1. A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
This book has been assigned reading in High School across Canada since forever, and the reason, like every sci-fi novel worth its lick of salt, it forces the reader to question some aspect of life. This book captures the imagination by exploring society and individuality, which is still very on point today.
2. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
It’s war! In this sophisticated world of tech and gaming, the government uses children to fight an alien invader. How does war and combat shape children soldiers?
3. 1984 by Orsen Wells
Although this book might be a little more literary in its prose, at least to me, it conveys the very real censorship and brainwashing that exists in some government structures still alive today, North Korea comes to mind. A must read for any sci-fi nerd.
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
A fresh take on social classes and oppression, and at last a female lead! This book is highly entertaining and although less sci-fi and more dystopian I still feel it merits a top 5 sci-fi nod. If you haven’t seen the movies, I recommend the books first.
Once again this novel revolves around societal inequalities.
5. The Martian by Andy Weir

I hope you like my humble run down of top 5 sci-fi books. Of course I could have added to the list, but these were some of my favourites. For more like this please visit prowritingaidblog and their take on the essential sci-fi reading list compiled from Goodreads and national public’s radio, or if you want take a gander at my top 5 Sci-fi Female Characters.