Just read a brilliant collection
Of short sci fi stories, that won Hugo awards. Edited and introduced by Isaac Asimov, who is a brilliant author himself.
Some absolutely brilliant tales, and a few that really make you realise sci fi isn't all ray guns and tentacles. One story (The Darfstellar) tells of an old actor, replaced by robot actors, who contrives one last performance. But the one that really got me was "Flowers for Algernon". It is the tale, told in first person by his progress reports, of a man with an IQ of 68. He is used as a test subject in an experimental operation that increases his intelligence threefold. The writing goes from basic, poorly spelt to flowing dialogue, and (without giving it away) the tale is brilliantly thought out but quite sad.
( Greenbat, Thu 12 Jan 2012, 2:01, 4 replies)

Science fiction without social commentary is nothing.
The best stuff takes important topics on society, government and human nature, wraps it up in some sort of far future setting - and sometimes a frighteningly plausible near future setting - and shows you no matter how far out things seem, the real problems are ones you're already familiar with.

Sometimes it plumbs the past for its settings. Anyone who is familiar with the French Revolution and counter-revolution will instantly recognize the plot in Paula Volsky's fantasy novel Illusion.
( Felis Concolor, Thu 12 Jan 2012, 2:56, closed)

Only reread Flowers For Algernon last year
Had to "do" it for Lit at school and as many a Lit student will attest - having to analyse and critique a text is the sure-fire quickest way to un-funken' enjoy it.
The coolest thing about it (and something many people miss) it's all about a cute little mousey!
(Misery McUglywife an attention seeking sociopathic fuckstain., Thu 12 Jan 2012, 3:46, closed)

I agree with that. I loved Frankenstein, but my ex hates it for having to analyse it in school.
I'm yet to read Flowers for Algernon, but I hear it's quite good.
(Avnas dosh!, Thu 12 Jan 2012, 5:11, closed)

Isn't "Flowers for Algernon" a novel in its own right?
Or was it subsequently fleshed out? I've read the novel version anyway and thought it was excellent.
( .Yeti. El amor en los tiempos del cólera, Thu 12 Jan 2012, 9:46, closed)