“National Science Fiction Day is observed every year on January 2nd which is also the birthday of Issac Asimov, the world-famous science fiction writer. National Science Fiction Day celebrates stories that inspire us to dream big, from intergalactic adventures to futuristic technology and thought-provoking tales.” (Source)

Be sure to check out this Science Fiction Timeline – it’s fascinating! 

Science Fiction isn’t my typical genre, but I’ve read more each year. One of my reading challenges for 2026 has us reading a science fiction title in January, so I will be reading The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly, a work of middle grade science fiction. 

 In 2025, I read the following science fiction titles, especially enjoying Automatic Noodle.

Here Beside the Rising Tide by Emily Jane

What a unique, clever, page-turning, strange, romantic, sci-fi, mystery. I couldn’t put this book down and I also wasn’t sure I liked any of the characters. Usually liking a character is important to me, but it wasn’t in this book. I was fascinated by where the story was going. This is a creative blend of story types — I’m not sure I’ve read anything like it? It has a mystery, a mom struggling, a sea monster and more. I’ll be thinking about this one for awhile!

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

I could not stop turning the pages of this book. I don’t know if I liked the story, but the writing had me glued to my seat, reading this in one sitting.

The Smartest Kid in the Universe by Chris Grabenstein

The Smartest Kid in the Universe #1 – This was such an entertaining listen. What if you ate a special jelly bean and suddenly you were truly the smartest person in the whole world? Sounds amazing…but is it? Page turning, funny and thoughtful.

Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz

I had no idea what to expect when I started listening to it but it was just so entertaining and lovely. It was like a breath of fresh air in my reading life.

All Systems Red The Murderbot Diaries #1 by Martha Wells

Grabbed this on audio and it was a lot of fun. A few years ago, I would not have picked this up as it is out of my wheelhouse, but I am so glad I’ve expanded my reading tastes. So much heart in a short book.