Can you recommend some standalone science fiction books?

Definitely. 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel is an excellent standalone. It shows the aftermath of a global pandemic in a unique and poignant way. 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is also great. It explores gender and politics in a science - fictional setting. Also, 'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov, which has a collection of interesting stories about robots.

One of the best standalone science fiction books is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's a thought - provoking story about a young boy trained for battle in a future where Earth is at war with an alien race. Another great one is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It has a complex and engaging plot with diverse characters. Also, 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is excellent. It's about an astronaut stranded on Mars and his struggle for survival.

A really good standalone in this genre is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's about a young boy, Ender, who is trained in military strategy in a future where Earth is threatened by an alien race. The book is full of action and moral dilemmas. Then there's 'The City & the City' by China Miéville. It has a very unique concept where two cities exist in the same physical space but are culturally and socially distinct. Also, 'Neverwhere' by Neil Gaiman is a great standalone. It takes the reader on a journey through the hidden, magical underbelly of London.

For beginners, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a great start. It's a humorous and easy - to - follow story that introduces some really interesting science - fiction concepts like interstellar travel and different alien species. Another good option is 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It's set in a seemingly utopian society but has a lot of thought - provoking ideas about individuality and freedom. 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson is also a good pick as it has a simple yet engaging plot about a man seemingly alone in a world of vampires.

One great book is 'The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction'. It delves into various aspects of the history of science fiction, exploring different eras and significant works. Another is 'A History of Science Fiction' which comprehensively traces the development of the genre from its early roots to modern times.

Sure. 'Rendezvous with Rama' by Arthur C. Clarke is a great one. It tells the story of a huge, mysterious alien spacecraft that enters the solar system and the human exploration of it.

Another one could be 'Dhalgren' by Samuel R. Delany. This book is complex and takes the reader on a journey through a strange and changing city. It has elements of surrealism and is quite thought - provoking. There are various characters and sub - plots that all come together to create a unique science - fiction experience. It challenges the reader's perception of reality and the future.

Sure. 'Contact' by Carl Sagan is a great 1997 science fiction book. It's about a scientist's search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the implications that come with it.

Another one might be 'Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said' by Philip K. Dick. It has his typical mind - bending and thought - provoking elements. Dick is a master at creating complex and strange futures that make you question reality. This book is full of his signature themes like identity and the nature of power.

Sure. One of the well - known science fiction books from 1961 could be 'Stranger in a Strange Land' by Robert A. Heinlein. It explores themes like human nature, religion, and sexuality in a science - fiction setting on Mars.