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It can be difficult to fit reading into a busy schedule. But you still want to find a sci-fi book to read in the limited time you have. Or you find it difficult to focus on one book for such a long time. Here are some books that are under 300 words long.
The Man in the High Castle
The Man in the High Castle (Click here to buy the book on Amazon) is about an alternative time-line. Where the Nazis win World War 2? The Man in the High Castle follows multiple characters as they deal with the aftermath of the war. While being under the ever watchful eye of the Nazis. It was written by Philip K Dick.
The story takes place in Nazi ruled America, but there is also Japanese areas of America. Which seem far more relaxed with their rules than their Nazi counterparts. A book within the universe details what would happen if the Allies won (Book-ception?).
I’ve watched the first episode of the TV series, and found it a bit slow going. But since the novel is under 300 pages I will definitely give it a go in the future.
Starship Troopers
Starship Troopers (Click here to buy the book on Amazon) was written by Robert A. Heinlein in 1959. Starship Trooper is a roughly 263 page book that is set in the distant future.
In order for a person to be able to vote and hold office, they needed to complete a term as a trooper. to complete a term of office. It follows Juan “Johnny” Rico as he serves in the mobile military force, called starship troopers, hence the name.
The book focuses on a lot of issues. One such area is limiting voting to a select few who have completed their service. With some readers claiming that Heinlein had fascist views.
Another book to be added to my to read list.
The Forever War
The Forever War (Click here to buy the book on Amazon) is a novel written by Joe Haldeman in 1974. Another military novel where a scientists is conscripted to help fight a war against an alien force called the Taurans. The book has around 236 pages which shouldn’t take long to read.
This isn’t a book I had heard of before researching this topic. So it has been added to my to read pile. Which as you can tell is growing quite rapidly.
From my research the book focuses on the affect of time dilatation. To the soldiers that go through wormholes that connect to distant destinations battles only last a few years. But for the people on earth this is multiplied. So upon the soldier’s return, 30 earth years had passed. When only two passed for the soldiers. Time is relative
Neuromancer
Neuromancer (Click here to buy the book on Amazon) is a novel written by William Gibson in 1984. It focuses on a ‘matrix’, which is essentially the internet, but how Gibson envisioned it would be in 1984.
Henry Dorsett Case is the main character. He was once an accomplished hacker but was caught red handed by his employer. As punishment his nervous system is permanently damaged so that he can no longer access the matrix.
Gibson not only coined the word Matrix, but he predicted the internet a few years before it’s conception and even predicted hackers. Luckily hackers don’t get as extremely punished as they are here.
I started reading it a few years ago before I got the Sci-fi bug. I struggled to get interested in it, but I am hoping to complete it this year.
Rendezvous With Rama
Rendezvous with Rama (Click here to buy the book on Amazon) is a novel written by the Sci-fi juggernaut Arthur C. Clarke. It was written in 1973 and has around 256 words.
Rendezvous With Rama focuses on the Earth’s first contact with Aliens. ‘Rama’ is the name given to the first spaceship that is spotted by the Spaceguard, a force that monitors asteroids and prevents them from hitting the Earth.
After initial reconnaissance, a small force is sent to intercept the Rama and make contact with the aliens on the ship. What follows is a confusing first contact with the aliens.
Shorter Books
From the previous books, it is very obvious that Sci-fi authors used to write shorter 300 page books or less. The common trend now is for books to be nearing 600 pages and only be an instalment in a series. But whatever your tastes there should be a book at your required length.
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