If you’ve stayed away from fantasy and/or sci-fi as a genre because it’s “too weird” and “I’m no Trekkie” you might want to take another look. Some of the books below I would hold up as some fantastic writing that holds its own even if you don’t know Jabba the Hutt from Commander Sulu.

1. “Game of Thrones”, George RR Martin
2. “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card - this is a classic novel and an award winner for good reason. It doesn’t matter that it’s set in the future. It doesn’t matter that some technology has changed since this book was written. The ethical questions raised are excellent and still applicable. Kids as young as 12 will probably enjoy this book.
3. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry - this is a GREAT book that everyone should read. While it’s aimed at kids in middle school, you’ll enjoy reading it as a parent. And you’ll have quite an interesting discussion with your kids about the idea of a society where everything is planned out perfectly. No one lives, dies or has children without the “greater good” being considered. It’s kind of like “1984″ the lite and easy reading edition.
4. “Watchers” and “Lightning” by Dean Koontz - I know some people will argue that Koontz is considered to be a “thriller” writer but I’d argue that there’s a fine line between thriller and sci-fi, especially if the book includes a talking dog. If you’re only going to read two Dean Koontz novels, read these two. And once you’ve read these two, you probably don’t need to read any more, because these are the best and after a while, all of his books start to feel the same (only the cat people, giant blobs, evil aliens or shapeshifters change). “Lightning” has some neat WWII implications if you’re into that, and a sexy woman who packs heat if that’s more your style. “Watchers” will have you shopping for golden retrievers and staying up late worried about what’s going to come through your front door.
5. “Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkein - everyone should read these books. If you liked the movies, then you should definitely read these books. Don’t let the size intimidate you - if you can read, you can read these books. Take my advice and skip over the Elvish parts and the songs, they add depth to the story if you’re the type of person that wants to learn Elvish, but won’t detract from the story if you ignore them.
6. “Wrinkle in Time” by Madeline L’Engle - okay so it’s a kid’s book. I still love it! Ms. L’Engle has a gift at taking very odd ideas and twisting them inside of a great story.
7. “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton - if you have only ever seen the movie, you owe it to yourself to read this book. It is SCARY! I couldn’t sleep for fear of raptors. The book is very different from the movie and in all good ways (though I almost think that the book is more gruesome than the movie). Crichton is a master at suspenseful and believable fiction. While I put this in the sci-fi category, it fits most everywhere. If you’re looking for a quick read, try this one on for size.
8. “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova
9. “Dragonriders of Pern” by Anne McCaffrey - if you happen to like dragons (and shouldn’t everyone?), you’ll love Anne McCaffrey’s series of books on the far flung planet of Pern. While it’s kind of like a cosmic soap opera (there’s love, suspense, betrayal and all the usual suspects), it’s a fun series, especially for the younger crowd (I started reading these when I was 11 or so).

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