OT: Read a book!

Puke · #1 January 2nd, 2003, 07:58 PM

how about Lem, for classic sci fi?

right now im reading Daniel Quinn and Douglas Hofstadter, for two non-sci-fi authors. and just got the new War of Honor, so i can read all the old David Weber / HH books on the CD that comes with it.

DarkHorse · #2 January 2nd, 2003, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jmenschenfresser:
**** guys how could we forget Philip Dick?

My alllllllll-time fave scifi writer...even though I've only read 5 of the 4,000,000 novels he wrote.

Unfortunately that's five more than I've read, although I liked both Blade Runner and Minority Report. I really should get around to reading his stuff soon.

Jmenschenfresser · #3 January 2nd, 2003, 08:55 PM

D.A.D.O.E.S. is good. Radio Free Albemuth is better. Man in the High Castle is good too. I didn't enjoy We Can Build You (or whatever the name is. I think there were several novels with the same theme and damn near the same name.)

There was a NYTimes article about Dick back when minority report came out. Said that he would jack himself up on speed and then write for three days straight. Supposedly a really paranoid dude in real life and it shows in his writing.

Hank · #4 January 2nd, 2003, 08:58 PM

Two realtively unknown books that should be mandatory sci-fi reading:

1. Armor -- John Steakley. This book is in the running for my #1 favorite sci-fi novel of all time.

2. The Dragon Never Sleeps -- Glen Cook. Out of print and really hard to find. If you do find it make sure you buy it. Ebay is a good place to look.

Lastly my fav sci-fi reference: The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List

capnq · #5 January 2nd, 2003, 11:39 PM

Quote:

I didn't enjoy [P.K. Dick's] We Can Build You (or whatever the name is.)

I think you mean "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale".

Military SF I've enjoyed includes Zahn's Conquerors' trilogy, David Drake's "Hammer's Slammers" stories, and Keith Laumer's Bolo stories. Laumer's Retief stories are a lot of fun.

I'm especially fond of time/dimension travel stories. Favorites in that Category are Michael McCollum's _A Greater Infinity_ , Frederick Pohl's _The Coming of the Quantum Cats_, and Poul Anderson's Time Patrol stories.

If you can find a copy, H. Beam Piper's _Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen_ is both military SF and dimension travel. Roland Green & John F. Carr did a pretty good sequel to Kalvan called _Great King's War_.

[ January 02, 2003, 21:41: Message edited by: capnq ]

sachmo · #6 January 3rd, 2003, 12:56 AM

Definately give Jordan a try, but I would recommend George Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series over it, and that's saying a lot! Martin is a master of fantasy, and spins a heck of a good yarn. Just don't go in expecting the same old fare, and if you don't like to read about main characters failing, then avoid his books!

Also, if you have never read Eddings, I would suggest reading the Belgariad. These books were incredible.

David Weber's Honor Harrington series is very good for sci-fi.

DavidG · #7 January 3rd, 2003, 02:40 AM

If you like Niven and Zahn you should check out Robert J. Sawyer http://www.sfwriter.com . He's one of those guys like Niven and Zahn who IMO just can't write anything that isn't fantastic.