Ever been fascinated with the idea of aliens and UFOs? Those who read up on aliens and science fiction as children and watched the night sky for any hint of a UFO are in for a treat. July 2 is recognised as World UFO Day, so Patriot brings you 10 novels that centre around concepts of outer space, aliens, and extraterrestrial beings.
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.” The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a truly compelling read that comes with much stellar advice. Ford Prefect, a researcher, pulls his friend Arthur Dent away from Earth right before it’s demolished, and together they go into outer space. Throughout their travels, they meet many fellow travellers, who simply keep getting curiouser and curiouser. Full of outer space explorations, absurdities, and philosophical questions, this book is a timeless classic.
The War of the Worlds – HG Wells
HG Wells is known to be a pioneer in the field of science fiction, with many successful works that are still talked about. The War of the Worlds revolves around the Martian invasion of Earth. As the hostile aliens invade, they destroy everything with their heat rays and toxic gases. The book has inspired many comics, radio retellings, and movie adaptations over the years. It is one of the best books that explore first contact with aliens.
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The Martian Chronicles – Ray Bradbury
Known for his fantastic grasp of English literature, Ray Bradbury brings us a science fiction novel that revolves around Earth dwellers trying to colonise Mars. Written as an account of Mars colonisation, the book is fragmented, tied together by the common theme of Earth dwellers on Mars. The book appears as a warning against the careless exploration of planets while adding a twist to the typical ‘American dream.’
Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
The book follows Ender, who is involved in an experiment searching for the perfect general to help Earth fight against alien armies. In a war that has been going on for 100 years, it is imperative that Ender succeeds or the world as it is known will be destroyed. In this fast-paced novel, the author explores power, the rivalry between siblings, and the concept of an alien invasion that could destroy Earth.
The Gods Themselves – Isaac Asimov
The book is set in the 22nd century, wherein Earth has found an alternative source of unlimited energy created by aliens. The cost of the energy, however, is that it will destroy the Sun and thus, Earth as well. The protagonists of the book are a delightful mix, including a scientist from Earth, a lunar-born human who can sense the future, and a rebellious alien. As a work of science fiction, Isaac Asimov’s book is grounded and explores realistic technology and possibilities.
Starship Troopers – Robert A Heinlein
Starship Troopers is a military science fiction novel that explores the many aspects of military life. While the novel has been criticised for spreading military propaganda, it is still one of the finest explorations of morality and war. The novel is centred around the character of Johnny Rico, a young boy who enlists in the army fighting against the aliens. In a world where full citizenship is only granted to army veterans, Johnny must overcome his obstacles.
Solaris – Stanislaw Lem
While most imagine aliens to be distorted, humanoid figures, Stanislaw Lem takes the concept and turns it 180 degrees. Upon touching down on the planet of Solaris, Kris Kelvin finds himself reliving one of his worst, somewhat suppressed memories. Upon further investigation, he finds that anyone who landed on the ocean-covered surface of Solaris is facing the same. The alienness of the ocean is a refreshing addition to the world of science fiction, wherein the living, sentient body of ocean is what one might consider ‘extraterrestrial.’
Hyperion – Dan Simmons
A space opera retelling of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Hyperion tells the story of six pilgrims who venture onto the planet of Hyperion. The planet consists of Time Tombs, where time moves backwards. These tombs are guarded by a creature called the Shrike. The pilgrimage takes place on the eve of an intergalactic war. Regarded as one of the finest works of science fiction, Dan Simmons’ Hyperion is a thrilling read exploring an interconnected narrative of the six pilgrims.
The Word for World is Forest – Ursula K Le Guin
When the Athsheans are colonised by Yumens (humans), they are at the mercy of a brutal race. However, out of sheer desperation, they retaliate, led by Selver. Being a race who considers peace to be a pillar upon which their society rests, they quickly understand that the violence required to fight will tear away at their values. This novel by Ursula K Le Guin is a notable critique of imperialism and environmental degradation, through the means of a science fiction novel.
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Embassytown – China Miéville
The world in this novel relies heavily on neologism. The plot takes place on a planet called Arieka, in a place called Embassytown. The inhabitants of the planet speak a language that only genetically modified human twins can speak. While the novel seems too complex and difficult to understand, it is a widely appreciated novel, known for its new conceptualisation of a foreign planet and its linguistics.
