Here's a list of some Science Fiction books to get you through/in-the-mood for Valentine's Day. Yes, I know it's commercial nonsense to guilt us into spending money, and yes I know this is probably not the first blog to do this today, but I take it as an opportunity to recommend some great SF. Here's my list from the books I have read and can remember:
Pacific Edge by Kim Stanley Robinson.
All the Orange County Trilogy books are wonderful, full of emotion and great characters. Both The Wild Shore and The Gold Coast would be a good choice, but Pacific Edge stands above them all. It's a story set in a utopia, with love and heartbreak and an ending that made me want to get out and live more.
The Broken World by Tim Etchells.
One of my favourite books from last year, ideal for anyone who thinks that maybe their videogame addiction is getting in the way of their real world relationships. A virtual love story that becomes an obsession that affects life.
Magic For Beginners by Kelly Link.
Not all the stories are Valentine's Day material, but I'd recommend Magic For Beginners and Some Zombie Contingency Plans, both of which capture the essence of awkward teenage love.
The Gone-Away World by Nick Harkway.
Big enough to lose yourself in for the entire month following Valentine's Day (use it to forget or to remember). Amidst all the other cool stuff this story contains a long running, complicated saga of love. Plus, if you're fed up of all this Valentine's slush it has ninjas.
War Of The Worlds by H.G.Wells.
The story of a man, some Martians and his journey to find his wife. Relationships in glorious understated Victorian-vision.
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