i've been thinking about sci-fi
so i've not read a lot of sci-fi books, by which I specifically mean stuff on the nerdier end of the spectrum (i've read Stranger in a Strange Land and pretty much all of Vonnegut's stuff). and sometimes I get the sense that there's this secret geek world i'm missing out on, and I'd like to have at least a cursory knowledge of it. I can't really think of anyone who i'm friends with on here that would be knowledgable about sci-fi books but I thought I would give it a shot none the less. so does anyone know what are some of the books considered classics in the genre? I'm thinking along the lines of Isaac Asimov, Orson Scott Card, Robert Heinlein.... stuff like that.
also, have any of you guys read Lord of the Rings? is it worth reading? I started reading the Hobbit when I was a kid, but got bored and stopped half way through. but it's another one of those things that sometimes I feel I might be missing out on.
finally, I should say that this suspicion that I may be missing out on something started with my decision to finally read some HP Lovecraft, another nerdy literary obsession for many. and for those who haven't ever read any of his work, I strongly recommend it. it probably won't be scary unless you are easily spooked (I am, and got a big kick out of reading Lovecraft late at night), but he writes with this overwhelmingly singular and over-the-top style. i'd recommend starting with:
- herbert west, reanimator
- the case of charles dexter ward
- the shadow over innsmouth
- from beyond
- the outsider
also, have any of you guys read Lord of the Rings? is it worth reading? I started reading the Hobbit when I was a kid, but got bored and stopped half way through. but it's another one of those things that sometimes I feel I might be missing out on.
finally, I should say that this suspicion that I may be missing out on something started with my decision to finally read some HP Lovecraft, another nerdy literary obsession for many. and for those who haven't ever read any of his work, I strongly recommend it. it probably won't be scary unless you are easily spooked (I am, and got a big kick out of reading Lovecraft late at night), but he writes with this overwhelmingly singular and over-the-top style. i'd recommend starting with:
- herbert west, reanimator
- the case of charles dexter ward
- the shadow over innsmouth
- from beyond
- the outsider