A common request I hear is from people who enjoy a particular genre, such as mysteries or thrillers, but can't find anything new to read. They've read a lot in that particular area they enjoy, but now they're stuck. So, they come to me and ask for a suggestion. Very often, I'll ask how they feel about sci-fi. Usually, they think they don't like that genre, but I challenge them to give it a try. Some sci-fi is very futuristic, involving aliens and spaceships, etc. But there's a lot of great sci-fi that's really about character building, social commentary, or just interesting ideas. These are all hallmarks of other genres.
So, if you're a little bored with the books you normally read, here are some sci-fi books that I think will appeal to just about anyone.
Leviathan Wakes, opens a new window (by James S. A. Corey)
This book is part missing-person mystery and part political thriller. Most of the characters are working-class people trying to live their lives who get caught up in something big.
We Are Legion, opens a new window (by Dennis E. Taylor)
This one is an entertaining book with a novel premise. What if everything was run by an AI and you were that AI? The book asks some interesting questions: If you could do almost anything, what would you do? Would you become a hero or a villain?
All Systems Red, opens a new window (by Martha Wells)
This is one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time. This one is also about an AI, but in this case, the AI is just trying to do its job and be left alone by the humans. However, humans being humans, that's harder than it sounds.
Why You Might Like These Books
They’re character‑first. They’re not overloaded with technical language. And above all, they tell compelling, human stories—just in different ways. Sci‑fi doesn’t have to be intimidating or dense. Sometimes it’s simply a fresh way to explore ideas you already love.
If you want to hear more, you can listen to this podcast about the same topic:
On Spotify: Sci-fi for People Who Don't Read Sci-fi with John Alford in TX, opens a new window
On Apple Podcasts: Sci-fi for People Who Don't Read Sci-fi with John Alford in TX, opens a new window
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