Books To Read

[Tck13]

Anyone suggest any good Science Fiction / Fantasy books? I am out of the loop and need something to read.

I recently read "Doctor Strange and Mr. Norrell" (I think that's the title). Not really science fiction, more history / magic. Kinda good. A little long and too many historical facts for me. (I don't mind the length of the book if it's a great book)

Also got into some of the Star Wars books. (The one in before the last move-don't remember the title) Decent book but very simple.

Robert Ludlum? Margret Atwood? (not sure if they are even considered science fiction)

 

[johnapril]

Iain Banks

 

[RJman]

Old school -- Harlan Ellison and Robert Heinlein.

Isn't Robert Ludlum a spy novelist?

 

[DocHolliday]

"Ender's Game," if you haven't read that. And everyone should read "1984."

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by RJman

Old school -- Harlan Ellison and Robert Heinlein.

Isn't Robert Ludlum a spy novelist?

I think you're right. I guess that wouldn't really fit.

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

"Ender's Game," if you haven't read that. And everyone should read "1984."

Funny you should say that, I just started reading it. It won't take me long though. I hate not having something lined up before I am done with a book.

I heard Dune was really good. I only ever saw the movie.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by Tck13

Funny you should say that, I just started reading it. It won't take me long though. I hate not having something lined up before I am done with a book.

"1984" you mean? One of my favorites. If you haven't read "Animal Farm," it's great too.

Stretching the definition of "sci fi" a bit, I really enjoyed "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." "War of the Worlds" has one of the best opening paragraphs out there, but the rest of the book felt a bit flat. I liked "Invisible Man" more, and it was shorter, too.

Some of Verne's stuff is interesting, but perhaps not right after "Doctor Strange."

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

"1984" you mean? One of my favorites. If you haven't read "Animal Farm," it's great too.

Stretching the definition of "sci fi" a bit, I really enjoyed "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." "War of the Worlds" has one of the best opening paragraphs out there, but the rest of the book felt a bit flat. I liked "Invisible Man" more, and it was shorter, too.

Some of Verne's stuff is interesting, but perhaps not right after "Doctor Strange."


Yeah, I meant 1984. I just bought a t-shirt that says thought criminal on the front.

They also have one that says "war is peace". Pretty cool.

 

[Kai]

The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazney

The Well of Souls series by Jack Chalker

Legend (and pretty much anything else) by David Gemmel


The best fantasy books I think I've ever read are the Song of Fire and Ice series by George R. R. Martin. (only problem is that the series isn't finished yet.)

 

[javyn]

Frank Herbert's Dune series. (Frank, not his son Brain!)


I have not read fantasy in many years, but liked Terry Brooks's Shannara series and David Eddings's Belgariad. I did not care for Tolkein.

 

[skalogre]

Need I mention Isaak Asimnov? Foundation is pretty good but I absolutely hated the "secret" - what a bloody cop out, he could be jingoistic at times. Anyway, maybe an american would appreciate that more. The I, Robot trilogy AND anthologies are excellent. Also, Philip K. Dick's anthologies are good.

Oh, of course:
William Gibson's Neuromancer, Burning Chrome and Difference Engine (with Bruce Sterling).

 

[Earthmover]

Second Ender's Game, and raise an Ender's Shadow, which is the start of the Bean Series, which is better than the Ender stuff, as far as I'm concerned.

There's always Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, which was great in the first six books, and have been inconsistent since.

 

[faustian bargain]

another vote for heinlein and asimov.

heinlein is pure fun, yet with some pretty good science. asimov is a bit more cerebral.

also Dune, though i was pretty young when i read it so i don't remember much beyond what was in the movies.

 

[RJman]

I found Good Omens very amusing -- a sort of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Apocalypse.

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by RJman

I found Good Omens very amusing -- a sort of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Apocalypse.


OMG how could I possibly forget that one? Excellent book, very funny!