Monday, February 13, 2006

What's Worth Reading

Recently a friend called me to chat. In the midst of the conversation, he asked about the various books I read--then, knowing me so well, he changed his question:

"What do you read for recreation?--for fiction?"

Yes, it's true: I don't always read theology, philosophy and other such mundane materials.
I read, and recommend, Sci-Fi/Fantasy--especially fantasy.

I greatly enjoy Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. He is the Tolkien of this century. And I'm only on volume 11!

Saberhagen's stories about death-loving machines--Berzerkers--destroying every life-form in the universe are the quintessential short-story plot-twists I learned to love in junior high literature class.

Robert Asprin's fantasy spoof series, Another Fine Myth and the like, is quiet entertaining, giving me a laugh even after fifteen years.

There are other worthy books (for another blog!) and there are other genres (maybe my wife can list a few later), but these are worthwhile--if you like that genre.

Enjoy!

SDG

3 comments:

Hobster said...

I had some friends in college who were really into Jordan...I've thus far held off. 12 volumes of that size...just can't commit (typical male). Might take a couple months off work/school/church and give it a try :)

David Eddings usually entertains, but it's been awhile since I've read him. Not sure why, but I really got into Moon's The Deed of Paksenarrion series.

Have you tried Paolinis series? Not inspired, but decent reads, IMHO.

I tried a couple of Asprin's Myth books, but they didn't click. I read the first 2 or 3 of the Phule's Company books when they were frist published. I enjoyed those, so who knows why the Myth books didn't work.

You might want to check out Peter David's Sir Apropos series...nice mix of satire and fantasy (his Knight Life books on King Arthur are probably the same caliber, just haven't tried them yet).

polymathis said...

Yes, Jordan takes a life-commitment!
Eddings was enjoyable--I might have to re-read it after fifteen years--I only re-read if I have forgotten large chunks of a book.

Paolinis I have read (the first book)--it's "nice"; I'll get to the second book after I finish the Jordan book!

I'll keep Peter in mind--thanks!

Wes White said...

I saw Jordan's books in the library, but they don't have the first books in the series. I also have thought about reading the Foundation series, but they don't have the first three books in the series. Oh well...

I'm reading a book from the NY bestseller list now. It's called Kite Runner. It's about modern Afgahnistan from the perspective of a boy who grew up there. Very interesting. For example, there is quite a bit of ethnic tension between the dominant ethnic group and a more Mongloid group there called the Hazaras. I never would have thought of Afgahnistan as a place having such ethnic tension...