scifi

I have very picky tastes when it comes to scifi: I think scifi should depict people tackling new and better problems, not just our current problems dressed up in a futuristic setting.

And that stories should have a consistent level of progress across both technological and moral areas (e.g. I do not want to read about a civilization that is capable of interstellar travel, and yet still faces war, aging, material scarcity, or a hierarchical social structure).

ones that hit the spot:

• Greg Egan: Diaspora, Schild's Ladder
• Andy Weir: The Martian, Project Hail Mary

other:

• 2001 is alright; I just take issue with the fact that HAL is treated as a tool rather than a person.
• Rendevous with Rama: Nice self-contained adventure.
• Ted Chiang: good.

grievances:

• Three Body Problem: Interstellar war.
• Dune / Foundation: Primitive societies cast in a futuristic setting.
• Dragon's Egg: Highly advanced civilization decides to withold technology from humans.
• Theft of Fire: Many interesting elements, but ultimately highly distopian (even though the author tries to claim otherwise).
• Star Trek: Military structure, Prime Directive.