Science Fiction is often best read as an adolescent and therefore some of the most memorable and significant works in a readers lifelong list are going to be less than undying adult literature. That does not mean they aren’t great but just when comparing them to other genre you have a disconnect.
I’ll add one — The Cities in Flight series.
“Science Fiction is often best read as an adolescent and therefore some of the most memorable and significant works in a readers lifelong list are going to be less than undying adult literature. That does not mean they aren’t great but just when comparing them to other genre you have a disconnect.”
Very sad, but unfortunately I agree.
I read the original one. I was unaware there was a sequel.
I've wondered about that before... rereading some of my favorites was oddly disappointing. Thanks for the insight. That said, The Weapon Shops Series by A.E. van Vogt aged better than many...
There is some science fiction that goes beyond more adolescent themes and character development. A Canticle for Leibowitz is one, Dan Simmons’ Hyperion is another. Hyperion uses a storytelling format similar to Canterbury Tales but told better, and with a much better plot.
Precisely. When I was a teenager I plowed through a ton of science fiction. I liked many writers, but I loved Larry Niven. I particularly liked his "The Mote in God's Eye." I don't know what I would think of it now. In 2016 I tried reading Niven's "Footfall," my first sci-fi novel in decades. It was worth reading, good but not great.
I have wanted for "Mote" to be be made into a film ever since I read the book.