Readers Respond: What Makes a Sci-Fi Novel Classic?

What do you think is the best book in sci-fi or fantasy literature, and why? What makes a book like that a classic that continues to live and speak to new generations decade after decade?

Anne McCaffrey's 'Dull Drums'

A hallmark of all good literature is that it profoundly changes you and how you relate to the world from the first reading. This short story changed my world view.

—Guest puffbleach

TOP CLASSIC BOOKS OF ALL TIMES

THE CHRONICLES OF AMBER BY ROGER ZELAZNY. THOUGHT IT WAS RELEVANT THAT EVEN IN THE SERIES FRINGE THERE IS REFERENCE TO HIS WORK. OR ANYTHING THAT ERB WROTE. THESE ARE THE TRUE CLASSICS.

—WHTDIMDS777

Me

After more than 50 years of reading SF ( not sci fi or SY FY ) there are no absolutes. We all have different tastes, and it makes no difference how well a novel is written, if YOU don't enjoy it, in your mind it will never be a classic.

—Guest The Prof

Earth Abides and Eon

'Earth Abides' (1949) remains one of the best Sci Fi novels due to the ability of the author (G Stewart) to make the landscape and connundrums very human, something we all can identify with. 'Eon' (1985), like Rama, fills us with wonder and is escapist, making it an adventure the author (G Bear) allows us to take along with the characters. It is these reasons - appealing to our humanity and sense of wonder - that makes a story endure.

—Guest Diana