Bookseller |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Neuromancer |
William Gibson
|
1984 |
|
|
| Philip K. Dick Award |
| Nebula Award - Novel Winner |
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1994 | The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction by David Pringle |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2021 | 29 of the Best Science Fiction Books Everyone Should Read - WIRED UK |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2023 | The 25 Best Science Fiction Books I've Ever Read (Parts 1 and 2) - Outlaw Bookseller |
| 2024 | The 15 Best Sci-Fi Books I've Ever Read 2024 - Bookpilled |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Moon is a Harsh Mistress |
Robert A. Heinlein
|
1966 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1979 | A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction by Baird Searles, et al. |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2021 | 29 of the Best Science Fiction Books Everyone Should Read - WIRED UK |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| A Memory Called Empire |
Arkady Martine
|
2019 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| 2021 | Worlds Without End: Award Winning Books by Women Authors |
| 2021 | NPR Books Summer Poll 2021: A Decade of Great Sci-Fi and Fantasy |
| 2022 | The Greatest Science Fiction Books of the 2010s - The Portalist |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Martian |
Andy Weir
|
2012 |
|
|
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction of the 21st Century |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2018 | The Great American Read - PBS |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2020 | The Best Modern Classic Science Fiction Books |
| 2020 | 15 Recent Sci-Fi Books That Forever Shaped The Genre - Andrew Liptak for Polygon |
| 2021 | NPR Books Summer Poll 2021: A Decade of Great Sci-Fi and Fantasy |
| 2021 | 29 of the Best Science Fiction Books Everyone Should Read - WIRED UK |
| 2022 | Best Science Fiction of the 21st Century (Listopia/Goodreads 6/25/22) |
| 2023 | Your Top Science Fiction Books Of All Time (Survey Results) - Media Death Cult |
| 2024 | Best Sci-Fi of the 2010s - Goodreads/Listopia (1/29/24) |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Man Plus |
Frederik Pohl
|
1976 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Winner |
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2012 | AbeBooks: 50 Essential Science Fiction Books |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Man in the High Castle |
Philip K. Dick
|
1962 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1977 | "A Basic Science-Fiction Library" from The Road to Science Fiction by James Gunn |
| 1979 | A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction by Baird Searles, et al. |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1994 | The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction by David Pringle |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2020 | Library of America Science Fiction |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Little Fuzzy |
H. Beam Piper
|
1962 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1979 | A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction by Baird Searles, et al. |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Lathe of Heaven |
Ursula K. Le Guin
|
1971 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 2009 | Mindblowing SF by Women and People of Color (Tor.com) |
| 2016 | Goodreads Science Fiction Books by Female Authors |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Sci Femme: The Reading List edited by Shannon Turlington |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2021 | Worlds Without End: Award Winning Books by Women Authors |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Kafka on the Shore |
Haruki Murakami
|
2005 |
|
|
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Inherit the Stars |
James P. Hogan
|
1977 |
|
|
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Ice |
Anna Kavan
|
1967 |
|
|
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2021 | 29 of the Best Science Fiction Books Everyone Should Read - WIRED UK |
| 2024 | The 15 Best Sci-Fi Books I've Ever Read 2024 - Bookpilled |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| I Am Legend |
Richard Matheson
|
1954 |
|
|
| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Handmaid's Tale |
Margaret Atwood
|
1985 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| Arthur C. Clarke Awards |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 2001 | 200 Significant Science Fiction Books by Women, 1984-2001 by David G. Hartwell |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy by Cynthia Ward |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2009 | Mindblowing SF by Women and People of Color (Tor.com) |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2012 | Science Fiction the 101 Best Novels 1985-2010 by Damien Broderick and Paul Di Filippo |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2014 | Mistressworks by Ian Sales |
| 2014 | Best-Sci-Fi-Books: The 23 Best Science Fiction Books by Female Authors |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Goodreads Science Fiction Books by Female Authors |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Book Riot 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels by Female Authors |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Sci Femme: The Reading List edited by Shannon Turlington |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Best-Sci-Fi-Books: 31 Best Literary Science Fiction Books |
| 2018 | The Great American Read - PBS |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2020 | The Best Modern Classic Science Fiction Books |
| 2021 | Worlds Without End: Award Winning Books by Women Authors |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Genetic General |
Gordon R. Dickson
|
1960 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Gateway |
Frederik Pohl
|
1977 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Winner |
| John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel |
| Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel |
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Futurological Congress |
Stanislaw Lem
|
1975 |
|
|
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Foundation Trilogy |
Isaac Asimov
|
1951-53 |
|
|
| 1952 | Astounding Magazine, the Twenty-Eight All-Time Best SF Books |
| 1956 | Astounding Magazine, The Twenty-Six All-Time Best SF Books |
| 1966 | Analog All-Time Favorite Science Fiction Poll |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1977 | "A Basic Science-Fiction Library" from The Road to Science Fiction by James Gunn |
| 1979 | A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction by Baird Searles, et al. |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2012 | AbeBooks: 50 Essential Science Fiction Books |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2021 | 29 of the Best Science Fiction Books Everyone Should Read - WIRED UK |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The Forever War |
Joe Haldeman
|
1975 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| Nebula Award - Novel Winner |
| 1977 | "A Basic Science-Fiction Library" from The Road to Science Fiction by James Gunn |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2023 | Your Top Science Fiction Books Of All Time (Survey Results) - Media Death Cult |
| 2023 | The 25 Best Science Fiction Books I've Ever Read (Parts 1 and 2) - Outlaw Bookseller |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Final Blackout |
L. Ron Hubbard
|
1948 |
|
|
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Fahrenheit 451 |
Ray Bradbury
|
1953 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| 1956 | Astounding Magazine, The Twenty-Six All-Time Best SF Books |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Best-Sci-Fi-Books: 31 Best Literary Science Fiction Books |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Dying Inside |
Robert Silverberg
|
1972 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1977 | "A Basic Science-Fiction Library" from The Road to Science Fiction by James Gunn |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2023 | My 25 Favourite Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Words in Time |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Dune |
Frank Herbert
|
1965 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| Nebula Award - Novel Winner |
| 1966 | Analog All-Time Favorite Science Fiction Poll |
| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 1975 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1977 | "A Basic Science-Fiction Library" from The Road to Science Fiction by James Gunn |
| 1979 | A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction by Baird Searles, et al. |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | AbeBooks: 50 Essential Science Fiction Books |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2018 | The Great American Read - PBS |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2021 | 29 of the Best Science Fiction Books Everyone Should Read - WIRED UK |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2023 | Your Top Science Fiction Books Of All Time (Survey Results) - Media Death Cult |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| Dhalgren |
Samuel R. Delany
|
1975 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1979 | A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction by Baird Searles, et al. |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2009 | Mindblowing SF by Women and People of Color (Tor.com) |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Amazon: 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Best-Sci-Fi-Books: 31 Best Literary Science Fiction Books |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| A Clockwork Orange |
Anthony Burgess
|
1962 |
|
|
| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1996 | North American College Courses in Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, and Fantasy edited by Arthur B. Evans |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction 100 |
| 2016 | Ranker: The Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2023 | The 25 Best Science Fiction Books I've Ever Read (Parts 1 and 2) - Outlaw Bookseller |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| The City & The City |
China Miéville
|
2009 |
|
|
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| Arthur C. Clarke Awards |
| Hugo Award - Novel Winner |
| British Science Fiction Association Awards |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 21st Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction of the 21st Century |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2019 | 100 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Reedsydiscovery |
| 2019 | The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Penguin Random House |
| 2022 | The 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - Esquire Magazine |
| 2022 | Best Science Fiction of the 21st Century (Listopia/Goodreads 6/25/22) |
| 2024 | Classic Science Fiction - 2000-2009 - Goodreads/Listopia (1/29/24) |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
|
|
| City |
Clifford D. Simak
|
1952 |
|
|
| 1956 | Astounding Magazine, The Twenty-Six All-Time Best SF Books |
| 1966 | Analog All-Time Favorite Science Fiction Poll |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1977 | "A Basic Science-Fiction Library" from The Road to Science Fiction by James Gunn |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1987 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1998 | Locus Poll Best All-Time Science Fiction Novels |
| 2002 | Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Sci-Fi Lists Top 200 - novel |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
|
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| Camp Concentration |
Thomas M. Disch
|
1968 |
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| 1976 | The World of Science Fiction by Lester Del Rey |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1994 | The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction by David Pringle |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
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| The Butterfly Kid |
Chester Anderson
|
1967 |
|
|
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
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| Bug Jack Barron |
Norman Spinrad
|
1969 |
|
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| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
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| The Bridge |
Iain M. Banks
|
1986 |
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| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
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| Brain Wave |
Poul Anderson
|
1954 |
|
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| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | Golden Age Sci-Fi: 75 Best Novels of 1934-1963 by Josh Glenn |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
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| The Book of the New Sun |
Gene Wolfe
|
1980-87 |
|
|
| British Science Fiction Association Awards |
| Nebula Award - Novel Finalist |
| Hugo Award - Novel Finalist |
| John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel |
| Nebula Award - Novel Winner |
| 1984 | The Science Fiction Source Book edited by David Wingrove |
| 1985 | Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels by David Pringle |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1994 | The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction by David Pringle |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 1999 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2003 | The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2005 | ISFDB Top 100 Books (Balanced List) |
| 2006 | 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels |
| 2009 | 1000 novels everyone must read (science fiction section) |
| 2011 | Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List |
| 2011 | NPR Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books |
| 2011 | Forbidden Planet: The 50 Books You MUST Read |
| 2012 | Locus Poll Best 20th Century Science Fiction Novels |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2016 | How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe |
| 2016 | Goodreads Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 200 |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2019 | Worlds Without End: Most Read Books of All-Time |
| 2020 | Top 100 Sci Fi Books - Movie Death Cult |
| 2023 | Your Top Science Fiction Books Of All Time (Survey Results) - Media Death Cult |
| 2024 | SciFiScavenger's 2024 Poll of All-Time Favorite SF Books |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
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| Beyond Apollo |
Barry N. Malzberg
|
1972 |
|
|
| John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel |
| 1974 | Modern Science Fiction edited by Norman Spinrad |
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1996 | The Best 105 Books Since the Invention of the Field in the Twenties - Age of Wonders by David G. Hartwell |
| 2003 | The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2016 | Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction: A Basic Science Fiction Library |
| 2016 | 75 Best New Wave Sci-Fi (1964-1983) Novels by Josh Glenn |
| 2016 | Easton Press Masterpieces of Science Fiction |
| 2024 | The 15 Best Sci-Fi Books I've Ever Read 2024 - Bookpilled |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
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|
| Behold the Man |
Michael Moorcock
|
1969 |
|
|
| 1976 | Anatomy of Wonder: Science Fiction, 1st Edition by Neil Barron |
| 1987 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 3rd Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2004 | Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction, 5th Edition by Neil Barron |
| 2012 | AbeBooks: 50 Essential Science Fiction Books |
| 2016 | SF Masterworks |
| 2025 | Brent McLean Recommended Novels (First to finish reading all of CSF v.5) |
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