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Books matching: satirical science fiction

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Bill, The Galactic Hero - Bill, The Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison
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    Bill, The Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison is a satirical science fiction novel that follows the adventures of Bill, an innocent farm boy who is fraudulently recruited into the armed forces. The story revolves around Bill's journey as he faces various disasters and absurd situations while maintaining his morale in a world filled with bureaucracy, inane characters, and dark military satire. The writing style of the book is described as purposely clumsy to highlight the stupidity of bureaucracy and filled with sly humor that pokes fun at military recruitment and operations.

    Special thanks to Nat Sobel, Henry Morrison, Dainis Bisenieks, and Chris Miller First published in Great Britain 1993 by Victor Gollancz First VGSF edition published 1994 by Victor Gollancz A Cassell ...

  2. #2

    Redshirts by John Scalzi
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    'Redshirts' by John Scalzi is a humorous and meta take on science fiction, particularly Star Trek. The story follows a group of junior crew members on a spaceship who discover that their life expectancy is short, leading them to investigate the mysterious high casualty rate among lower-ranking crew members. The book delves into themes of self-awareness, existentialism, and the nature of storytelling, all while providing a satirical and entertaining look at the sci-fi genre. The writing style is quick-witted, clever, and filled with inside jokes that would particularly resonate with fans of Star Trek and classic science fiction.

    The plot of 'Redshirts' is centered around the junior crew members of the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, who unravel a conspiracy involving time travel, clandestine meetings, and the realization that they are merely expendable characters in a sci-fi show. The novel cleverly blends humor, metafiction, and social commentary, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional sci-fi narrative. Scalzi's writing keeps the reader engaged with its fast-paced storytelling, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists that challenge the conventions of the genre, making it a fun and thought-provoking read for fans of science fiction and pop culture.

    “The Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid,” the young woman said. “Built in 2453 at the Mars Dock. Flagship of the Universal Union since 2456. First captain, Genevieve Shan. Lucius Abernathy, captain...

  3. #3

    What Mad Universe by Fredric Brown
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    'What Mad Universe' by Fredric Brown is a science fiction novel that follows the adventures of Keith Winton, a sci-fi magazine writer who is unexpectedly transported into a parallel universe. In this alternate reality, Winton finds himself in a world that initially seems normal but quickly reveals itself to be filled with bizarre and dangerous elements, including bug-eyed monsters and intergalactic wars. As Winton navigates this strange universe, he must unravel mysteries, face sinister threats, and strive to find a way back to his own world. The writing style of the book is described as intelligent, witty, and clever, blending elements of pulp noir mystery with science fiction to create a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers entertained and intrigued.

    THE FIRST ATTEMPT to send a rocket to the moon, in 1952, was a failure. Probably because of a structural defect in the operating mechanism, it fell back to Earth, causing a dozen casualties. Although ...

  4. #4

    Venus on the Half-Shell by Philip José Farmer
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    Venus on the Half-Shell by Philip Jose Farmer, written under the pseudonym Kilgore Trout, follows the adventures of Simon Wagstaff, a banjo-playing bum who escapes a flood on Earth in a Chinese spacecraft with his companions - a dog named Anubis, an owl named Athena, and a female android named Chworktap. Together, they journey through space in search of the meaning of life, encountering various alien races and engaging in satire and farce. The book is a satirical science fiction novel that explores absurdity, mores, and conventions in a tongue-in-cheek manner, remaining thought-provoking and humorous even after years of publication.

    This is another specimen of the “biographical.” It originally appeared in a fanzine, Moebius Trip, December 1971 issue, edited and published by Ed Connor of Peoria, Illinois. Later on, I suggested to ...

  5. #5

    And Another Thing... - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Eoin Colfer, Douglas Adams
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    'And Another Thing...' by Eoin Colfer continues the 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' series where Douglas Adams left off. Colfer attempts to capture Adams' humor and writing style, bringing back beloved characters like Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, and Zaphod Beeblebrox. The book explores new adventures with the Vogons and Thor, while mixing in old jokes from the original series. However, some readers felt that the book fell short of the original's brilliance, with mixed opinions on the humor, character portrayal, and overall execution.

    Despite being a continuation of a beloved series, 'And Another Thing...' received both praise and criticism from readers. Some appreciated Colfer's attempt to capture Adams' humor and characters, finding moments of genuine laughter and enjoyable nostalgia. The book provided closure to the series and introduced new elements that resonated with fans of the Hitchhiker's universe. However, others found the book lacking in originality, with a heavy reliance on imitating Adams' style rather than adding a fresh perspective to the story.

    According to a janitor’s assistant at the Maximegalon University, who often loiters outside lecture halls, the Universe is sixteen billion years old. This supposed truth is scoffed at by a clutch of B...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy )

  6. #6

    LoveStar by Andri Snaer Magnason
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    'LoveStar' by Andri Snaer Magnason is a thought-provoking and prescient novel that delves into a future world controlled by a big corporation, exploring themes of love, technology, and consumerism. The plot follows a cautionary tale that is both humorous and dark, with wild and imaginative concepts that hit close to reality in today's society. The writing style is engaging, with hints of humor and satire that keep the reader entertained while delivering a powerful message about the potential consequences of modern technology and commercialism.


  7. #7

    Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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    Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a satirical novel that explores themes of science, religion, and the nuclear arms race. The story follows the protagonist as he delves into the life of an atomic scientist and the creation of a dangerous substance called ice-nine. Through quirky characters and strange situations, Vonnegut weaves a tale that is both thought-provoking and darkly humorous, ultimately delivering a commentary on human folly and the absurdity of life.

    The writing style of Cat's Cradle is described as witty, succinct, and direct. Vonnegut's ability to mix humor and pathos with social commentary is highlighted, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and insightful. The novel is praised for its structure, storytelling, and unique philosophical questions wrapped in a quirky background story, making it a compelling and engaging read.

    “I am sorry to be so long about answering your letter. That sounds like a very interesting book you are doing. I was so young when the bomb was dropped that I don’t think I’m going to be much help. Yo...

  8. #8
    Erewhon
    Book 1 in the series:Erewhon

    Erewhon - Erewhon by Samuel Butler
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    'Erewhon' by Samuel Butler is a satirical novel that critiques Victorian society by presenting a traveler's discovery of a backward kingdom. The story is filled with shallow allegories that reflect societal norms and values, such as the ban on machinery and the absurdities of the Erewhonian society. The book explores themes such as the fear of machines surpassing human capabilities, societal hypocrisy, and the consequences of extreme ideologies.

    IF the reader will excuse me, I will say nothing of my antecedents, nor of the circumstances which led me to leave my native country; the narrative would be tedious to him and painful to myself. Suffi...

  9. #9

    Monday starts on Saturday by Boris Strugatsky, Arkady & Boris Strugatsky
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    'Monday Starts on Saturday' by Boris Strugatsky and Arkady & Boris Strugatsky is a satirical science fiction novel that explores the absurdities of bureaucracy and the intersection of magic and science. Set in a Soviet institute called the National Institute for the Technology of Witchcraft and Thaumaturgy (NITWiT), the story follows a young computer programmer navigating a world where magicians are tasked with bringing happiness to mankind. The narrative is a mix of comic fantasy, administrative anecdote, and office politics, providing a refreshing and imaginative take on the exploration of magic as a scientific discipline. The book's structure consists of three interconnected stories that progress chronologically through the protagonist's experiences, offering a glimpse into a colorful cast of characters and the humorous foibles of bureaucracy.

    The writing style of 'Monday Starts on Saturday' is characterized by its witty and hilarious prose, filled with ingenious and hilarious throwaway asides that add depth to the narrative. The novel is lauded for its light and humorous tone, providing readers with a delightful read that combines elements of Soviet culture, historical references, and scientific concepts. The Strugatsky Brothers' exceptional imagination shines through in the narrative, creating a world that is both fantastical and relatable, with a touch of magical realism that captivates readers and offers a unique perspective on the genre of science fiction.

    I leaned over the back of my seat and helped him clear the space that was occupied by the sleeping bag and folded tent. He sat down cautiously, setting his hunting gun between his knees. “Make sure yo...

  10. #10

    The Invaders Plan - Mission Earth by L. Ron Hubbard
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    'The Invaders Plan' in the series 'Mission Earth' by L. Ron Hubbard is a satirical science fiction novel that follows the preparations by an alien race, the Voltarians, to invade Earth. The story is seen through the eyes of a Coordinated Intelligence Apparatus (CIA) agent who is determined to prevent the success of the invasion. The book is filled with wit, humor, intrigue, and fun, presenting a unique perspective on current issues such as control by elites, corruption in governments, and manipulation of media and society.

    The writing style in 'The Invaders Plan' is described as fast-paced, educational, and satirical. L. Ron Hubbard crafts a story that is both creepy and hilarious, with a focus on portraying the viewpoint of the villain rather than the hero. The book is part of a larger ten-volume series that delves into intergalactic plots to control Earth, with each volume offering wild twists and engaging characters.

    I, Soltan Gris, Grade Eleven, General Services officer, lateSecondary Executive of the Coordinated Information Apparatus, Exterior Divisionof the Voltar Confederacy (Long Live His Majesty Cling the Lo...

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