wampler@unmvax.UUCP (Bruce Wampler) (03/13/86)
This has likely been done before, but not too recently, and
probably not in exactly this way. I'd like to see what people's
favorite SF books are. I know I can't give just one book, so I've
come up with the following categorizations:
All Time Favorite: If you could pick just one, this is the "best"
SF novel you've ever read.
Favorite author: Who is your favorite SF writer?
Hardest to put down: There are some books that you just can't
put down until you're finished. This might be called the
most exciting book you've read.
Best with computers: Well, most of us use computers, so this
one seems appropriate.
Most interesting/unusual: Maybe not exciting or a classic, but
has very unusual or interesting ideas.
Best series: The best series of books by same author (e.g. Dune,
Pern, etc.)
Best written: Just good writing that would stand up to any classic
in any type of literature.
Other books: Any other standouts you want to mention for whatever reason.
I have a collection of several hundred SF books, but
I don't think I've covered all the ground. I find for the most part
real people can tell me more than any review, so I'd like to hear
just what net readers think are good books. I'm not expecting
a list of "classics", just what YOU like. To get things started,
here's my list:
All Time Favorite: _Stand on Zanzibar_, John Brunner
This category is hard, and next week I'd probably pick a different
book, but I like this one because I fear it might be too accurate
in its predictions (early 21st century). It is also very
innovative in its writing style.
Favorite author: Philip Jose Farmer
Hardest to put down: Any of the Berserker series by Fred Saberhagen.
Best with computers: _Oath of Fealty_, Larry Niven/Jerry Pournelle.
I WANT a mental hookup to a computer like MILLIE, too!
Most interesting/unusual: _The Crucible of Time_, John Brunner.
The history of an intelligent life form evolved from plants.
Best series: Riverworld - Philip Jose Farmer
Best written: Most anything by Ursula K. LeGuin
Other books: Titan series, John Varley; Known Space series, Larry Niven;
Majipoor series, Robert Silverberg
--
Dr. Bruce E. Wampler
University of New Mexico, CS Dept.
..{ucbvax | seismo!gatech | ihnp4!lanl}!unmvax!wampler
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All Time Favorite:
Favorite author:
Hardest to put down:
Best with computers:
Most interesting/unusual:
Best series:
Best written:
Other books: