The Wild ShoreThe Wild Shore
Score Classic
What it's about
In 2047, decades after a nuclear attack destroyed America, a small community in California lives a simple life, fishing and farming. When men arrive from San Diego asking them to join a resistance against the Japanese, who keep the country isolated, Henry, a teenager, is drawn into the conflict.
Why it's worth reading
It was a Nebula finalist. It's Kim Stanley Robinson's thoughtful first novel.
You'll love it if you liked
Red Mars
The Years of Rice and Salt
The PostmanGood to know
It's slow and reflective.
By the numbers
- Readers5 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics24 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller7 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #311 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #756 of the 762 classics we rank
- #2805 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Adventurous, Thought-provoking
More by Kim Stanley Robinson
Red Mars
New York 2140The Years of Rice and SaltIf you like this, read next
The Lord of the Rings
Foundation
Ficciones
Rendezvous with Rama
The Left Hand of Darkness
The Gods ThemselvesExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is The Wild Shore worth reading?
Yes. It was a Nebula finalist. It ranks #2,805 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 51.6 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Wild Shore about?
In 2047, decades after a nuclear attack destroyed America, a small community in California lives a simple life, fishing and farming. When men arrive from San Diego asking them to join a resistance against the Japanese, who keep the country isolated, Henry, a teenager, is drawn into the conflict.
How long does it take to read The Wild Shore?
About 10 hours (385 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Wild Shore?
If you liked it, try Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson, The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson or The Postman by David Brin.