Sci-Fi Rebuttalhttp://http://io9.com/5551875/the-twenty-science-fiction-novels-that-will-change-your-life

http://http//io9.com/5551875/the-twenty-science-fiction-novels-that-will-change-your-life

A friend of mine the other day directed me to a list of the twenty science fiction novels that will change your life. (You can check it out by clicking on the link above.) I have read a couple on the list (Octavia Butler's "Kindred" is particularly good and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is an obvious classic) but it got me to thinking: what are some of the most important science fiction novels I have ever read? While I didn't come up with twenty I did think of four. I think that not only are these four important to me personally, I also think they are four of the best novels ever written in the genre.

"Battlefield Earth" by L. Ron Hubbard (1982)

Before you start, yes this is the the novel that the misguided John Travolta made into one of the worst movies ever, and yes this is the L. Ron Hubbard who spawned a religion that gave Tom Cruise an excuse to jump on couches and bedazzle Katie Holmes into marrying him and raising Chris Klein's child. (Yes that's a gay joke about Tom Cruise. I know a gay joke about Tom Cruise is as common as water rolling downhill but you gotta take your shots when you can.) Anyway don't let those facts stop you from reading this novel. At 1000 pages it is quite mammoth but only because it has so many layers to it. Set in the year 3000 A.D. the Earth has been taken over by aliens and man is all but extinct. It follows the story of Jonnie Goodboy Tyler who leads mankind's final war to take back control of the Earth. The novel tackles many topics: philosophy, economics, the environment, and the dissemination and control of information to name just a few. So what if the author was crazy for Coco Puffs? Van Gogh cut his ear off and gave it to his girlfriend. Doesn't take away from the fact that this is a great novel.

"Dune" by Frank Herbert (1965)

This Hugo Award winning novel centers around the noble family Atreides and is set on the desert planet Arrakis in the far distant future. Found only on Arrakis is the life blood of the Empire, the spice melange. A geriatric drug, melange provides a longer life span, increased vitality, and heightened awareness. Most important it unlocks prescience in humans allowing safe interstellar travel. "Dune" is more multifaceted than a Cray computer and interweaves politics, religion, ecology, technology, and human emotion. A staple of science fiction, Herbert's masterpiece spawned numerous sequels, games, and movies. A monumental achievement in the genre.

"The Man In the High Castle" by Philip K. Dick (1962)

One of the most well regarded authors in science fiction, Dick's works have inspired eleven films (9 currently out and 2 in production) including "Total Recall" and "Blade Runner." However this short novel may be the crown jewel in Dick's work. This alternative history work was the first ever novel to explore the idea of a world where WWII was won by Germany and Japan. Ironically in this version of history Germany is a technological giant having drained the Mediterranean Sea to create farmland and colonizing the moon and Mars. It is an intriguing read and deeply philosophical. The classic Eastern work of literature the I Ching deeply influenced and guided "The Man In the High Castle." It explores the interpretation and confusion of true and false realities both at a personal and global level. The progenitor of novels like Harry Turtledove's "In the Presence of Mine Enemies" and Michael Chabon's "The Yiddish Policeman's Union" Dick's seminal alternative history novel still resonates today.

"Stranger in a Strange Land" by Robert E. Heinlein (1961)

Considered by many literary critics and fans to be the best science fiction novel ever written, Heinlein's 1961 work is his crowning achievement. Sex, violence (often taboo subjects at the time it was written) and other controversial scenes dominate "Stranger in a Strange Land." Yet ironically, Heinlein's novel may be the most religious science fiction novel ever written. "Stranger in a Strange Land" centers around the life of one Valentine Michael Smith, a human being raised by Martians. Returning to Earth as a young adult "Stranger" follows Smith's interaction and transformation with Earth culture. Concepts such as war, clothing, and jealousy are (pun intended) alien to him. Ahead of its time, Smith was raised in a Martian culture where the concept of God is understood to be every living thing, whether it be plant, animal, or human. Just think of AVATAR before AVATAR and you'll get the general idea. While relying heavily on its Judeo-Christian influence, Heinlein's novel never comes across as preachy. Rather the heart of the story lies in the fascinating character study of Smith who is at once naive, and wise beyond his years. Heinlein's character embodies the idea that human beings can ultimately reshape their world for the better. The novel's conclusion is as satisfying as it is heart breaking.

Well there you have it. I highly recommend all four of these wonderful novels. In addition you might want to check out Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" and Heinlein's other famous work "Starship Troopers." Trust me you won't regret it.