Which of These 4 CLASSIC Sci-Fi Books Should You Read?

Recently, I read 4 classic science fiction novels: To Your Scattered Bodies Go, Kesrith, Startide Rising, and Solaris. In these 4 mini-reviews I let you know what kind of readers might enjoy them, and which were my favourites!

My links:

00:00 - To Your Scattered Bodies Go
03:20 - Kesrith
05:48 - Startide Rising
08:48 - Solaris

#ScienceFiction #Books

[TheJayman]

Riverworld is my second favorite series of all time (behind Chronicles of Amber). The story keeps getting better, although I didn't care much for the conclusion. But what a ride to get there given the idea that you could literally meet anyone from history.

[RedFuryBooks]

I can't wait to read Solaris - it sounds amazing!

[jdracing]

You should give Brins trilogy a try, you have already been introduced to the world and Uplift but now would get to see Brins skill much more fine tuned in both characters and Opera. It is a sweet trilogy.

[YourQueerGreatAuntie]

So glad you loved Solaris! I haven't read the other three, but your reviews always pique my curiosity. Keep reading and reviewing - we love it!

[erikliterature]

I've read Kesrith, Startide Rising and Solaris. I know I read a translation of a Philip Jose Farmer novel a long time ago but I don't recall if it was this particular novel.
I always loved Startide Rising. I first read Sundiver and liked it a lot. When I read Startide Rising, it immediately became my favourite SF book up to then. I think I've read it 3 times. Not in the last 30 years, though. I didn't like The Uplift War and the following trilogy as much.
As for Cherryh, she is quite unique. If you like her style, you'll probably read everything she's published. Some of her novels (some early and some in the middle) are really hard to get through but those are exceptions (For me, the Rusalka trilogy, Fairy in Shadow and The Dreamstone). Now, my personal pick IS Cyteen. It's a deep dive in power politics, genetics and nature versus nurture as well as a study in character. Yes, it's mostly a character study. Foreigner is really good, too, but it's much more centered around language and cultural differences. Cherry's prose is easier to read in that series, though. She changed it quite a lot from how it read before. You might want to check out Chanur's Pride and its sequels for a more traditional 'rip-roaring' adventure story.

[YouWinILose]

I DNF'd Revelation Space 35% in. I should go back one day and try to get to this fantastic ending you mentioned! Solaris is fantastic, and glad for the reccs!

[JohnG]

very much looking forward to reading Solaris.

[bookspin]

Thanks for the reviews! The Riverworld books are among my favourites and i also rank Solaris pretty highly. The Faded Sun trilogy is in my TBR, but after seeing your review now I'm not too sure if that's the right entry point for Cherryh's work

[paulallison]

I agree!
To your scattered bodies go and Solaris are two of my all time favourites. I gave up on Started Rising and have not fancied reading Kesrith to date.

[thatfuzzypotato]

Oh, Solaris sounds very up my alley. I'll have to pin it on my absurdly long TBR (12 books into 2023 and I still haven't made a dent lol)

[eyeroll-encore]

Great vid! I'm reading Sundiver now because I'd heard the two following books by Brin are great - though your review of Startide Rising has me slowing my roll. I should give Cherryh another chance; Downbelow Station didn't grab me.

[sarichj]

What is that mo my g? Oh, maybe a weird lighting trick. LOVE the vids, keep it up.

[JeansiByxan]

It's always fun to learn how different books make different impacts on different readers. I happen to love C.J. Cherryh but I'm also aware that most of her books are quite slow burns. I still think The Faded Sun Trilogy is marvelous, but the first book is definitely a slow start.

[Cosmic-Industry]

I actually read Solaris on a plane!!
Great video as usual! I didn’t know any of the three other books but I think I will have a go with To Your Scattered Bodies Go.

[aaronboyd]

Thanks for the recommendations. I have never read Kesrith or any of the Authors C.J. Cherryh works. I looks forward to reading this book.

[Tokayd]

Goodness, I haven't thought of Riverworld in absolute eons!

[curtjarrell]

Hi Jonathan. The only author I read was David Brin. I read his chunky Earth (1989) which was about the aftermath of global warming. I enjoyed it. Hope you keep feeling better.

[JamesI]

Whenever I get around to them, I'll be reading all the river world books in a row. I'll let you know about the sequels.

[lissavanhouten]

Piers Anthony's sci-fi Cluster series is amazing. It was originally suppose to be a trilogy, but it's now five books. Sentient beings can "travel" throughout the galaxy by exchanging their bodies/auras into "host" alien bodies. Cool concept!

[nightsazrael]

loved all three, love the whole uplift war series.