Something For Everyone.

Everyone has a genre that they feel most at home in. Some people love romance. Some people prefer comedy. Other people enjoy a good horror story. As you know, I have a thing for science fiction. That doesn’t mean we all can’t get along. That doesn’t even mean that we can’t enjoy the same books and movies! It’s rare that something is only one genre. Most things overlap and combine. I decided to make a list of a couple of genres and the science fiction stories that apply to them. Maybe there’s something you like listed, or maybe you’ll find something new!

If you like romance…

• Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey –I know what you’re thinking. How can a story about dragons be science fiction? In McCaffrey’s story the dragons are  actually genetically modified lizards living on a planet that is a colonization attempt of people from Earth. There are a lot of books in the series (something like 25) so it might seem a daunting suggestion. However, for the most part you can pick up any one of the books and not feel lost. The first one that I read was The Skies of Pern which comes much later in the narrative chronology. While these books deal with action and drama there are strong romantic arcs in the books as well. The dragon riders share a telepathic bond with their dragons and so when the dragons go into heat the riders are often forced into emotionally wrought situations with one another which generally leads to confessions of love and swooning. 

• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind –This movie came out in 2004 and has remained one of my favorites since then. I’m not super into romance so generally I don’t seek out things billed as romance, but I like Jim Carrey a lot so I gave this a chance. Totally the right choice. The story is about a couple who break up and wish to erase themselves from each other’s memories, a technology that is commonplace in the world of the film and what gives the movies its science fiction label. It’s a bit difficult of a plot to explain because a lot of the film is told via the memories being erased. I also don’t want to spoil anything as a lot of the pleasure of watching it for the first time is the sense of uncertainty and disconnect that the jumpy narrative elicits.  

If you like comedy…

• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams –Like with the Pern books when I speak about The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy I’m referring to the entire series. This one isn’t so easy to pick up in the middle and run with though so I advise starting at the beginning. These books tell the story of Arthur Dent, an average Earth man, as he gets swept into a sprawling intergalactic adventure. Adams’ sense of humor is distinctly English (think Monty Python) and there are parts of the book that are laugh out loud funny. Marvin the Paranoid Android is always good for a laugh from me. I think what makes these books particularly worth reading is the fact that it isn’t just the dialogue that’s funny but Adams’ unique way of describing things. “The ship hung in the sky much the same way that bricks don’t,” is a perfect example of the type of humor Adams has packed into a relatively quick read.

• Back to the Future –I’m cheating a little with this one because most people have probably seen it. But on the off chance you haven’t (what’s wrong with you?) here it is. Marty McFly and Doc Brown have pretty much become pop culture staples at this point. The DeLorean’s 88 mph, Mary’s Calvin Klein underpants, the rock and roll at prom. Although hilarious, the movie also addresses some of the major concerns and issues of time travel. Marty has to learn that going back in time isn’t just fun and games, especially when you wind up interacting with your own parents!

If you like horror…

• The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton –Horror is a little bit harder to recommend because everyone gets scared by different things. Also, the things that are typically considered scary are generally not science fiction. The Andromeda Strain is more easily associated with thrillers than horror but shouldn’t a good thriller have some horror elements? And in all honesty a biological infestation of space is pretty scary stuff. The novel takes place in a science research facility and the sterile setting lends itself to a claustrophobic feel. The scientists are trying to figure out how to combat this dangerous alien microbe and the stakes are high and time is running out. This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I was blown away by the ending.

• The Fly –There’s more than one version of this movie and while the version I’m going to be specifically referring to is the 1986 one I recommend both. It just happens that I saw this one first and was totally traumatized with fear. The scene where Jeff Goldblum is teaching people about the way flies ear? Ugh, I freaked out every time a fly came near me for a long time. This movie has a lot more to offer than simply gross out scares. There’s a rich plot, deeply developed characters, and the sense of mounting horror as the film progresses is surprisingly subtle. Watch the 1986 one. Watch the 1958 one. Just make sure to keep bug spray handy for afterwards.

Here’s a bonus…

• Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes –I couldn’t think of which category to throw this under but desperately wanted to recommend it. Flowers for Algernon is a heart wrenching story about a developmentally disabled man who submits himself for scientific experimentation. The novel is told through the log the scientists have him keep to monitor the progress of their experiment. Charlie, the main character, has a distinct and emotionally evocative voice. The novel deals with being an outsider and the consequences of being thrust into a new world that you hadn’t been a part of previously. I cried the first time I read this book and I would probably cry again if I read it.  

 

Everyone can enjoy science fiction even if they aren’t enjoying the story for the science fiction elements. I hope these recommendations appeal to people and if you have any suggestions of your own about cross-genre books and movies let me know. I have a long list of things I want to read and watch but I’m always willing to add more!