One of the first books most science fiction fans recommend to people who have never read sci fi before, regardless of their age, is "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card. It is one of those books everyone should read before they die. The story is about a boy named Ender Wiggin, who is selected by a battle school at a very young age because the power-that-be believe he might be the one chance to save the Earth when the aliens who attacked years ago come back and attack again. As one might imagine, it is much more complicated than that. The story is about humanity, fear of the unknown and the future we choose to give our children. It is an incredibly moving, perfectly wrought story. Card has written many fantastic sequels, but there is simply no replacing the original.

In addition, I recommend just about anything by Ray Bradbury. Beginning with either "Fahrenheit 451" or the short story anthology "The Illustrated Man." Douglas Adams' "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series is also a great read, and a wonderful way to learn just how funny science fiction can be in the hands of a master.

George Orwell's "1984" is definitely a must and a classic to boot. And if you want some old school adventure by one of the godfather's of science fiction, anything by Jules Verne is a great jumping off point. My personal favorite is "Around the World In 80 Days," but I have plenty of friends who would also go for "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea."

Happy reading!