I've been toying with an idea for the next reading project. It would be a recommend-to-a-friend thing where you would recommend a book to someone that you think they would like based on their own personal taste. For example, I think zombie-lover Kevin would love to read Dead Heat by Del Stone, Jr. if he could find the time.
Anywho, I thought a good choice for a book might be one that you've read that has gone largely unnoticed or was, at least, underrated.
So, what are some sf books (or heck, even fantasy books) that you think are underrated?
Comments (12)
| PermaLink
| Category: Books
Posted by John DeNardo at Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 7:55 AM
© 2008 SF Signal
"The Planet Strappers" by Raymond Z. Gallun.
Posted by Fred Kiesche on Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 8:25 AM at 8:25 AM
"Noir" by K.W. Jeter. A Dick-esque writer.
"The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell. It's noted in many critical lists, but I find very few who have read it.
Posted by Jeff Carroll on Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 9:50 AM at 9:50 AM
Can an award-winner be underrated? I think Replay by Ken Grimwood is a fabulous book, the sort you finish and then spend some time staring at the wall thinking about, and I've never understood why it hasn't gotten more attention. It has stayed in print over the years, but I think it's an sf/fantasy book that should be taught in schools and given to people who don't think they like sf/fantasy.
It would also make a great film, though some people would think it "ripped off" Groundhog Day, even though Replay preceeded it.
Posted by PapayaSF on Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 3:18 PM at 3:18 PM
I loved Replay too, but seeing how it was an award winner, I would not classify it as underrated - an award gives a good book the recognition it deserves. But I do agree that the book is not as popular as an excellent book should be. I might classify Replay as a "great book that you probably haven't read". (Similar to my meme question a couple of weeks back.)
Posted by John on Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 3:29 PM at 3:29 PM
I think Christopher Priest's recent books are, although critically acclaimed (and award winning), generally underrated or perhaps more accurately *unknown* to a wide audience.
The Affirmation, The Glamour, The Prestige, The Extremist, The Separation are all fantastic and unconventional SF.
BTW Jeff, I really liked "The Sparrow", the sequel "Children of God" was not quite as good.
Posted by James on Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 3:43 PM at 3:43 PM
"The World is Round" by Tony Rothman
"Golden Witchbreed" by Mary Gentle
I've read the first one maybe as many as 10 times and the second one 3 times. I can't believe they're not considered classics.
Posted by Lynn S on Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 6:48 PM at 6:48 PM
I remember "The World is Round"! Excellent Ralph McQuarrie cover. Very moody book. I should dig that up and re-read it this year.
Posted by Fred Kiesche on Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 8:43 PM at 8:43 PM
How about The Fortunate Fall by Raphael Carter? The Icarus Hunt by Timothy Zahn? Dreaming Metal by Melissa Scott?
I gotta check out the ones you folks have mentioned.
Dan
Posted by Dan on Thursday March 24, 2005 at 1:43 AM at 1:43 AM
WRECK OF THE RIVER OF STARS by Michael Flynn. This book has great characterization, solid science, and a tragic plot that moves forward with the solemn inevitability of a funeral dirge. Almost no one has heard of it or read it, and it should be at the top of the bestseller lists.
HARVEST OF STARS by Poul Anderson. This book is his crowning achievement of a lifetime of achievements. His Heinleinesaque character, Arno Gunthrie, is a more likeable curmudgeon than any Heinlein character. His lunarians are more elfin than the elves in any fantasy. His future has a thousand little touches of realism and accuracy, showing a master's hand for extrapolation. This book is what tired cyberpunk wishes it could be. Why hasn't it won any awards?
LAST AND FIRST MEN by Olaf Stapledon. Everyone has heard of Wells and Verne, but Stapledon's imagination beggared them both. In sheer magnitude of invention, this old classic still has the power to awe. Does anyone read him any more?
THE NIGHT LAND by William Hope Hodgson. A classic of eerie and haunting power, concerning the last remnant of humanity cowering in their seven-mile high fortress overlooking a sunless landscape stalking by horrors supernatural and inexplicable. One man journeys forth across the terror-haunted world to seek the source of a telepathic echo, the cry of his long-lost loved one, Mirdath the Beautiful, whom he knew in a previous cycle of existance, uncounted millions of year before. No one I know has read this book. [Note from editor: John C. Wright has written two stories in The Night Land mythos, "Awake in the Night" and "The Last of All Suns", and a related essay titled "And No Female, Ever"]
THE WORM OUROBOROS by E.R. Eddison. Splendid, gorgeous and romantic, this epic of the Illiad of Mercury is everything fantasy is meant to be. Eclipsed by Tolkein's greater fame, few readers know this forgotten treasure.
Posted by John C. Wright on Thursday March 24, 2005 at 2:07 PM at 2:07 PM
John, we ought to compare collections some time!
I think for Stapledon, I'd nominate "Star Maker". Do people still read him? I think so: I know of current editions for both SM and L&FM.
I haven't read that Flynn book, I'm reading/re-reading his "Firestar" series before getting to that one.
Eddison! Wow, haven't heard that name in a bit. How about Morris?
Posted by Fred Kiesche on Friday March 25, 2005 at 6:22 AM at 6:22 AM
Mr. Keishce, I am simply not as big a fan of Morris as I am of E.R. Eddison. Morris, nonetheless, has a warm place in my heart because he invented the single most evocative and lumenous name for a book of any in the field: THE WELL AT THE WORLD'S END.
But there is something in his writing that will not hold my attention (or, more likely, something in my attention that will not hold his writing). Mr. Morris' disgressions are too long to suit me (and, if you have read one of my books, you will note that this is the pot calling the kettle black).
Posted by John C. Wright on Monday March 28, 2005 at 11:15 AM at 11:15 AM