Among them, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' is super popular. It's full of humor and absurdity. The story of Arthur Dent and his adventures through the galaxy with the help of the Guide is just hilarious. It also has some really deep thoughts about the universe and life hidden beneath the humor.
I think 'Starship Troopers' is quite popular. It has an interesting take on military in a science - fiction setting. The bugs that the soldiers fight are really cool and unique enemies.
Another potentially popular one could be any book that dealt with emerging technologies at the time like genetic engineering. It would have caught the public's attention as it related to real - world scientific advancements. Books with such themes often create a sense of wonder and fear at the same time, making them very appealing to the science fiction reading audience.
One of the most popular was 'Hyperion'. It has a very unique narrative structure, which attracted a lot of readers. The world - building is also extremely detailed.
Among the popular ones is 'The Forever War'. It won several awards and has been highly regarded for its realistic take on the horrors of war in a science - fiction context. The way it deals with time differences due to space travel is also very interesting.
I think 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is very popular. It tells the story of a young boy, Ender, who is trained to fight in a future war against an alien race. The moral and ethical questions it raises are quite fascinating.
I think 'Dune' by Frank Herbert might be among the popular ones. It has a richly detailed universe with complex politics, ecology, and a messianic hero. It's been extremely influential in the science fiction genre.
Well, '2001: A Space Odyssey' was already quite well - known from the movie, but the book was also very popular among science fiction fans in the 1980s. Its exploration of human - machine interaction and the mystery of the monoliths was fascinating. 'The Uplift War' was also popular as it had a great mix of adventure, politics, and alien species with their own unique cultures and motives.
In the list, '1984' is highly popular. It has influenced a lot of other works with its themes of surveillance and totalitarianism. Also, 'Ender's Game' is well - loved. The character of Ender and the moral and strategic dilemmas he faces are very engaging.
'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.