Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Military Science Fiction

1.  Robert Heinlein: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
2.  David Drake: Redliners
3.  Frank Herbert: Dune
4.  David Weber & John Ringo: March Upcountry
5.  Mark Van Name: One Jump Ahead
6.  Lois McMaster Bujold, The Warrior's Apprentice
7.  Orson Scott Card: Ender's Game
8.  Joe Haldeman: Forever Peace
9.  Robert Asprin: Phule's Company
10. John Ringo: There Will Be Dragons

Focus for this list:
Over the years I've developed quite a fondness for military science fiction.  I'll never forget meeting David Drake at a party and telling him that my favorite book of his was Redliners.  His stunned response was, "What's a nice little schoolteacher like you doing reading that book?"  To my mind, its theme of the redemption of battle-weary (and quite unappreciated) soldiers was one that resonated because I'm a teacher, not in spite of that fact.  As for the rest of the list: you'll find genuine classics (The Moon is a Harsh Misteress), works of philosophy (Dune), comic pieces (Phule's Company), several heros you'll grow to love (One Jump Ahead), and many more that will keep you up late while entertaining you quite thoroughly.  Now, why is Heinlein's Starship Troopers not on this list, even though many feel it pioneered this sub-genre?  Well, 'cause I like The Moon is a Harsh Mistress better.  So there!  Go read 'em both and tell me what YOU think!  :)

3 comments:

  1. Once again you list many that are on the shelves here. While "Moon" isn't my favorite of Heinlein's works, it is a must-read. Of course, no bookshelf is complete without my dear (late) friend Bob Asprin's work in one form or another. Chris loved all of David Drake's work. Hmmm... How does Niven fit into your lists? He's fun to talk to at conventions, too!

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  2. One question.... why is there no Honor Harrington on this?

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  3. @ draconicpriest: I'm saving that one for a list titled, "Wildly Addictive Sci-Fi Series" *wicked grin*

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