BEST vs. WORST! ★

Welcome to Best vs. Worst! ★

This is the game where I post a genre or subgenre each week and you tell us the best and worst of them you've ever read!

To get things started, this week's genre is Science Fiction.

Have fun!  

Bunny

You know, I've been wracking my brains over this, and I really struggle with best/worst examples. I've read some great works and real stinkers, but to pin-point one of each? What of all the books I've not read yet? Why are you doing this to me, Bunny? Why?!

Things that spring to mind as having a real influence on me are '1984' and 'Handmaid's Tale'. But then, Camus' 'the Plague' as well. Those three titles are what I present to people when they start talking dismissively of the genre. I read them when I was a lot younger, and they did alter me as a person, cliched as that sounds. 'Flowers for Algernon', and 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' as well. I would also say 'Brave New World', but I think the farce humour works to its detriment.

As for worst; a hazy collection of anti-feminist sci-fi from the late 70's early 80's springs to mind, though I dislike anything that dumbs down, which I see a lot of; as if the meer fact that it's science fiction means there is no reason to explain or discuss. Lazy plot devices, etc. That being said, I do love Starship Troopers.

I know I've not in any way answered your question... But! I have been thinking about it...

I don't really feel qualified to objectively pick bests or worsts from any genre, as I'm not well-read. Also, all the science fiction I've read was at an early age. I can name a few favorites though.

I thoroughly enjoyed the young adult series, The Tripods, while I was in elementary. To my recollection the books dealt with mature themes I hadn't encountered before such as human sacrifice, slavery, tyranny and revolution. I also liked Stranger in a Strange Land.

I think the worst book I've ever encountered was read while I was stranded at a friend's house and bored out of my mind. He had a collection of the Animorphs books...enough said.

Beeeh, Animorphs! Poor Bob!

This week's genre is social novels.