Any fiction suggestions for a somewhat picky reader? The Expanse lasted me a long while but I’m finishing up the novellas now and need to start looking for something new. Not necessarily in the same genre.

I don’t have a lot of books under my belt as an adult, but some of my favorites have been Stoner by John Williams, Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, East of Eden, Catch 22, Flowers for Algernon, and Harry Potter. Kind of all over the place I guess. 😅

I’ve also enjoyed John Williams’ other novels, Piranesi, The Things They Carried, House of Leaves, and Ender’s Game and the sequel.

Some books I didn’t really care for include Hitchhiker’s Guide (although I loved the first half), Lolita, Sharp Objects, Turtles All the Way Down, The Stand, The Road, 1984, and Fahrenheit 451.

I’m always overwhelmed trying to find something new, so thanks for any suggestions!

EDIT: Thank you all! It’ll be a bit daunting exploring all these new books but not nearly as daunting as if I had no guidance, so I really appreciate it!

  • GayCosmicHorror@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    6 months ago

    Also recommend Three body problem, the dark forest, and death’s end by Cixin Liu. It’s the only kind of sci fi i want anymore. But the expanse show was interesting so i’ve wanted to read the expanse books as well. Cixin Liu’s trilogy was amazing, it’s the only book i’ve read where science is terrifying and every single theory they bring up makes all of my bodie’s hairs stand on end constantly as i realize terrifying implications of information that previously seemed innocuous. I LOVED the books soo much, and i was very happy to for the first time, read a book that is based in chinese culture, since i had no experience or knowledge really of chinese culture, and i very much enjoy exploring new things, it was one of my favorite parts. Also the other part is i am a huge fan of lovecraftian stories. And this feels like a new, modern take on lovecraft. A take on it that is more realistic to the reality we live in, but at the same time, Cixin Liu seems to not be afraid to delve deep into the fiction aspects of science fiction just to pull out ideas that while not exactly true in real life, work as really good metaphors for similar ideas like our lack of understanding in science, which the new James-webb telescope is already providing many new questions about humanities understandings of the cosmos.

    i would give it 3 out of 3 stars if one was not hit by a near light speed object. (if you’ve read the trilogy you’ll probably understand this reference.)