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this post was submitted on 19 Jul 2024
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For entry, easy to read sci-fi that is positive or utopian, I think the author Ursula K. LeGuin is an obvious choice.
Maybe start with The Dispossessed.
I'm not sure I agree that she is the most accessible to a modern reader.
Oh, that's surprising to me. I find her books simple in vocabulary and plot, but still enjoyable. What did you have in mind?
I'm not referring to simplicity of vocabulary so much as...I guess feeling like it's written in natural language? This is a problem with a lot of earlier sci-fi in general. It tends to be really good on ideas and not be especially well written when it comes to characters and relatability.
I'm sure I could think of something to recommend over it, but I have not put the thought into it at this point. I just think she is a great example of a sci-fi writer with great ideas but not the most natural and welcoming writing style.
I think I sort of get what you mean, maybe it's more like her writing isn't as entertaining, gripping, or as well paced? I hadn't really thought of that, I was mostly thinking about accessibility in terms of whether the writing was easy to read or more literary. I do sort of agree that LeGuin's works are not always so compelling as much as they are just mildly interesting.
Andy Weir's books like The Martian have more compelling characters and plot, but I worry that the overly-technical / problem-solving approach might be off-putting for general audiences.
The Martian is a little hard science for a lot of people, I agree. Great book, though.