Beyond Reality discussion

What would you rather read: "classics" of the genre (Tolkien, Asimov, etc) or up-and-coming contemporary authors?

In general, I'd usually pick the up and coming author. Though based on my bookshelf, I'm more likely to choose classic SF than I am classic fantasy.

For the past year I've been largely a mix of both, but I think I tend to lean toward more contemporary. I always like finding new authors to enjoy. Like Dawn, I lean more toward classic SF than classic fantasy, if reading classics.

I would say I would lean towards up and coming.

I read a number of the classics in my early teens to early 20s and sampled a large number of those earlier classic SF/F authors. I'm looking for the newer voices now.

Doesn't mean I don't feel the classics have something to offer. Its just ground I have already heavily tread.

I noticed for the most part newer SF and Fantasy I am not really interested in. 20 or 30 years ago I couldnt keep up with the newer authors.
Dont get me wrong there is some interesting new stuff but it doesnt seem to be the same amount as back in the day
For me I dont really look at like old or new.
When I am looking for something new to read I just look at what looks interesting.

I don’t think I have a preference. I read some of both, and I dislike and like some of both. Some classic stuff is pretty pulpy & has outmoded stereotypes; some recent stuff is awfully dark/grim or thinly disguised romance. Some classic stuff really was groundbreaking and set the tone for the genres; some recent stuff is so creative & more inclusive.

What I really like are books that make me think and that offer insights & perspectives into our lives through the lens of science fiction or fantasy, with engaging & interesting plots & characters.

What Kathi said. I have a lot of classics to catch up on, but some of the new stuff is interesting, too.

I like to read a mix of classic and newer authors. I’m currently reading the Vorkosigan saga by Lois McMaster Bujold, all of Stephen King, The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, The Culture Novels by Ian M. Banks, the novels of Robin Hobb, the Rizzoli and Isles series by Tess Gerritsen, and the novels of Charles Dickens. I read or will read novels that were published in 2025 by John Scalzi, Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson, and Dan Brown. I want to get caught up on reading the Hugo and Nebula winners.

Gary wrote: "I like to read a mix of classic and newer authors. I’m currently reading the Vorkosigan saga by Lois McMaster Bujold, all of Stephen King, The Wheel of Time by [aut..."

Whoa, lots of good stuff in that list! Especially Hobb, Bujold, and the Culture books!