I love sci-fi and read them all the time, but after reading Children of Time, Redshirts, The Collapsing Empire series, and both Memory Called Empire & Desolation Called Peace, first half of the Expanse series I want something a little more grounded. It can be scifi, but doesn’t have to be. Probably looking for something more human than worldbuilding though.
Of the above, the Collapsing Empire and Texicallan duology (Memory/Desolation) were my favorites. Some things I read in the past that I really enjoyed were The Motel Life (not at all scifi), Slaughterhouse 5, and Beacon 23. I’ve also been a history fan, particularly roman/byzantine history, for whatever that’s worth.
by eatenbycthulhu
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Rocket Girls Housuke Nojiri
Usurper of the Sun by Housuke Nojiri
PKD!
_The Man in the High Castle_
_Ubik_
_Flow My Tears The Policeman Said_
_A Scanner Darkly_
_Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?_
_Dr Bloodmoney_
Etc
I second PKD if you’re trying to get away from the Space Opera subgenre.
Also William Gibson, specifically {{neuromancer}}
Do you like dystopia? You might like Yevgenny Zamyatin’s “WE”. Also {{brave new world}} is an obvious choice.
This short story might give you more ideas. If you like it check out Reza Negarastani next [http://www.ccru.net/swarm1/1_melt.htm](http://www.ccru.net/swarm1/1_melt.htm)
If you like YA sci fi you may like {{a wrinkle in time}} or perhaps the works of Monica Hughes
*Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful* by Arwen Elys Dayton (Very character-focused while also looking at humanity as a whole. It takes place on Earth for the most part with six stories that span hundreds of years, exploring the amazing possibilities and ethical quandaries of genetic manipulation and human modification.)
{{Rosewater by Tade Thompson}} The first in the Wormwood trilogy. The whole trilogy is amazing! Incredible sci-fi world building without leaving Earth.