some book recommendations

[anitract]

I'm a pretty avid reader & thought I'd throw out some recommendations for you all. Feel free to add your own (but please note any spoilers).

Here are my current favorites (in order, though I am undoubtedly leaving some I love out):

BOOKS
-1- The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett -1-
Probably the single most absorbing book I have ever read. Who'd of thought that the story of a Cathedral would be so epic. If you haven't read this I highly recommend it.

-2- Shogun, by James Clavell -2-
This is what The Last Samurai (the movie) inspired to be, but failed at (though I did like it). Read it, and enjoy Japan as it once was through a great adventure.

-3- The Thorn Birds, by Colleen McCullough -3-
You must like sweeping romance in your books to enjoy this. But if you do, this book will hit a spot in your soul and refuse to leave. Some books make me cry...this was one of them.

-4- Oryx and Crake, by Margaret Atwood -4-
A fantastic dystopia future, pure and simple. This is one of those books that leaves you asking yourself HOW? followed quickly by the need to understand WHY. The characters are very mulit-layered. Awesome science fiction here guys.

-5- Aztec, by Gary Jennings -5-
This book is all about one man named Mixtli, an Aztec, and his incredible life. I still have yet to read a book that can do what this one did: tell the story of an entire man's life while making you believe it. Aztec really makes you stop and think of the so-called barbaric cultures that were conquered in the name of country and religion. Warning: DO NOT STOP after the first 20-30 pages, as they will undoubtedly bore you. READ ON.

SERIES
-1- The Dark Tower, by Stephen King -1-
If you love Sci. Fi. and epic stories, than this is for you. It's not your typical Stephen King (horror stuff). This series weaves a world that I think is nearly as grand and detailed as Tolkien's. What King lacks in eloquent writing style (like Tolkien), he makes up for with engrossing non-stop story - 7 books of it. Highly recommended!

-2- Enders Saga, by Orson Scott Card -2-
Though the series has points where it drags a bit, the overall reward far outweighs this. Card's story of the boy-genius Ender and those he comes in contact with throughout life is amazing. This is why I love Sci. Fi. so much.

-3- Lord of the Rings / The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien -3-
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know what this is. Suffice to say, the books make the movie look like the small shadow of a very tall man. Tolkien is my hero.

-4- Darkover Series, by Marion Zimmer Bradley -4-
Darkover is the name of a planet created by Marion Zimmer Bradley in 1958. This LINK gives a great little intro into a world that goes from colonization to regression to advancement once again. Darkover blends elements of fantasy and Sci. Fi. Great books. I've read a handful so far.

OTHER
- Anything by Jack Vance. Look him up. Old school Sci. Fi. at it's best. He is one of my favorite authors and has written hundreds of stories. -

- Neil Gaiman books. I've just finished American Gods and Neverwhere. I'm working through the rest. This man can tell a twisted story folks. Kind of makes me want to pick up Sandman (I always strayed away from his comics when younger, as they looked so dark...but now....). -

- Stephen King AFTER reading The Dark Tower series. If you never thought to try out his work before, you may be so inclined when you finish (there is a hint here, but I will leave it at that). I recommend The Stand, Hearts In Atlanta, and Insomnia. -
__

Okay, that's about it...WAKE UP!

[Cobra]

Any of the Red Dwarf books for a light read, and a good laugh!

I, Robot by Asimov.

Andy McNab's books are pretty good too, especially "Remote Control".

[yoda313]

Michael Chrichton has excellent books. Even if you've seen the movie version its well worth reading the book. It goes into so much more detail.

[thecoalman]

Chesapeake or The Source - James Michener

or for a quik read

Journey, same author.

[glockjs]

[Mister Flonk-Flonk]

DVD Demystified