A nice list that I'd definitely refer back to if I was looking for a good SF read. There was only one book on the list that I've read but didn't think was wonderful. If I'd made the list, it would also include more YA and children's stuff (besides just WRINKLE IN TIME, which is a definite classic), so maybe I should just make one of my own, or add some more to this one. There are some great YA SF's coming out this year (HUNGER GAMES and LITTLE BROTHER, just to name two). Another recent book that I've loved, which is adult SF, is WARCHILD by Lowachee.

yay for a wrinkle in time! XD i just finished reading it for the sixth time.
if maximum ride was on this list i would vote for that too!!! XD

I really must protest the George R. R. Martin being on this list. It is not science fiction, it is fantasy.

Also I'm borderline on the American Gods, but I really feel it is more urban fantasy than sci-fi.

But then, I'm a purist who is oft irritated by the mixing of the two on bookstore shelves in the first place.

Technically, this list should be titled "Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books" because of the number of fantasy titles on the list.

"American Gods" by Neil Gaiman does not deserve to be on this or any list of the best anything. I read it, and if I could vote for worst book ever written, from this selection, He would have my vote! He's a smug, arrogant, pedantic asswipe.

I've had to read him for coursework, and resented every minute he wasted in my life.

True! I found his work hard to get through and gave up. although it had some nice imagery nothing fit together.

I must be the only person on Earth who can't stand Ender's Game.

Of course, I find Card personally obnoxious and to me his personality oozes through all his books.

I did not like Ender's Game, but I read (tried)it a long while ago & do not really remenber why.

I really tried to just vote for what was really Science Fiction and NOT Fantasy, even though I like a lot of books that blur the line I have in my mind!

this list is really bad. in the top 100, there are way too many books that don't even have a scientific bent. most are social fiction and some are fantasy.

Hmm.. somebody should remove all the books that are not sci-fi from this list.

Davor, which ones do you think aren't science fiction, specifically? At a quick read, I don't see anything I'd throw off here without a qualm (except perhaps the fantasy books, and I don't really feel comfortable making that call). I'm happy to delete books that legitimately don't belong on the list, but you'll have to give me pointers.

Patrick, you are definitely not the only one in the world. I loathe that book. Loathe. (And as you suggest, Orson Scott Card is also a miserable prick who would do the world a favor by dropping off it, but that's a separate issue.)

Much as I love Hitchhikers, it seems like a sad statement that the second greatest SF book of all time is a parody of the genre.

I can't seem to find neither Solaris by Lem, nor More than Human by Sturgeon, two wonderfully written science fiction novels...

And I agree with that there are a lot of books here that actually should be in a fantasy list.

Hmmm... new to Goodreads, but not to the genre. I'm intrigued by commentary about Card. I've never heard much about him personally. I'd be interested in discussion as to whether Ender's Game is a "guys" book. Most of the folks I know (including myself and my 14 year old son) who liked it are guys. Any women who enjoyed it? It certainly plays to the insecurities of adolescent boys. I'm sure it wouldn't be my number one, but haven't decided what is...

Way too much fantasy on this list. It's easy to pick out. Is there a separate list? I only voted for sci-fi books even though some of the fantasy listed is my favorite (Perdido Street Station and Fionavar).

Didn't like -Ender's Game- all that much but I have been enjoying the sequels a lot.

I've seen Card at cons but never met him (sounds like I'm not missing out on much).

I agree - too much fantasy. Specifically, The Last Unicorn and Dragonflight. I guess that's only two books, really.

Is there a difference between sci-fi and fantasy? What is the difference? And why are they always lumped together?

Please give me a brief detail about the Solar System

There are so many books on this list that I'm ashamed of myself for not having read and so many books that should be on here; and so many that should NOT be on here. How is a Resident Evil novel even in the top 500?

I agree with some that have said there is too much Fantasy on this list. The title says Best SCIENCE FICTION. It doesn't mention Fantasy or Horror (which are listed too).

I realize a lot of people don't know the difference between Fantasy and Sci-Fi, but it is pretty easy to find out these days. But it's probably not as important to some. To me it's just calling a truck a car. It just ain't right!

That being said, I think about every book on this list is a good book and well worth reading. It shows how varied the genres are and how much really good reading material there is.

Many people have mentioned they don't know the difference between science fiction and fantasy. There really is a difference. I have found that the definitions used on WIKI.com are pretty good and have a ton of information. Here are brief definitions of each with links to each page.

Definition of Science Fiction
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_...

Science fiction (abbreviated SF or sci-fi with varying punctuation and capitalization) is a broad genre of fiction that often involves speculations based on current or future science or technology. Science fiction is found in books, art, television, films, games, theatre, and other media. In organizational or marketing contexts, science fiction can be synonymous with the broader definition of speculative fiction, encompassing creative works incorporating imaginative elements not found in contemporary reality; this includes fantasy, horror, and related genres.[1]

Science fiction differs from fantasy in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature (though some elements in a story might still be pure imaginative speculation). Exploring the consequences of such differences is the traditional purpose of science fiction, making it a "literature of ideas".[2]Science fiction is largely based on writing entertainingly and rationally about alternate possibilities[3] in settings that are contrary to known reality.

These may include:

* A setting in the future, in alternative time lines, or in a historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the archeological record
* A setting in outer space, on other worlds, or involving aliens[4]
* Stories that involve technology or scientific principles that contradict known laws of nature[5]
* Stories that involve discovery or application of new scientific principles, such as time travel or psionics, or new technology, such as nanotechnology, faster-than-light travel or robots, or of new and different political or social systems[6

Definition of Fantasy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and/or setting. Fantasy is generally distinguished from science fiction and horror by the expectation that it steers clear of technological and macabre themes, respectively, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three (collectively known as speculative fiction).

In its broadest sense, fantasy comprises works by many writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians, from ancient myths and legends to many recent works embraced by a wide audience today.