My Problem With SF

[poliphilo]

Once again I pick up an SF novel (in this case Ian M Banks' Excession) only to be reminded that I don't like SF novels because everyone in them is so boring.  I don't think it can be an inflexible rule of the genre that real people and space ships don't mix because Wells breaks it- but where are  the other SF writers who give you characters you can care about?

Comments

[angiereedgarner.livejournal.com]

I love Banks but for thoughts on social science not for his characters. The joy of SF is in the world-building and that is either crack for you or not. :) I am not even sure where I would send you to read character-driven SF! I don't read SF for that.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I enjoy world building but apparently not enough to be satisfied with fiction that has nothing else to offer.

[angiereedgarner.livejournal.com]

OK, I just liked The Martian by Weir and Annihilation by Vandermeer. Am guessing the samples will tell you fast if it is your thing or not.