Sci-Fi: A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick - An undercover drug enforcement agent gets hooked on the drug he's fighting, causing schizophrenia and a twist I don't want to give away. Classics that transcend genre: As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner - A family transports their dead mother's body across Mississippi to bury her in her hometown. A good introduction to Faulkner's stream-of-consciousness style. After reading this one, you might be ready to tackle Sound and the Fury. Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov - The book is set up as a critical edition of an epic poem. The story is told through the Introduction and Footnotes to the poem that were written by the poet's delusional neighbor.
This book will change your life. You will laugh, shiver, and cry at the absolute human truth of it. Nothing could be more weird, wonderful, and real than CRUDDY. Salon Review
One series I forgot to mention was The Tyrants and Kings series by John Marco. I liked it because the protagonist is VERY flawed, unlike in many fantasy novels, so it adds a bit more believability to the story.
This is kinda tricky cause you gotta list the translation! OK, how about On Human Bondage and For Whom the Bell Tolls?
I would advise Robert Fagles on the translation of The Iliad and The Odyssey. You can buy them as a combo at most major book stores for around $20.
dry (f'ing funny) curious incident of the dog in the nighttime (funny/clever) diary (funny in parts and weird)
Amazing book. However, his follow-up was very disappointed IMO. I'm currently reading a book by John Feinstein about the Patriot League, The Last Amateurs. It's been outstanding so far.
Great book, I loved the part about the guy who used to pick up chicks with the "I'm the worst collegiate basketball player in the nation line".
The suggestions are nice, but it would be even better if you added a brief description to go along with them. ie: Dune - An epic novel centered around an enigmatic desert planet, with elements of mysticism and political intrigue. Arguably the greatest science fiction novel ever written, with one of the most vivid and intriguing settings.
sorry. dry: about a guy in sales/marketing that goes through hell trying to quit drinking. simply put. bestseller. can't think of the author's name right off hand, but the book he wrote before, "running with scissors", was pretty good too. it was about his childhood before "dry". i read "dry" first, but you don't miss anything. curious incident of the dog in the night time: about an autistic (sp?) kid that tries to solve the murder of his neighbor's dog. the book is written in first person, so it's like you reading the thoughts of an autistic child. kinda neat. diary: by the author of fight club and lullaby (another good book). about a young woman trying the single mom thing since her husband is in a coma. she rekindles her love for painting after being inspired by some mysterious force. a lot of funny lines from the main character.
Oh, "The Gunslinger" is wonderful. It's the most "western" of the series, which is probably why it appeals to me so much. Plus, that whole part near the end where the man in black tells Roland about the nature of the universe and shows him the vision, etc.., is pretty amazing. I remember being disappointed when I first read "The Drawing of the Three" (lobsters?... WTF???) but when I re-read it last year I enjoyed it. "The Waste Lands" was actually the first one out of the series that I read. It was lying around the house and I had nothing else to read, so I decided one day to check it out. It seemed an interesting blend of fantasy, sci-fi, western and epic quest. Plus, it was just fun to read. A few days later I went out and bought "The Gunslinger" and absolutely fell in love. Your comments about 'Wolves' are a tad unnerving. King certainly likes using cliffhanger endings (ie: book 3).
edit: THE greatest science fiction novel ever written. Thank you, and good day. Seriously though, if you haven't read them, run, don't walk to the bookstore and nab: Dune Dune Messiah Children of Dune God Emperor of Dune Heretics of Dune Chapterhouseune
Nomar is dead on with this suggestion. If you havnt read the Dune books yet pick them up now. They are all excellent. Ender's Game is also another good suggestion that was previously mentioned. It is a great page turner and the autor is great at describing a scene.
Two books guaranteed to inspire depression and a complete loss of faith in the goodwill of humanity. Excellent!
