I’ve basically been ordered to pick up any fiction book and read, after a friend discovered I’ve not read anything but non-fiction for a decade.

The ones I’ve enjoyed in the past have been short, fantastical or sci-fi (think Aldous Huxley, Ian McEwan), but crucially with amazing first person descriptive prose - the kind where you’re immersed in the writing so much you’re almost there with the character.

I liked sci-fi as the world’s constraints weren’t always predictable. Hope that makes sense.

Any recommendations?

Edit: I’m going to up the ante and, as a way of motivating myself to get off my arse and actually read a proper story, promise to choose a book from the top comment, after, let’s say arbitrarily, Friday 2200 GMT.

Edit deux: Wow ok I don’t think I’ve ever had this many responses to anything I’ve posted before. You’ve given me what looks like a whole year of interesting suggestions, and importantly, good commentary around them. I’m honouring my promise to buy the top thing in just under 4 hours.

  • OpenTheSeaLegs@lemmyf.uk
    12·
    10 months ago

    This year I discovered the Elderling Saga, by Robin Hobb. Starts with the Farseer Trilogy, Assassin’s Apprentice. Great epic fantasy.

    As for sci-fi Isaac Asimov’s Foundation is great.

    Neuromancer is also a great read, and one of the earliest examples of cyberpunk.

    Since you asked for a single book, and you might not be keen on jumping into multi-book sagas, I’d say go for Neuromancer

    • taaz@biglemmowski.winEnglish
      5·
      10 months ago

      The style of Neuromancer might not fit well with some people but if it does I would absolutely recommend it.

    • Leraje@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      2·
      10 months ago

      Hard agree with the Eldering Saga. I’m just starting the first book of the last trilogy and I have lived these books.

      Haven’t seen a mention of Dune yet. It’s not first person style but it is absolutely immersive and in terms of world building second only to Lord of the Rings.

      Iain M Banks Culture novels are also great. Again, not first person but still great. Lots of people say Player of Games is the most accessible and that may be true but my favourite is Excession.