My favourite sci-fi book would probably be Dune by Frank Herbert. The whole universe is so brilliantly realised from the smallest detail onwards. I have re-read it many times and still find things that I had missed before.
Fantasy books, well Lord of the Rings was one of the first I ever read. The Kane books by Karl Edward Wagner introduced an anti-hero before they became so popular, a classic. Top of the list though would be the Lankhmar series by Fritz Leiber, I just love those books
Just finished james pattersons latest-cross, brilliant as usaual.
doh - sorry SW - serves me right for only reading the first and last pages - I'm surpriesed how non-obscure Flashman is. I'd never heard of him before last year - but now I can't go into a bookshop without meeting another fan.
If you enjoy them, you might want to check out the audio readings - for the car or whatever - same story but the bloke doing the reading gets the voice just right.
I've said this before but the charactor is so good he deserves mentioning again.
Etienne Gerard. The Exploits and Adventures Of Brigadeer Gerard is a superb romp. He is an anti-anti-hero. Brave, heroic handsome and ultimately useless. Please read and enjoy
That's it I've fianally finished Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell. I've tried to work out when I started. I think it has taken me 3 months to read all all 3 volumes but I'm not sure, the fact I can't remember what I was reading before suggests it was a bloody long time ago.
I would thoroughly recommend this book. If anyone else has read it I would like to hear your opinions on this quite unique tale.
What should I read now?
not a novel, I know..but how about;
The Complete Lyrics 1978-2001
Nick cave
well...I like 'em.
Just finished Pratchett's Thud! and as norm, it was really good. :giggle:
I bought my mate Venus In Furs by Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch for his birthday with instructions that I have first dibs when he's read it :twisted:
My top recommendations:
Perfume (Patrick Süskind) - Very, very dark, but exquisitely written and thought provoking.
The Time Travellers Wife (Audrey Niffenegger) - Some may call it soppy, but I thought it was gorgeous frankly. A proper "unputdownable" book.
Imagica (Clive Barker) - A fantastic (and sensual) journey into the surreal, Pratchett fans would probably love it.
I'll have to check that one out.
Forgotten an obvious entry (forgive the pun) for some on here: .
Keeno!
The Books of Blood ... excellant...
All of barkers stuff when he was still writing in the UK, absolutely great stuff... the Candyman was set in the slums of liverpool wasn't it?
agree with the sentiments about the aphrodisiac story... ouch!
who was it back there mentioned *perfume*? (Steve Clarke)... another brilliant book... your mention of it, and its rather dark feel brought it all flooding back...very very atmospheric.
I was leant the book a few years ago...>a book about a perfumierre?... me????...are you mad??!!<
I couldnt put it down!
LP
I had to dust off this thread again.
I've just finished "The Shelters of Stone", being the fifth book of Jean Auel's "Clan of the Cave Bear" Series. Totally blown away by them all. It's the sort of "epic" writing that made books like Lord of the RIngs stand out a bit more.
I can't remember ever reading a really excellent cave people book until now. If anyone out there is wondering what to read next and hasn't heard of them, I cannot recommend these books enough. Lots of naughty stuff too!
There's a few people I know whose christmas present idea just got resolved. Waterstones and a dozen copies please.
We usually talk about good books here but......
Just given up on Count Zero by William Gibson, lifes just too short to plough through a book that you're not enjoying. It was pants.
I usually give when I get to the point when I don't give a fook what happens.
read up the thread a bit Hannyngrey and you will find my post on Sir Harry. I've just finished Flashman and the Redskins, and just started Flashman's Lady. 
