The first book that I've read was Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon. It was really interesting reading about what was cutting science (fiction) at the time. Some things that were in the book were in the history part of our 1st year physics course. I remember thinking "wow, why would anyone think that?" back then. Now I understand better why they could have easily thought that. My generation has the benefit of having grown up with all that knowledge being "common knowledge".
The second book that I just finished is Eastern Standard Tribe. I originally read about this in a slashdot article. I found it really interesting in a look at the very near future. I've just started his first novel Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom which I think that I have started before. They are short-ish novels, so I don't think that it'll take me too long to get through it. I'll give everyone an update once I get past the first chapter. ;-)
The interesting thing about those books is the the author is giving them away for free online if you want. And you can buy a paper copy, which is the only way that he will make money. Pretty interesting if you think about. Instead of fighting the 'net, he's embracing it. Sounds like a pretty good way to become a household name to me.
I'm going to try and make my next book I, Robot. I want to have read this before the movie comes out. I haven't read any Asimov before, but I'm going to start. It's been on my to-read list for a while. Alek suggested that I read them in order because some characters come back at some point. Any other suggestions? Anyone know any more good sci-fi books?
Listening to: Matthew Good Band - Giant
I'm re-reading Stephen King's The Dark Tower series and I'm *really* liking it. I keep meaning to blog about it..maybe tomorrow. :)
ReplyDeleteI read three or four Asimov books in grade-school and high-school. Some are MUCH better than others. IIRC there are a few Asimov collection books available...those might be a good starting point. He's also done a number of short stories which are also pretty good.
I used to read SF while ago, and I read several authors. Asimov is the only one worth reading (and remembering, because I tried to remember some other authors and I just couldn't) as far as I'm concerned. Maybe Carl Sagan (Contact is a much better book than a movie). This guy (Asimov) is amazing. The thing about him is that he is not forcing the SF on you like most authors. His books are like reading a regular book from the future. There is no "Beam me up Scotty" stuff nor fancy laser swords, but I promise you that once you read one or two of his books there is no going back to crappy SF authors. Mandatory: read the "Foundation" series.
ReplyDeleteSuprisingly, Aleks didn't bring it up, but, Jim, it's Aleks (like Alex), not Alek (like the Balwin brother). Assuming that you were talking about the above Aleks (aka Tender Hooligan) in this, and a previous, blog.
ReplyDeleteMy bad. I have a bad habit of using the wrong name. I think that it's genetic.
ReplyDeleteHey, no problem Jeff. I really don't mind.
ReplyDeleteNeuromancer - The Kanneman special.
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