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My Ten Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novels
Although some of my favorite novels are what we usually think of as “literature,” over-all my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy. I think this is for two reasons. The first is that sci-fi/fantasy is the most philosophical of all genres. The freedom from so-called “realism” allows the greatest freedom in exploring questions about the nature of reality and the nature of human being and action. The second, I think, is that they relieve my boredom with modern human civilization.
I thought it would be fun to put together a list of my favorites, so here it is. I have made no effort to suggest books I think I can get points on because other people haven’t heard of or read them — nor have I made an effort to score in other ways by putting books here because they were written by BIPOC, cisgendered female, or LGBTQ authors, as much as I agree that diversity is inherently valuable. These are just the books I’ve enjoyed the most deeply.
Dune
This has been a favorite book of mine since I was 14, and I’ve read it four times. It is the most philosophical of a philosophical genre. It manages to be an insightful meditation on ecology, religion, politics, time and space, free will, destiny, the paranormal, technology, yogic disciplines, human psychology, combat strategies, economy, parenting, sexual love, and marriage. Incredible.
