In my opinion, 'Stranger in a Strange Land' was very influential. Its ideas about different cultures and social norms challenged the readers' thinking at that time and had a long - lasting impact on the science - fiction genre.
The Andromeda Strain was also quite influential. It popularized the idea of a scientific threat from outer space and influenced many subsequent science - fiction works that dealt with similar themes of extraterrestrial danger.
The 'The Handmaid's Tale' is influential in a different way. It has made people think more deeply about social and political issues in the context of a possible future. It has also influenced the way we view dystopian literature and how it can be used as a warning about the direction our society could take if certain trends continue.
I think 'Stranger in a Strange Land' was very influential. It challenged many social norms and ideas of the time, and influenced later science fiction works in terms of exploring different cultures and values.
The 'The Left Hand of Darkness' was also very influential. Ursula K. Le Guin's exploration of gender concepts was way ahead of its time. Her unique world - building and the way she incorporated deep social and philosophical ideas into a science fiction setting influenced a whole generation of science fiction writers.
Well, 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is really important. It was one of the first to depict an alien invasion, which has influenced countless science fiction works since. 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is also a big one. His ideas about psychohistory and the long - term development of civilizations are very thought - provoking. And then there's 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card, which looks at military strategy and the nature of leadership in a sci - fi context.
The 'Neuromancer' series had an impact in 2013 as well. It's a classic that was still relevant. It dives deep into the world of cyberspace and how it intersects with human consciousness. Its ideas about virtual reality and hacking were ahead of its time and still influenced the science fiction of 2013.
'Gateway' is also very popular. Its exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown, along with the unique setting of the alien space station, has attracted a large number of readers. People are drawn to the mystery of the ships and the potential for discovery, as well as the well - developed characters.
'Wool' by Hugh Howey was quite popular too. It's set in a post - apocalyptic silo, and the mystery and the characters' struggles within that confined space were really engaging for readers. The story gradually unfolds, revealing more about the world outside the silo as it progresses, which kept readers hooked.
I'm not sure which ones are the most popular exactly, but 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is often highly regarded. It's set in a future where the world has been transformed by a new form of technology and virtual reality, and it has a really unique and engaging plot.
I'm not entirely sure which ones were the most popular, but 'Doomsday Book' was widely talked about. It had an interesting premise of time - traveling historians.
Another popular one could be 'The Uplift War'. It was part of a well - known series and had a lot of fans who were into the idea of the uplift concept, where lower species are 'uplifted' to sentience by higher ones. It had exciting battles and interesting alien species interactions.