Here at Eva’s Used Books in Israel we love books of all shapes and sizes - and genres. Whether you’re looking to improve your life or get lost in a galaxy far far away, we’ve got the perfect book for you. But speaking of galaxies far far away, today, the team here at Eva’s is bringing you some of our favorite science fiction reads.

 

1. The Time Machine and the Invisible Man by HG Wells

We can’t talk about science fiction and not talk about H.G Wells. Wells is considered the godfather of modern sci-fi and these two stories will show you exactly why. This book is a double whammy containing two of his iconic stories, The Time Machine and The Invisible Man. As the name probably gave away, The Time Machine will give you that time traveling adventure you Marty McFly fans are craving. While this story is a little on the short side it’s a good and fast paced read. It is really cool to look back and see how The Time Machine would go on to inspire so many other pieces of sci-fi that were yet to come. The second story is about.. well you probably guessed that too, an invisible man. This is another of Wells’ classic stories and is a great place to start if you are getting into the genre. This one has got plenty of mystery sprinkled in on top of all that classic sci-fi. This book is a great place for people to get started with both Wells and science fiction, even if Wells’ titles were a little obvious. 

 

 

 

2. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Now Brave New World is a sci-fi classic that will get those thought juices flowing. Have you ever wondered what the world would look like as a completely totalitarian society where individuality was a thing of the past. Aldous Huxley creates a dystopian world where a lot of our modern day social norms are turned on their head. This means you are in store for a fun read that will leave you questioning a lot of things about our reality as you turn each new page. While this one is a classic having been published in 1932, it still holds up strong today and can be enjoyed whether it's 1932 or 2022. 

3. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne

This story was originally published by Jules Verne in French as part of his science fiction series “Voyages Extraordinaires” in 1869-1970. This classic story tells the story of Professor Pierre Aronnax’s voyage under the sea to investigate some strange attacks by an alleged deep sea monster. This will take him (and you the reader) on a journey to strange underwater worlds where you will meet many a strange creature, see other worldly technology and be introduced to the enigmatic Captain Nemo. I can’t recommend this one enough as it is loads of fun with Verne’s underwater world being so imaginative.  This short read is a great place for anyone looking to dip their toe in the sci-fi waters (see what I did there). 

4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Another awesome and fun sci-fi read for anybody looking to get into the genre is without a doubt Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Emphasis on the fun! This story follows a man who is the only survivor when the earth is destroyed by journeying to outer space. Accompanied by his alien friend the pair meet countless weird and wonderful characters throughout space. A fun fact about this book is it was actually written as an adaptation of a part of a popular radio drama that Douglas Adams also created. 

When I said this was a fun read, I meant it. This book is hilarious and is a goofy take on space exploration. It will have you laughing during every chapter with some of the funniest and well written characters in science fiction. This is a must for any Rick and Morty fan reading this as it is credited by Dan Harmon as an inspiration for the show. Also it’s got lots of aliens!

 

 

 

5. 1984 by George Orwell

Similarly to Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, Mr. George Orwell will have you questioning your existence in this dystopian sci-fi drama. You follow Winston Smith as he lives under the controlling, all-seeing and quite frankly scary ruler “Big Brother ''. Personally, while I really enjoyed this book, I found 1984 a little bit of a heavier read with its political and social themes.  This one was not only hugely influential to modern pop culture but extremely controversial. Due to its political nature the book was banned in a few different countries shortly after its release in 1949 including the Soviet Union and China. Nevertheless 1984 is worth checking out if you enjoy some more thought provoking sci-fi. 

6. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Finishing off our list we’ve got a more recent sci-fi release. Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One is set in 2045 and let me tell you 2045 is geek heaven. Most of the story takes place in the OASIS, a giant open world video game where pretty much anything is possible. The story follows Wade Watts, better known as “Parzival” in the OASIS, as he tries to stop the evil “Og” as he attempts to take over and destroy the OASIS. This is a great book for new English reader too. It was originally written for a teenage audience so the language simple and easy to understand. Ernest Cline’s 1945 version of Oklahoma City is a super creative and great sci-fi setting for this story. If you are a fan of video games or 80s pop culture you will love Ready Player One. There is even a little bit of romance in there for all you hopeless romantics out there. 

So there you have it! Six great sci-fi books to get your adventure started. But wait. What is that I hear you ask? Where can I get myself some of this awesome science fiction reading? Well don’t you worry because Eva’s Used Books has got you covered. There are loads more sci-fi titles to choose from as well. What are some of your favorite sci-fi reads? Let us know in the comments below and until next time as a wise space traveling Vulcan once said, live long and prosper.