Subject
Tourists -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mack Reynolds
Tourists to Terra
"Tourists to Terra" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a group of wealthy thrill-seekers from a distant future who journey to Earth to indulge in the excitement of participating in historical battles. Set against the backdrop of ancient conflicts, it explores themes of adventure and the ethical implications of playing with the past. The narrative follows the crew of a luxury spaceship that caters to affluent tourists seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences. As they engage in simulated battles, the tourists’ reckless behavior leads to dangerous encounters, particularly with a historical figure, Diomed from Greek mythology. Tensions rise when the passengers express a desire for genuine excitement, pushing the boundaries of safety. After a series of mishaps, including one passenger getting wounded, the crew decides to travel even further into Earth's future, only to confront the potential devastation of atomic warfare. The story ultimately critiques the notion of thrill-seeking without considering the consequences, culminating in a suspenseful climax as the spaceship approaches an era of nuclear weapons.
Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb
The cowboy and the lady and her pa : $b A story of a fish out of water
"The Cowboy and the Lady and Her Pa: A Story of a Fish Out of Water" by Irvin S. Cobb is a humorous novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the American West, it explores the clash of cultures between a refined Eastern family and the rugged, free-spirited cowboy lifestyle. The story primarily focuses on themes of romance, class differences, and the experiences of city folk encountering the wild, natural world. The narrative revolves around Mr. Hector Gatling and his family, particularly their daughter, Shirley, who becomes infatuated with a charming young cowboy named Hayes Tripler. As the family embarks on an adventurous trip through the mountains, tension arises as Mr. Gatling grows worried about his daughter's romantic interests. The humor stems from Mr. Gatling's overprotective nature and his observations about love, youth, and changing societal norms. Ultimately, the story culminates in a revelation about the true nature of love and the acceptance of differing lifestyles, leading Mr. Gatling to reconsider his initial judgments about the young cowboy. The book combines entertaining dialogue and engaging character dynamics to address broader themes of love and understanding across class divides.
James McKimmey
Last Run on Venus
"Last Run on Venus" by James McKimmey, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story takes place on the lush and exotic planet of Venus, delving into the complexities of human interactions with its native inhabitants. At its core, the book explores themes of colonialism, exploitation, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who find themselves in positions of power and control over the vulnerable. The narrative follows Nicholas Caine, a pilot for the Venusian Colony, as he embarks on what he intends to be his last flight over the forbidden Purple Plateau. Accompanied by two wealthy and reckless tourists—Cice, a flirtatious young woman, and Vanny, a spoiled rich boy—Caine's trip quickly descends into chaos. The two tourists push him to land in unauthorized territory, triggering a sequence of events that leads to danger and moral conflict. When Caine's jet copter is destroyed, and the trio becomes stranded in the dangerous jungle, tensions escalate. Ultimately, Caine's struggle against both the external threats of the jungle and the internal conflicts stemming from his feelings for Cice highlights the titular "last run" not only as a physical journey but also as a metaphor for the reckoning he faces regarding his past choices and the consequences of human greed.
Stephen Marlowe
Ride the Crepe Ring
"Ride the Crepe Ring" by Milton Lesser is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. Set in a futuristic universe where space travel is commonplace, the story follows Socrates Smith, a resort operator on Mimas, one of Saturn's moons, as he seeks to attract tourists to his unique offering of rides through Saturn's rings. The book explores themes of adventure, safety, and personal relationships as Socrates navigates both his business aspirations and his connection with a spirited young woman named Norma. The plot centers around Socrates Smith and his attempt to make Mimas a popular tourist destination by offering thrilling rides through the bright rings of Saturn. Norma, an adventurous girl, is determined to join in on the excitement despite Socrates’ warnings about the dangers associated with the darker crepe ring. The conflict escalates when Norma ventures into the crepe ring on her own, leading to a hazardous situation that requires Socrates to save her and a tourist named Mrs. Entwhistle. Through dynamic space adventures marked by dodging meteors and overcoming perilous conditions, the story highlights Socrates' growing affection for Norma and culminates in a romantic resolution that intertwines their fates amidst the backdrop of thrilling space exploration.
Wallace West
Dawningsburgh
"Dawningsburgh" by Wallace West is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The book explores the themes of disappointment and the search for authentic experiences through the eyes of tourists visiting a fabricated Martian city that has been commercialized for entertainment. The setting reflects a society that has commodified its history and culture, which leads to a critique of both tourism and the human tendency to seek superficial pleasures. The story follows Betsy O'Reilly, a disillusioned tourist, as she embarks on a quest to discover the true essence of Mars beneath the layers of artificiality and consumerism. Disappointed by her experiences in the tourist trap of Dawningsburgh, she ventures out into the cold Martian night, where she encounters Pitaret Mura, an atavistic Martian who has survived in a world largely controlled by robots and simulacra. As they interact, Mura reveals his desire to punish tourists for their misconceptions about Mars, but Betsy suggests a rather clever punishment: to force tourists to live out their mundanity indefinitely. This proposal shifts the narrative from violence to a reflection on the consequences of a shallow existence, creating a unique bond between them that underscores the conflict between authenticity and artifice.
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