Well, it could be stories about the latest space exploration like the Mars missions. People are always fascinated by the idea of finding life on other planets.
The 'Foundation' series by Isaac Asimov is highly read. It's about a mathematician who uses his knowledge to predict the fall of a galactic empire and tries to reduce the coming dark age. Its concepts of psychohistory and the grand scale of the galactic civilization are very appealing. Also, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is quite popular. It's a humorous take on space travel and the universe, filled with strange aliens and absurd situations.
The most read stories often include classic novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' which has endured for centuries due to its complex characters and engaging love story. Another popular type is mystery stories such as those by Agatha Christie. Her intricate plots keep readers guessing until the very end.
Definitely '1984'. Its themes of government surveillance and loss of freedom are extremely relevant even today. 'Fahrenheit 451' with its theme of censorship and the power of knowledge is also very impactful. Another is 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. Although it's often considered more as dystopian literature, it has strong science - fiction elements and themes of women's oppression in a future society.
I think 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is one of the most read. It has a really cool cyberpunk setting, with a virtual reality metaverse and a post - apocalyptic world outside of it. The main character, Hiro Protagonist, has to navigate this strange world filled with hackers, corporations, and various threats. Another popular one is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It has a frame - story structure and tells the tales of different pilgrims on a journey to a mysterious place called Hyperion, with each story being unique and full of mystery.
I'd recommend 'The City in the Middle of the Night' by Charlie Jane Anders. It has a really unique setting and a great exploration of different cultures. Another good one is 'The Calculating Stars' by Mary Robinette Kowal. It combines the excitement of space exploration with important social issues like gender equality. And 'A Memory Called Empire' by Arkady Martine is also a great choice, with its political intrigue and exploration of identity in a science - fictional empire.
Well, '1984' is quite well - known. It depicts a totalitarian society where the government controls every aspect of people's lives. It's a warning about the abuse of power.
One interesting new science story could be about the latest breakthroughs in gene editing technology like CRISPR. It has the potential to cure genetic diseases.
One of the most interesting ones is about Tesla. He claimed to have received signals from outer space. People thought he was crazy at first, but now we know more about the vastness of the universe. It's funny how he was ahead of his time.