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If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love a good thought-provoking book.
And when it comes to sci-fi, it’s not just about the space travel or advanced technology (though those are cool too).
For me, literary sci-fi is all about using science fiction as a lens to look at big, meaningful ideas – about humanity, society, and the future.
It’s a genre that makes you feel like you’re not just reading a story, but stepping into a world that makes you think deeply about the choices we make and the lives we lead.
So, if you’re ready to jump into a list of books that are both fun and thought-provoking, I’ve rounded up 15 fantastic ones for you.
1. The Plot Against America by Philip Roth

Imagine a world where Charles Lindbergh becomes president instead of FDR, and America cozies up to Hitler.
This book takes you on a shocking journey through an alternate version of history where a young boy in Newark watches his family and world unravel under a government that turns against its Jewish citizens.
It’s a deep and chilling exploration of fear, identity, and political power.
Roth’s storytelling really makes you think about how fragile society can be.
2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

A father and son walk through a post-apocalyptic world, surrounded by ash and cold, as they try to survive.
With only each other and a pistol to protect them, they journey towards the coast, uncertain of what they’ll find.
The bond between them is beautiful and heartbreaking, showing that even in the darkest times, love can light the way.
It’s a haunting tale of survival and the incredible strength of the human spirit.
3. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Dana, a Black woman living in 1970s California, suddenly finds herself transported back in time to the antebellum South, where she’s forced to save the life of a young white boy who will play a key role in her future.
Each time she travels, the stakes get higher, and she faces the brutal realities of slavery.
This book is a powerful, eye-opening journey through time that makes you confront the deep, lasting impacts of racism.
4. The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa

Enitan, a tea expert from a fractured world, finds herself thrust into political intrigue after the murder of her lover and the abduction of her sibling.
To seek revenge and perhaps free her nation, she becomes a spy in a dangerous empire.
With tea, betrayal, and high stakes, this space opera weaves a tale of power and passion, and you can’t help but root for Enitan as she discovers just how far she’s willing to go.
5. Sucker by Daniel Hornsby

Chuck Gross, the black sheep of a powerful family, finds himself working for Olivia Watts, a biotech mogul promising immortality.
But things at the company are far from what they seem.
As Chuck uncovers dark secrets about the company’s work, the story hilariously and darkly critiques the greed and absurdity of Silicon Valley.
It’s a sharp satire with plenty of twists that will keep you on your toes.
6. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

After a devastating flu pandemic wipes out most of humanity, Kirsten, a former child star, now travels with a nomadic group of actors and musicians.
Their main task is preserving art and humanity.
When they encounter a violent prophet, their fragile existence is threatened.
This novel beautifully blends the past and the future, and it shows how art, love, and memory can help us survive the end of the world.
7. The Calcutta Chromosome by Amitav Ghosh

Antar, a computer programmer in New York, stumbles upon a mysterious ID card that leads him into a time-bending adventure across the world and through centuries.
This novel dives deep into the strange life of a man obsessed with malaria’s medical history, and it blends science, mystery, and conspiracy in a fascinating way.
It’s a journey full of intrigue that will leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.
8. The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse

In the distant future, Joseph Knecht has dedicated his life to mastering the Glass Bead Game, a synthesis of art, philosophy, and intellect.
As he rises to the top of this society of intellectual elites, he begins to question the very purpose of his life.
This thought-provoking tale about the search for meaning in a world obsessed with knowledge is deeply philosophical and beautifully written.
9. Flux by Jinwoo Chung

After a tragic accident, Bo’s life spirals into uncertainty, Brandon’s job takes him into a mysterious new world, and Blue’s past is wrapped up in a failed tech startup.
This novel weaves together their lives in a twisty exploration of time travel, grief, and identity.
It’s a mind-bending ride that’ll keep you questioning what you think you know about the past, present, and future.
10. Earth Abides by George R. Stewart

When a deadly disease wipes out almost all of humanity, one man, immune to the disease, sets out to explore a world without people.
What he finds is both heartbreaking and astonishing, as he begins to rebuild his life and discover new ways to survive.
This quiet, meditative novel is about resilience, adaptation, and what it means to be human in a world that’s changed forever.
11. On Earth as It Is on Television by Emily Jane

When mysterious spaceships appear over Earth and then leave just as suddenly, people are left grappling with the big questions: Who were they? What do they want? Why did they leave? T
his quirky and humorous novel follows Blaine, Heather, and Oliver as they try to manage personal crises while the world around them is shaken by the aliens’ fleeting presence.
It’s a fun, introspective exploration of life, love, and our place in the universe.
12. Girlfriend on Mars: A Novel by Deborah Willis

Amber Kivinen is competing for a spot on the first mission to Mars, and she leaves behind her long-time boyfriend, Kevin.
As Amber vies for a seat on MarsNow, Kevin is left behind to tend to their weed business and wonder what went wrong.
This funny and poignant novel explores love, ambition, and the absurdity of fame, all set against the backdrop of space exploration.
It’s a unique look at the things we value, even in the face of something as big as Mars.
13. The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei

When a bomb kills three crew members on a mission to save humanity, Asuka, the only surviving witness, becomes the prime suspect.
As tensions rise and trust erodes on the ship, Asuka must uncover the truth before it’s too late.
With themes of survival, identity, and mystery, this debut is a thrilling ride through deep space and the complexities of human nature.
14. The Endless Vessel by Charles Soule

Lily Barnes, a scientist in a world plagued by despair, sets out on a journey to find the mysterious Endless Vessel,” because she believes it may hold the key to a brighter future.
This novel mixes science, history, and drama in a story of hope, love, and the possibility of change.
It’s a tale of resilience that makes you believe in the power of possibility, even in the darkest times.
15. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

Kivrin, a historian, travels back in time to study the 14th century but gets trapped in the midst of the Black Death.
While her future colleagues try to rescue her, Kivrin becomes an unlikely beacon of hope in a time of terror.
It’s a beautiful, emotional story about the strength of the human spirit, with a thoughtful look at history, suffering, and the will to survive.
If you’re looking for more book recommendations, check out my related posts for more awesome lists.
Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know which of these books you’re most excited to read or if you have any favorites to add to the list.
Happy reading!