Oh hi Troy, what an interesting question. Over the years I've had a lot of thoughts about this and think the optimal set of books should be both highly approachable, but also cover a wide varieties of genres. Such that the prospective newbie can sample a bunch of different things and tell you what they liked best. Thus forming a nice basis for additional recommendations. To that effect, here's my current list.

(1) Ender's Game (it's a very approachable read with a good payoff and a lot of nice concepts)

(2) The Left Hand of Darkness (largely to show that sci fi can be beautiful and contemplative, and by placing these ideas in a sci fi setting, you can abstract from all the baggage of modern politics)

(3) Snow Crash (yes, it's ridiculous,, but it's also super fun and somewhat pop-culturey and scratches the cyberpunk itch - it's also the only earth-only book on the list)

(4) Hyperion and Fall of Hyperon (because it touches on so many ideas and genres, one can ask "what was your favourite part" and it'll form the basis for so many other recommendations)

(5) The Player of Games (need something optimistic to balance some of the others - but also something where the tech level is indistinguishable from magic)

What do you think?

[–] Spluk42@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's a great list. With the exception of Iain Banks. I have bounced off every book by him I've tried. Really should make another effort at Player of Games.

[–] Drudge@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

I feel the same about Banks as I'm reading them... But something about the books ages-well in my memory. It's almost as if I prefer the after taste.

[–] Drudge@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Hyperion was actually one of the very first scifi books I read, and I almost regret it. It's absolutely brilliant, but because I had no frame of reference, nothing to compare it to, so I didn't appreciate it at the time. I'm waiting until my memory fades so I can reread it :-)

Snow Crash...ok you've got me interested... Adding it to the list

[–] troyunrau@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago

When reading it, remind yourself that it was conceived in the late 80s, so the tech is simultaneously amazingly well predicted, but also completely off the mark at times. I re-read it last year and I think it still holds up. Enjoy!

[–] Jesse@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

Ha! You and Troy seem to have lots in common you should consider becoming friends. Seriously though thanks for this thread I'm loving it.