"Who Is Your Favorite Science Fiction Author?" -- Theodore Sturgeon

[barondave]

In a recent jaunt to NYC I was asked by a couple of twenty-somethings, "Who's your favorite sf author?" The answer was a bit easier than usual, since the death of Leonard Nimoy was just in the news: "Theodore Sturgeon. And I know you know one of his lines: (making the split-fingered Vulcan salute) 'Live Long and Prosper

Comments

[skjam]

A little out of the way, but Naoki Urasawa did a great SF story in manga form called "20th Century Boys."

It focuses on a group of boys who think up an elaborate game of "good guys vs. evil world domination conspiracy" only to have someone years later use it as a blueprint for taking over Japan. Now they must band together to stop "the Friend"; but things have not turned out well for many of the boys--and the Friend remembers the past much better than they do....

[bibliofile]

Yeah, when you've been reading a genre for a few decades not just a few years, picking your favorites only creates pretty long lists. Short lists are impossible.

It doesn't help decide when some of my favorite writers from a while ago are ones I haven't read recently.

And don't forget that "favorite" doesn't necessarily equal "best." I think that Harlan Ellison is a brilliant writer, but I haven't read anything recent AND his writing is not as dear to my heart as those of some people.

Okay, I admit it: I don't even know where to start making any of these lists.