Do you agree with Amazon’s selection of the 100 best sci-fi and fantasy books?
We look at what went into the decision-making…
If you had to limit your genre library to 100 books, what would they be?
What if you could only read 100 genre books in your lifetime?
They also set up a list on Goodreads and asked for input from members.
The list includes everything from the hard science fictionEnders Gameto the humorousHitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy.
Of course, one of the biggest debates in genre fiction is how to define it.
What did the editors use as a definition for science fiction and fantasy?
Its really murky, Liang says with a laugh.
Even if you look at sub-genres within science fiction and fantasy: is it military sci fi?
Is it space opera?
I think that each genre of science fiction and fantasy do different things well, she says.
Who do you want to become?
Do you have heroic qualities?
I think thats very appealing.
I think that for science fiction, it makes you question whats going on right now.
Are we really doing things the right way?
Is society set up the right way?
There are also a couple of short story collections, such as Lovecrafts tales andI, Roboton the list.
As with all such lists, Liang knows the list will spark conversation.
There were a lot more titles that we just didnt have space for.
As for current trends in the genres, Liang is hesitant to say.
Im not seeing big shifts, she says.
In science fiction, people want to push their minds out to the stars.
Of course, the ongoing trend of mainstream acceptance of genre is also something Liang is aware of.
Looking at some of these programs, theyre only two years old.
How many titles have come out in the past two years that are going to be complete game changers?
But if theres one thing Liang hopes comes from this list is more readers of the genre.
Im a big advocate for this genre in general.
So many of these books can really change your way of thinking.
The full list, in alphabetical order of title, is below.
How many have you read?
Do you agree with the selection?
For more information about her and her writing, you’ve got the option to visither website.