Headcrash
by Bruce Bethke
The Wheel of Time series
by Robert Jordan
This series of books is extremely long, yet well worth it. Each book is 900 pages, on average, and they get longer toward the end of the series. I am not a speed reader, and it took me several months to get through all 6 books (reading off and on, plus an Anne Rice book I read somewhere in the middle). There is a rumoured 7th book on the way (do writer's brains get pregnate?!).
I would classify the series as Epic Fantasy, although there are some hints that the society was once technologically advanced. The story is amazingly long, exciting, and complex. Frankly, I don't know how Robert Jordan kept track of it all, as I even got lost occationally (and I was only reading it). But it turned out to be a pretty good read, and I know many others who enjoyed the books as well.
The Amber and The Courts of Chaos seriesez
by Roger Zelazny
These, in contrast, are very short books. There are 12 in all (6 in the first series, 6 in the second). I'm not sure if I'd classify them as Fantasy or what. I guess Speculative Fiction is the best descrpitor for these. Very interesting reading. I didn't have to think to hard to understand it all, but the plot had some exciting twists. So in otherwords, I didn't feel mentally exhausted after reading these. They've even made a role playing game out of this one, so it can't be all that bad. I'd recomend the series to anyone who likes weird fantasy and easy Sci-Fi.
Ender's Game and sequels
by Orson Scott Card
Wow! What a read. Ender's Game is one of the few books that I've read more than once. Orson Scott Card is one of the best storytellers I've ever read.
The only problem with these books is that in the last book, he ended it all to fast. Card made it clear the he plans never to write another sequel, yet the story begs to be added too. The only this I don't like about Card's stories is that they end too soon.
The Foundation series
by Issac Asimov
A lot of people I know haven't read this one because it's so old, and it's sad. If you're looking for a good book to read that is old Sci-Fi, try this one. Yes, the first one was written sometime in the 40's, but hey, I didn't notice! ... Issac Asimov is an excelent writer, and I think that his stories will last as long as Jules Verne's have. (Ok, ok, so I can't get through a Jules Verne book... But some people still like him :) ) This story covers a 1,000 year period, and I loved it all, except for the last book. I really felt let down by the ending.
Headcrash
by Bruce Bethke
I just got done reading this one. Apparently, this is the guy who
invented the word "Cyberpunk". And, I've met him in person!
You just gotta read someone's book if you've met the author in person.
I also have a neat picture of the cover of the book that I stole from
his web page
As for the book, I found it to be pretty funny, though not as good as
HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The characters
were interesting. However, the end was rather strange, and I'm not sure
I liked it. (I never like endings, do I?) It seems that a sequel is in
the makings, and I shall be reading it. Rumor has it that the sequal
promotions will include a free Bucket O' Squids with each book purchase.
HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Well folks, if you haven't read this one, then you are in desparate need
for a good toweling. (That's like caneing, only with a wet towel.)
This book is a must read. I found myself on the floor with laughter
more than once. The sequels are good too, (haven't gotten around to
reading Mostly Harmless yet, though). Some other good titles by Douglas
Adams include "Dirk Gently's Holistic Dective Agency", and "The Long
Dark Teatime of the Soul". From what I understand, Douglas Adams is
online, but I haven't gotten around to looking him up yet. When I do, I
will provide a link.
I think I'll quit while I'm ahead. As soon as I write my own book, I
will be including it in this list, you can be sure. I will also be
updating this list as I 1)remember more of the books that I've read, and
2)read more good books.
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by Douglas Adams
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