I've always read a bit of science fiction, but I thought I would really amp up my interest.  Encouraged by J, who loves science fiction, I have decided to participate in the Science Fiction Challenge II.

From the challenge website Stage and Canvas:

One of science fiction’s quirks is that it’s more encompassing than specified genres like mystery so not as clearly defined. That’s one reason why I like it, but also think it’s detrimental and confusing for some. It seems that what turns a lot of people off from the genre is the stigma that it’s all aliens, robots, outer space, scientific terminology, and Star Wars, but it’s so much more than that. In brief, it’s a vast literature of ideas and infinite possibilities that may include the past or future, a completely different timeline, utopias or dystopias, science and technology like time travel, or an invasion of body snatchers. There’s something for everyone, from alternate histories to classics like Frankenstein and H.G. Wells to contemporary literature like the Handmaid’s Tale and then some. I love the genre because of its wide study, commentary, and exploration of humanity and technology. From cyberpunks to super-humans and beyond, it spans tastes and is limited only by the imagination.

I decided to start a science fiction reading challenge for several reasons. Firstly, I acquired a few books and a pile of recommended reading at last year’s WorldCon and thought others might be interested in an open read along. Secondly, to scrape off some of the stigma mentioned above. Thirdly, people who generally don’t read sci-fi frequently ask where to start. Fourthly, although I enjoy reading fantasy I feel its growing popularity has pushed sci-fi to the sidelines. Lastly, I’ve discovered that challenges not only stimulate conversation among bibliophiles, but they’re fun as well. Anyway…

Guidelines:

1. Read 4 or 8 science fiction books (or audio books). Some suggestions are below. 2. The challenge runs from August 28, 2010 to August 8, 2011. You may join at any time. 3. Sign up using Mr. Linky below (please link directly to your post). If you don’t have a blog, just enter your name and leave the URL blank. 4. Each time you read a book, please link to your reviews. If you don’t do reviews, no biggie. 5. Overlaps with other challenges are fine. 6. Have fun.

My choices for the challenge (complete with any crossovers to other challenges):

1. The Left Hand of Darkness -- Ursula Le Guin (TwentyEleven: Show it Who is Boss)
2. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- Douglas Adams (TwentyEleven: Back in the Day; A to Z: A; Pages to Screen)
3. The Children of Men -- P.D. James (Pages to Screen)
4. Ringworld -- Larry Niven (TwentyEleven: With a Twist)
5. Snow Crash -- Neal Stephenson
6. Ender's Game -- Orson Card (TwentyEleven: With a Twist)
7. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress -- Robert Heinlein
8. The Puppet Masters -- Robert Heinlein
9. Have Spacesuit Will Travel -- Robert Heinlein (YA)
10. The Martian Chronicles -- Ray Bradbury (A to Z: B)

I know, more than the 4 or 8 for the challenge, but I couldn't pare down the list, so it is what it is.  I will write reviews after reading each book.  If you notice my other reading challenges, I have a few books that overlap, but this way I should hopefully read a lot of books and finish a lot of challenges.  Hopefully I finish this challenge before the end time...  I'll keep you posted.