There are lots of great books. My favorites are science fiction novels, from early classics such as RUR through Asimov and Clarke up to these
present-day novel series in which fans can indulge online, finding others seeking the same
worlds, in no particular order:
Arthur C. Clarke has written a lot of books, and they are
definitely not all fiction. He is best known for 2001: A Space
Odyssey, but many of his other books are worth a read. I
particularly like Rendezvous With Rama, the story of the exploration of an enigmatic "object" called Rama that visits our solar system.
J. Michael Straczynski, who created Babylon 5, has also written several horror novels, including Othersyde, which is downright creepy and disturbing.
Dragons
are all the rage now for romantics and goths alike. Among her many other works, Anne
McCaffrey has created some beautifully textured dragonthings. Here is a link to one of the better pages
devoted to her. She has also written several other series of novels worth reading.
Larry Niven is good at using hard science in his
stories. He has built many stories in on universe, and this
series, Known Space, includes some of his best-known works, including Ringworld.
William Sleator has written many interesting books. Among the best is House Of Stairs
a disturbing look at psychology and behavior modification. Many of his
books are directed toward children, but this is not a requirement for
reading them
David Brin has written a series of novels
called Uplift which involves many fascinating aliens and
concepts. The idea behind the series is that all intelligent
species are uplifted by genetic manipulation from less advanced forms
by a sponsor race.
Roger Zelazny's Amber books are a fantasy series that deals with
alternate universes and where the Earth is but a Shadow of reality.
These books present the reader with an interesting puzzle that twist
and turns as many times as the Pattern referenced therein.
Here is a link to Project
Galactic Guide. In the style of The Hitch-hiker's
Guide to the Galaxy is this site, on which Earth people here write advice for
hitch-hikers to this planet. If you're a new arrival to Earth or simply want added
perspective on Jolt Cola, this indexed archive covers a wide range of topics with tongue
firmly planted in cheek. And don't forget to read the books or check out the Online Guide.
And here
is a link
to a bunch of quotes from science fiction author Terry Pratchett, who
pokes fun at many
classic plot devices of science fiction and other genres. His
books are worth seeking out. The easiest to find are those in the
Discworld series.
There are many good stories involving transformations of one
or another sort, which can be quite interesting, and in many cases
disturbing. This includes everything from werewolves to
DNA-mutating viruses to ... you get the idea I hope. Here is a
partial list.