H.G. Wells (1898)
Despite the occasional antiquated verbiage and Victorian-era reference, H.G. Wells’ tale of Martians invading England is a timeless and exciting sci-fi classic. The action could be taking place in 1898, 1958 or 2008.
As the first Martian-infested meteor hits the Earth, The War of the Worlds takes off on a fast-paced and exciting ride. In matter-of-fact prose a nameless narrator describes the awe and terror of the alien invasion. London and surrounding towns are laid to waste by the Martians in an eerie foreshadowing of WWII, the attacks followed by panic and mass exodus as people flee the advancing tripods and their obliterating heat rays.
Hiding in a ruined building, the narrator observes the Martian doings first-hand, witnessing the horrible end met by captured humans. In a short period of time, his quiet life is transformed into an amazing fight for survival, thrilling and utterly believable to the very end.
2 Things @ Once 
Remember when your book club was looking for science fiction books to read and they came up with one I had never heard of? (I think that’s what happened.) And I wondered why they just didn’t pick a classic science fiction story to read and discuss? Your review of WOTW points out why. There’s some damned good sci fi stories out there that have stood the test of time and a worth the read. And fun, too!
Yours truly,
Charlie Battlestar Galactica, Jr.