If you just read the first Dune book, then you are missing out:) The first book is quite different than the rest of the series. The last is the best in my opinion. But it sounds like you don't like books with politics or god... I always thought the politics were about the people.
Sci-fi short stories often tend to be more about the people... try 'Flowers for Algernon,' 'The Rocking Horse Winner,' or many of the short stories by Theodore Sturgeon
I would argue that Ray Bradbury IS real sci-fi... but that aside, you might try these authors:
Frank Herbert: His Dune and Jesus Incident series are both very well written. Some of his earlier work isn't as polished, but those two series are great. (They do make some political statements, but the writting is good.)
Kim Stanley Robinson: The Red/Green/Blue Mars series, Icehenge, Antarctica (set just a bit in the future on Earth... really doesn't have much of the 'traditional' sci-fi elements, but does have some tech that doesn't exist now.)
Dan Simmons: His 'Hyperion' series has some great stories within it (and on the whole is a good read too.)
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If you just read the first Dune book, then you are missing out :) The first book is quite different than the rest of the series. The last is the best in my opinion. But it sounds like you don't like books with politics or god ... I always thought the politics were about the people.
... try 'Flowers for Algernon,' 'The Rocking Horse Winner,' or many of the short stories by Theodore Sturgeon
Sci-fi short stories often tend to be more about the people
I would argue that Ray Bradbury IS real sci-fi ... but that aside, you might try these authors:
... really doesn't have much of the 'traditional' sci-fi elements, but does have some tech that doesn't exist now.)
Frank Herbert: His Dune and Jesus Incident series are both very well written. Some of his earlier work isn't as polished, but those two series are great. (They do make some political statements, but the writting is good.)
Kim Stanley Robinson: The Red/Green/Blue Mars series, Icehenge, Antarctica (set just a bit in the future on Earth
Dan Simmons: His 'Hyperion' series has some great stories within it (and on the whole is a good read too.)
Well, that ought to get you started anyway.
There was a good story on NPR's Morning Edition this morning about this ... The NPR story has a bit more 'meat' if you'll pardon the pun.
There is also a story at New Scientist, if you can't read this one.