I started The Three-Body Problem yesterday. I don’t read much science fiction but I’ve seen this particular book mentioned a lot so I thought I’d give it a try.
I haven’t read that one but another science fiction book I read a couple of years ago after seeing it mentioned on HN a few times is Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson. If you feel like reading another science fiction book in the future I recommend that you read Cryptonomicon. It was a good book that had a lot to offer.
I second those both and would like to add Anathem by Neal Stephenson as well.
I feel Diamond Age is his best, but the ones mentioned are great too.
I never really liked the earlier Stephenson that much - but I love Cryptonomicon, the Baroque Cycle, Anathem and Seveneves.
I even like the last part of Seveneves!
Reamde wasn't very good though.
But the first part of Seveneves is better surely?
Though I liked both.
Yes, I would agree with that. The first part is fantastic and the last part is quite good.
The last part should have been a separate book!
If we're making recommendations then mine would be Marooned in Real Time by Vernor Vinge.
I just read this a couple months ago and really enjoyed it. The world-building was excellent and the story was very well constructed. Great writing and great SF.
Don't miss his True Names story.
Make sure you stick with it, the sequel is amazing.
hatever you do afterwards, do not firebomb SETI or a startrek convention. It's too late anyway.