Well, 'A Fire Upon the Deep' is quite popular. It offers a unique view of a universe with different levels of intelligence and how they interact. 'Gateway' has its fans as well. The idea of exploring an ancient alien space station full of secrets is very appealing. 'Rendezvous with Rama' is also popular. The discovery of the huge, seemingly empty alien spacecraft and the mystery surrounding it draw in many readers.
Sure. 'Ender's Game' is a great one. It tells the story of a young boy, Ender, who is trained in a battle school to fight against an alien race. Another is '2001: A Space Odyssey', which is famous for its mind - bending exploration of human evolution and encounters with advanced alien technology. Also, 'Dune' is a classic, set in a far - future universe where various factions fight over the valuable spice found on the desert planet Arrakis.
The books in this list may also show the anxieties of the era. With the Cold War going on, there could be themes related to the fear of nuclear war or the power struggles between different superpowers. At the same time, they might be exploring new ideas in biology and medicine as science was advancing in those fields at that time. For instance, some books could be speculating about genetic engineering or new ways of treating diseases in a science - fiction context.
Some well - known books from 2015 science fiction lists might include 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. It's a great story about an astronaut stranded on Mars and his struggle to survive. Another could be 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie, which features a complex universe and unique characters.
'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.
Some of the books from 1992 might have been characterized by exploring emerging technologies of the time in a fictional context. For example, they could have delved into early concepts of virtual reality like in 'Snow Crash'.
'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.
Some might have strong dystopian themes. For example, they could depict a future where society has crumbled due to over - population or environmental disasters.
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.