Hello everyone! I thought I would do another short story TBR post. This one is about short stories and also some longer works that I found in my quest to read older sci-fi (and fantasy!). I recently found several sci-fi short stories that I wanted to list on my short story TBR and on here, so check out the list below!
Chronopolis – J. G. Ballard
I just started reading this one! This is another one by J. G. Ballard (I recently just finished “Billennium,” which I highly recommend). This story follows a man who was arrested for telling time, with the act of telling time having been outlawed.
“Repent Harlequin!” Said the Ticktockman – Harlan Ellison
This story by Harlan Ellison also deals with time like “Chonopolis” (though not necessarily the same concept), so I was interested in giving this one a go as well. In this story, punishment comes in the form of someone taking time away from you. Harlan Ellison also wrote “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream,” which I included on my last TBR, so I look forward to reading more from the author.
The Veldt – Ray Bradbury
I absolutely love Ray Bradbury’s short stories. This story follows parents trying to figure out why the screen in their children’s nursery is always turned to an African veldt. This one has been on my short story TBR list for a while, and after finishing up “A Sound of Thunder,” I look forward to this one. I already know the twist, but that’s not going to stop me from reading!
The Sentinel – Arthur C. Clarke
This short story was the original version of 2001: A Space Odyssey before Arthur C. Clarke expanded the concept into a book for the Stanley Kubrick film. The precursors to monoliths and the 2001 story appear here, with a mysterious entity found on the moon. 2001 is also on my list!
Starmaker – Olaf Stapledon
This 1937 novel by Olaf Stapledon is one of the most acclaimed in science fiction, so of course, I had to put it on my list. Arthur C. Clarke called it “probably the most powerful work of imagination ever written,” which definitely influenced my decision. In this novel, a human gains the ability to travel through the galaxy and eventually discovers the multiverse.
Citizen of the Galaxy – Robert A. Heinlein
I recently discovered that this is one of Heinlein’s young adult novels. The story follows a young boy, Thornby, who is purchased as a slave in a world where alien and human trading exists throughout the planets. I think I might have to find his other “juvenile” books too!
Microcosmic God – Theodore Sturgeon
Lastly, I found this short story/novelette by Theodore Sturgeon. The plot follows a scientist who creates a form of synthetic life on the reclusive island he lives on. This story also serves as an example of an early “pocket universe” idea.
So that’s it! I look forward to diving more into older sci-fi, and also finding more books to add to my TBR. Happy reading!
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