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May. 28th, 2003 02:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stonebenderRather than just point out which books I've read. I thought I’d make comments on them specifically with
serenejournal in mind. In case she's thinking about reading any of these books. My comments shouldn't be taken generally. Science Fiction Novels
Dune, Frank Herbert It took me three tries to finish this book. It certainly belongs on this list and I think you would enjoy it. I found it difficult mostly because of the large amount of made up language in the novel. Herbert does include glossary, but constantly going back to glossary to to read a story is annoying.
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert A. Heinlein Even taking my bias towards Mr. Heinlein into account, this is a truly fine science fiction novel. If you are only to read a few Heinlein novels, I would insist this be one of them.
The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin I really think this is a *must read* book especially for you. The politics and the discussion of gender would be of great interest to you.
The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov For some this will be sacrilegious but I have never been a big fan of Asimov's fiction. Stick to his nonfiction it's much better.
Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein Well, you know about this one.
The Stars My Destination, Alfred Bester
A Canticle for Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller Jr Another *must read* although I wouldn't put it high up on the list of books
serenejournal should read.Childhood's End, Arthur C. Clarke This is pretty much a one gag book. Clark has done better.
Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card I am no longer a Card fan. I used to be. He certainly can write a yarn and there's individual bits of his writing that I really like. I just can't stomach him any more. Heinlein fans will like this book. My personal favorite of Card's (and the only book of his that I really think is still worth reading) is Speaker for the Dead.
Hyperion, Dan Simmons I loved this book, although it's really the first half of a full novel. Add Fall of Hyperion and you have a great novel. This one would rank high on the "
serenejournal should read" scale.Gateway, Frederik Pohl Eh, Pohl was a much better editor or collaborating with Kornbluth. Space Merchants is the book to read. It is still a remarkably cogent comment on our consumer culture.
The Forever War, Joe Haldeman I'm not sure Joe Haldeman is an author you would be interested in, I wouldn't pick this book as the best of his for you. I would probably suggest All My Sins Remembered if you just had to read a Joe Haldeman.
More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon Yes, if we're going to continue being lovers, this book is an important to read. It is the best disability related book I ever read!
Lord of Light, Roger Zelazny I like him and is a great novel, but I don't think you would be interested.
Neuromancer, William Gibson Again, I have fond memories of this book. I wouldn't call myself a fan of Gibson, but this novel felt like a splash of cold water the first time I read it. You can skip this one
serenejournal.Startide Rising, David Brin I will say I really enjoyed this book when I read it. Once I considered the implications of the central theme. I can't recommend it to anyone.
The Time Machine, H.G. Wells it's a tough read and although it's a very important novel for the genre, you don't really need to read it.
The Man in the High Castle, Philip K. Dick I will confess to being a bit Philip K. Dick deaf. Enough people whose opinions I respect say he's a great author. I accept their opinion, but I don't get it.
The Dispossessed, Ursula K. Le Guin
Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner
Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell This book still gives me nightmares. Most people had to read for English. So I'll skip recommending it.
The Demolished Man, Alfred Bester
The Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury Most everybody reads a little Bradbury. This is a good thing!
Starship Troopers, Robert A. Heinlein There is definitely stuff in this book that has affected my personal morality. However it’s a very complicated relationship and I wouldn't suggest this book for you
serenejournal.Downbelow Station, C.J. Cherryh I remember enjoying this book but I can't for the life of me remember any details. So I guess I don’t recommend it.
Ringworld, Larry Niven I like Lary by himself better than his collaborations with Jerry, but there's nothing important about this book.
2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke
The War of the Worlds, H.G. Wells
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury This is my favorite Bradbury. Besides the main character is named Guy! Definitely worth reading.
The Mote in God's Eye, Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle Run, don’t walk away from these two. *sheesh
Way Station, Clifford D. Simak I read The City by him and enjoyed it very much.
Star Maker, Olaf Stapledon I read Sirius by him and like it. I plan to read more.
Dying Inside, Robert Silverberg
The City and the Stars, Arthur C. Clarke I'd skip it.
Dhalgren, Samuel R. Delany I've tried several times to read this book and failed miserably. I really enjoy reading his autobiographical stuff.
Rendezvous with Rama, Arthur C. Clarke I wouldn't bother.
Mission of Gravity, Hal Clement
City, Clifford D. Simak
Cyteen, C.J. Cherryh
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<lj-cut text="Here's my comments on the SF/F booklist for serene">
Rather than just point out which books I've read. I thought I’d make comments on them specifically with <lj user = serenejournal> in mind. In case she's thinking about reading any of these books. My comments shouldn't be taken generally.
<b>Science Fiction Novels</b>
<b>Dune, Frank Herbert</b> It took me three tries to finish this book. It certainly belongs on this list and I think you would enjoy it. I found it difficult mostly because of the large amount of made up language in the novel. Herbert does include glossary, but constantly going back to glossary to to read a story is annoying.
<b>The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert A. Heinlein</b> Even taking my bias towards Mr. Heinlein into account, this is a truly fine science fiction novel. If you are only to read a few Heinlein novels, I would insist this be one of them.
<b>The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin</b> I really think this is a *must read* book especially for you. The politics and the discussion of gender would be of great interest to you.
<b>The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov</b> For some this will be sacrilegious but I have never been a big fan of Asimov's fiction. Stick to his nonfiction it's much better.
<b>Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein</b> Well, you know about this one.
The Stars My Destination, Alfred Bester
<b>A Canticle for Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller Jr</b> Another *must read* although I wouldn't put it high up on the list of books <lj user = serenejournal> should read.
<b>Childhood's End, Arthur C. Clarke</b> This is pretty much a one gag book. Clark has done better.
<b>Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card</b> I am no longer a Card fan. I used to be. He certainly can write a yarn and there's individual bits of his writing that I really like. I just can't stomach him any more. Heinlein fans will like this book. My personal favorite of Card's (and the only book of his that I really think is still worth reading) is <u>Speaker for the Dead</u>.
<b>Hyperion, Dan Simmons</b> I loved this book, although it's really the first half of a full novel. Add <u>Fall of Hyperion</u> and you have a great novel. This one would rank high on the "<lj user = serenejournal> should read" scale.
<b>Gateway, Frederik Pohl</b> Eh, Pohl was a much better editor or collaborating with Kornbluth. <u>Space Merchants</u> is the book to read. It is still a remarkably cogent comment on our consumer culture.
<b>The Forever War, Joe Haldeman</b> I'm not sure Joe Haldeman is an author you would be interested in, I wouldn't pick this book as the best of his for you. I would probably suggest <u>All My Sins Remembered</u> if you just had to read a Joe Haldeman.
<b>More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon</b> Yes, if we're going to continue being lovers, this book is an important to read. It is the best disability related book I ever read!
<b>Lord of Light, Roger Zelazny</b> I like him and is a great novel, but I don't think you would be interested.
<b>Neuromancer, William Gibson</b> Again, I have fond memories of this book. I wouldn't call myself a fan of Gibson, but this novel felt like a splash of cold water the first time I read it. You can skip this one <lj user = serenejournal>.
<b>Startide Rising, David Brin</b> I will say I really enjoyed this book when I read it. Once I considered the implications of the central theme. I can't recommend it to anyone.
<b>The Time Machine, H.G. Wells</b> it's a tough read and although it's a very important novel for the genre, you don't really need to read it.
<b>The Man in the High Castle, Philip K. Dick</b> I will confess to being a bit Philip K. Dick deaf. Enough people whose opinions I respect say he's a great author. I accept their opinion, but I don't get it.
The Dispossessed, Ursula K. Le Guin
Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner
<b>Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell</b> This book still gives me nightmares. Most people had to read for English. So I'll skip recommending it.
The Demolished Man, Alfred Bester
<b>The Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury</b> Most everybody reads a little Bradbury. This is a good thing!
<b>Starship Troopers, Robert A. Heinlein</b> There is definitely stuff in this book that has affected my personal morality. However it’s a very complicated relationship and I wouldn't suggest this book for you <lj user = serenejournal>.
<b>Downbelow Station, C.J. Cherryh</b> I remember enjoying this book but I can't for the life of me remember any details. So I guess I don’t recommend it.
<b>Ringworld, Larry Niven</b> I like Lary by himself better than his collaborations with Jerry, but there's nothing important about this book.
2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke
The War of the Worlds, H.G. Wells
<b>Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury</b> This is my favorite Bradbury. Besides the main character is named Guy! Definitely worth reading.
<b>The Mote in God's Eye, Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle</b> Run, don’t walk away from these two. *sheesh
Way Station, Clifford D. Simak I read <u>The City</u> by him and enjoyed it very much.
Star Maker, Olaf Stapledon I read <u>Sirius</u> by him and like it. I plan to read more.
Dying Inside, Robert Silverberg
<b>The City and the Stars, Arthur C. Clarke</b> I'd skip it.
Dhalgren, Samuel R. Delany I've tried several times to read this book and failed miserably. I really enjoy reading his autobiographical stuff.
<B>Rendezvous with Rama, Arthur C. Clarke</b> I wouldn't bother.
Mission of Gravity, Hal Clement
<b>City, Clifford D. Simak</b>
Cyteen, C.J. Cherryh
<Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes</b> This is a favorite of mine. You would enjoy it.
<b>Double Star, Robert A. Heinlein</b> Though most un-Heinlein, Heinlein novel. If you decided that you really enjoyed Heinlein. I would recommend this book unreservedly.
<b>Earth Abides, George R. Stewart</b> *Yawn*
<b>The Door Into Summer, Robert A. Heinlein</b> You might like this book in the way you like old science-fiction that doesn't quite predict the future but almost.
Last and First Men, Olaf Stapledon
Ubik, Philip K. Dick
Norstrilia, Cordwainer Smith
The Witches of Karres, James H. Schmitz This is the only book on the whole list that I never of.
<b>Frankenstein, Mary Shelley</b> A much better book than any of the movies would lead you to believe. I think its worth reading.
<b>Have Space Suit -- Will Travel, Robert A. Heinlein</b> This is the best of his juveniles. It is one of my favorite Heinlein's and I think you would enjoy it.
<b>Time Enough for Love, Robert A. Heinlein</b> I like this book but it is admittedly problematic in its depiction of race and gender. I think it would push all of your buttons. Skip it.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Philip K. Dick
<b>The Gods Themselves, Isaac Asimov</b> This was one of Asimov's better attempts, but it's still not worth it. Unless you are a hard-core SF fan
<b>"Riverworld" series, Philip Jose Farmer</b> The first two of these were really fun reads, but I wouldn't go out of my way to read them.
<b>Fantasy Novels</b>
I suspect there are going to be a lot less of these that I have read.
The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien Like it or not this is part of the cannon. If you hang out with SF fan's it would be helpful to read it. I plan to try again real soon.
<b>The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien</b> A prequel to The Rings. It is definitely worth reading the period
The Book of the New Sun, Gene Wolfe I haven't managed to read any Gene Wolfe
"Earthsea" series, Ursula K. Le Guin
<b>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll</b>
"Gormenghast" series, Mervyn Peake
The Once and Future King, T.H. White
Little, Big, John Crowley
<b>Nine Princes in Amber, Roger Zelazny</b> Read the first three and stop.
"The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant", Stephen R. Donaldson
<b>Dragonflight, Anne McCaffrey</b> A very light read. Your probably too old to read them now and really get into them.
"The Belgariad", David Eddings
<b>The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis</b> If you can overlook the Christian stuff, I like them
The Anubis Gates, Tim Powers
"The Dying Earth" series, Jack Vance
<b>The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum</b> I just recently read this online. It's a much darker story than I expected. Definitely worth reading.
Dracula, Bram Stoker
The Last Unicorn, Peter S. Beagle Having read other Beagle stories, I'm interested in reading this.
The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Stand, Stephen King
<b>Watership Down, Richard Adams</b> I liked it. I'm not sure I can recommend it
The Riddle-Master of Hed, Patricia A. McKillip
The Worm Ouroboros, E.R. Eddison I've intended to read this book for a long time.
<b>Glory Road, Robert A. Heinlein</b> I would skip this one.
Mythago Wood, Robert Holdstock
<b>"Alvin Maker" series, Orson Scott Card</b> Actually I only read the first two of this series. No recommendation here.
<b>A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle</b> Here is another *must read*. I never enjoyed anything else by the author, but this one is definitely worth it.
Witch World, Andre Norton
"The Fionavar Tapestry", Guy Gavriel Kay
Deryni Rising, Katherine Kurtz
"Discworld" series, Terry Pratchett
"Elric" series, Michael Moorcock
Replay, Ken Grimwood
Something Wicked This Way Comes, Ray Bradbury
"Fafhrd & Gray Mouser" series, Fritz Leiber
<b>The Incomplete Enchanter, Fletcher Pratt & L. Sprague de Camp</b> These were great fun. If you're in a silly mood, I'd recommend these.
There are lots of books I would put on my list of books to read that is not on this list. However, I don't have the energy to add them in today. Maybe I’ll make my own list in the future. One can always look at my homepage for some favorite books and authors of mine.
Rather than just point out which books I've read. I thought I’d make comments on them specifically with <lj user = serenejournal> in mind. In case she's thinking about reading any of these books. My comments shouldn't be taken generally.
<b>Science Fiction Novels</b>
<b>Dune, Frank Herbert</b> It took me three tries to finish this book. It certainly belongs on this list and I think you would enjoy it. I found it difficult mostly because of the large amount of made up language in the novel. Herbert does include glossary, but constantly going back to glossary to to read a story is annoying.
<b>The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert A. Heinlein</b> Even taking my bias towards Mr. Heinlein into account, this is a truly fine science fiction novel. If you are only to read a few Heinlein novels, I would insist this be one of them.
<b>The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin</b> I really think this is a *must read* book especially for you. The politics and the discussion of gender would be of great interest to you.
<b>The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov</b> For some this will be sacrilegious but I have never been a big fan of Asimov's fiction. Stick to his nonfiction it's much better.
<b>Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein</b> Well, you know about this one.
The Stars My Destination, Alfred Bester
<b>A Canticle for Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller Jr</b> Another *must read* although I wouldn't put it high up on the list of books <lj user = serenejournal> should read.
<b>Childhood's End, Arthur C. Clarke</b> This is pretty much a one gag book. Clark has done better.
<b>Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card</b> I am no longer a Card fan. I used to be. He certainly can write a yarn and there's individual bits of his writing that I really like. I just can't stomach him any more. Heinlein fans will like this book. My personal favorite of Card's (and the only book of his that I really think is still worth reading) is <u>Speaker for the Dead</u>.
<b>Hyperion, Dan Simmons</b> I loved this book, although it's really the first half of a full novel. Add <u>Fall of Hyperion</u> and you have a great novel. This one would rank high on the "<lj user = serenejournal> should read" scale.
<b>Gateway, Frederik Pohl</b> Eh, Pohl was a much better editor or collaborating with Kornbluth. <u>Space Merchants</u> is the book to read. It is still a remarkably cogent comment on our consumer culture.
<b>The Forever War, Joe Haldeman</b> I'm not sure Joe Haldeman is an author you would be interested in, I wouldn't pick this book as the best of his for you. I would probably suggest <u>All My Sins Remembered</u> if you just had to read a Joe Haldeman.
<b>More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon</b> Yes, if we're going to continue being lovers, this book is an important to read. It is the best disability related book I ever read!
<b>Lord of Light, Roger Zelazny</b> I like him and is a great novel, but I don't think you would be interested.
<b>Neuromancer, William Gibson</b> Again, I have fond memories of this book. I wouldn't call myself a fan of Gibson, but this novel felt like a splash of cold water the first time I read it. You can skip this one <lj user = serenejournal>.
<b>Startide Rising, David Brin</b> I will say I really enjoyed this book when I read it. Once I considered the implications of the central theme. I can't recommend it to anyone.
<b>The Time Machine, H.G. Wells</b> it's a tough read and although it's a very important novel for the genre, you don't really need to read it.
<b>The Man in the High Castle, Philip K. Dick</b> I will confess to being a bit Philip K. Dick deaf. Enough people whose opinions I respect say he's a great author. I accept their opinion, but I don't get it.
The Dispossessed, Ursula K. Le Guin
Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner
<b>Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell</b> This book still gives me nightmares. Most people had to read for English. So I'll skip recommending it.
The Demolished Man, Alfred Bester
<b>The Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury</b> Most everybody reads a little Bradbury. This is a good thing!
<b>Starship Troopers, Robert A. Heinlein</b> There is definitely stuff in this book that has affected my personal morality. However it’s a very complicated relationship and I wouldn't suggest this book for you <lj user = serenejournal>.
<b>Downbelow Station, C.J. Cherryh</b> I remember enjoying this book but I can't for the life of me remember any details. So I guess I don’t recommend it.
<b>Ringworld, Larry Niven</b> I like Lary by himself better than his collaborations with Jerry, but there's nothing important about this book.
2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke
The War of the Worlds, H.G. Wells
<b>Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury</b> This is my favorite Bradbury. Besides the main character is named Guy! Definitely worth reading.
<b>The Mote in God's Eye, Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle</b> Run, don’t walk away from these two. *sheesh
Way Station, Clifford D. Simak I read <u>The City</u> by him and enjoyed it very much.
Star Maker, Olaf Stapledon I read <u>Sirius</u> by him and like it. I plan to read more.
Dying Inside, Robert Silverberg
<b>The City and the Stars, Arthur C. Clarke</b> I'd skip it.
Dhalgren, Samuel R. Delany I've tried several times to read this book and failed miserably. I really enjoy reading his autobiographical stuff.
<B>Rendezvous with Rama, Arthur C. Clarke</b> I wouldn't bother.
Mission of Gravity, Hal Clement
<b>City, Clifford D. Simak</b>
Cyteen, C.J. Cherryh
<Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes</b> This is a favorite of mine. You would enjoy it.
<b>Double Star, Robert A. Heinlein</b> Though most un-Heinlein, Heinlein novel. If you decided that you really enjoyed Heinlein. I would recommend this book unreservedly.
<b>Earth Abides, George R. Stewart</b> *Yawn*
<b>The Door Into Summer, Robert A. Heinlein</b> You might like this book in the way you like old science-fiction that doesn't quite predict the future but almost.
Last and First Men, Olaf Stapledon
Ubik, Philip K. Dick
Norstrilia, Cordwainer Smith
The Witches of Karres, James H. Schmitz This is the only book on the whole list that I never of.
<b>Frankenstein, Mary Shelley</b> A much better book than any of the movies would lead you to believe. I think its worth reading.
<b>Have Space Suit -- Will Travel, Robert A. Heinlein</b> This is the best of his juveniles. It is one of my favorite Heinlein's and I think you would enjoy it.
<b>Time Enough for Love, Robert A. Heinlein</b> I like this book but it is admittedly problematic in its depiction of race and gender. I think it would push all of your buttons. Skip it.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Philip K. Dick
<b>The Gods Themselves, Isaac Asimov</b> This was one of Asimov's better attempts, but it's still not worth it. Unless you are a hard-core SF fan
<b>"Riverworld" series, Philip Jose Farmer</b> The first two of these were really fun reads, but I wouldn't go out of my way to read them.
<b>Fantasy Novels</b>
I suspect there are going to be a lot less of these that I have read.
The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien Like it or not this is part of the cannon. If you hang out with SF fan's it would be helpful to read it. I plan to try again real soon.
<b>The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien</b> A prequel to The Rings. It is definitely worth reading the period
The Book of the New Sun, Gene Wolfe I haven't managed to read any Gene Wolfe
"Earthsea" series, Ursula K. Le Guin
<b>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll</b>
"Gormenghast" series, Mervyn Peake
The Once and Future King, T.H. White
Little, Big, John Crowley
<b>Nine Princes in Amber, Roger Zelazny</b> Read the first three and stop.
"The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant", Stephen R. Donaldson
<b>Dragonflight, Anne McCaffrey</b> A very light read. Your probably too old to read them now and really get into them.
"The Belgariad", David Eddings
<b>The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis</b> If you can overlook the Christian stuff, I like them
The Anubis Gates, Tim Powers
"The Dying Earth" series, Jack Vance
<b>The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum</b> I just recently read this online. It's a much darker story than I expected. Definitely worth reading.
Dracula, Bram Stoker
The Last Unicorn, Peter S. Beagle Having read other Beagle stories, I'm interested in reading this.
The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Stand, Stephen King
<b>Watership Down, Richard Adams</b> I liked it. I'm not sure I can recommend it
The Riddle-Master of Hed, Patricia A. McKillip
The Worm Ouroboros, E.R. Eddison I've intended to read this book for a long time.
<b>Glory Road, Robert A. Heinlein</b> I would skip this one.
Mythago Wood, Robert Holdstock
<b>"Alvin Maker" series, Orson Scott Card</b> Actually I only read the first two of this series. No recommendation here.
<b>A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle</b> Here is another *must read*. I never enjoyed anything else by the author, but this one is definitely worth it.
Witch World, Andre Norton
"The Fionavar Tapestry", Guy Gavriel Kay
Deryni Rising, Katherine Kurtz
"Discworld" series, Terry Pratchett
"Elric" series, Michael Moorcock
Replay, Ken Grimwood
Something Wicked This Way Comes, Ray Bradbury
"Fafhrd & Gray Mouser" series, Fritz Leiber
<b>The Incomplete Enchanter, Fletcher Pratt & L. Sprague de Camp</b> These were great fun. If you're in a silly mood, I'd recommend these.
There are lots of books I would put on my list of books to read that is not on this list. However, I don't have the energy to add them in today. Maybe I’ll make my own list in the future. One can always look at my homepage for some favorite books and authors of mine.
