The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

I hate it when authors make it look this easy. Imagine, 27 short stories, all on different subjects, only slightly related, that tell a complete narrative of the fall of one culture, and the rise and fall of the next. Some of the Martian Chronicles may seem dated - the language, the "future" technology - but the story is timeless. Man, in all his infinite possibility and wisdom, just can't get his act together.

We blunder forth into new territory, planting our flags and recreating our society. Unfortunately, for all of our good intentions, bad news always follows. Murder, destruction, anger. Themes of isolation, desolation, and helplessness pervade. Bradbury is one of the greatest writers of the last century, using science fiction to hold a mirror to our society, one which we never seem to tire of looking at but so rarely use to find our flaws.

My favorite stories of the bunch were "Way in the Middle of the Air", a fantastic look at race relations, and "The Luggage Store", where one man knows what's happening and is happy to accept his fate.