I just recently started reading 2001: A Space Odyssey, and I have to say it's honestly already one of my -if not my most - favorite book.

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The moonwatcher arc was honestly AMAZING, and made me see the world and appreciate the evolution of species a whole lot more! The moon section with Floyd was also pretty astounding, it truly makes you wonder what's all out there! I am now starting the main plot - with Bowman, where they are headed to Saturn.

The fact that it has such a big impact on me already says a lot, the last time I had that with books was with asoiaf. So I'm super happy with this choice of book. Arthur C Clarke is amazing. And I still have 3 more books to read in the series! :-D

I've read a shit ton of books for my 18 years alive so far, but these are the real notable ones (and that I also recommend reading):

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Stephen King: The Shining (Extremely different then the movie (Everything is different actually), It's way more in touch with the magical element of the story then the movie ever was, which I was excited to see when reading it the first time.) Pet Semetary ( A super dpressing book, way more detailed (obviously) then the movie, a lot more haunting and probably one of the only books that really captures the 'gritty' vibe that so many authors try to capture but fail at.) Dean Koontz Velocity (my first ever 'real adult book', and man was it good. Probably the most emotionally invested story I have ever been into (putting asoiaf aside). Looking back it's a standard tale, but man was I captivated by it when I was 14. I read that book in 2 days I believe. Robert Goddard: Never Go Back (A typical thriller, it introduced me to the genre, so there is bias in that regard) Set in Stone (This is honestly one of the more unique books I have read, it's a mix of psychological thriller with super minor paranormal aspects - which is brought into the story in a super original way. It's also a very architecture-detailed book. Many descriptions about different architecture. It can come off as boring to people who don't like slow-burner stories. There isn't much action at all -which is why it's so underrated) but the way the story is brought across is really one of a kind. Ken Follett: The Pillars of the Earth (About medieval Europe, and the building of the worlds biggest cathedral. Honestly some of literary's most well-developed characters that I have ever personally witnessed. It brings in your emotions for sure. It's written by someone who doesn't believe in a deity, so the fact it touched the hearts of people from all walks of life, truly shows the passion that was put into this 10+ year writing project.) George RR Martin A Song of Ice and Fire series (obvious reasons) John Katzenbach The Madman's Tale (an absolutely AMAZING psychological tale of one's downward spiral into madness. Possibly the best 'full-circle arc' satisfaction after Jaime Lannister in ASOIAF.) Stuart McBride Cold Granite (a very, very twisted story about a child molestor/murderer. It's darkly fascinating and the author touched grounds that a lot of other thriller writers don't really dare to tread. Super underrated) Karen Rose You Belong To Me (the concept sounds cheesy, but Rose does an amazing job with the plot and breaks all stereotypes of the romantic thriller genre, it has a 4.14/5 rating on Goodreads for a reason. You should for sure check it out!)

Books that I'm still wanting to read include:

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Stephen King: It Under the Dome The Stand Dr. Sleep Terry Pratchett/Stephen Baxter: The Long Earth Series Ian McDonald: New Moon James S.A. Corey: Expanse series David Mitchell: CLOUD ATLAS (probably next, I was contemplating between this one and 2001 - I chose the latter. But I love the movie of Cloud Atlas and can't wait to read the book) A bunch of other ones I don't feel are notable enough to list at this point.

BUT ANYWAYS (damn, why do my posts always turn out so LONG?!),

what are some of your guys' favorite books?

Clifford

Why is Clifford SO BIG?

Arthur C. Clarke was a fantastic writer (and invented the communications satellite).

I can spend hours talking about books I've loved (and probably will in a number of posts) but I'll focus this one on Clarke alone.

If you are having fun with 2001 so far with the plot just kicking in, you'll love the next three books. Each is so different from the first in terms of plot, but his style remains a constant.

If you love this, then grab the Rama series as well (beginning with Rendezvous With Rama). Childhood's End is another favorite of mine. Imperial Earth is interesting and shows his liberal opinions on race and sex (he himself was bisexual).

He also has a ton of short story collections that are fantastic. His short story "The nine Billion Names of God" is quite interesting.

I like the three Foundation books, A Song of Ice and Fire and various other High Fantasy books. I probably like the Wheel of Time series the most, but I have yet to finish the series since it's like 14 books and I don't read as much as I used to.

I plan to take on the Dark Tower series at some point though. I heard you're supposed to start with the Stand.

#1 Fight Club
#2 The Stand
#3 Dreamcatcher


Jesus did they butcher Dreamcatcher with the movie. Those are my top 3. I've read a shit ton of Dean Koontz but I was young and none of them stuck with me besides one about some kind of voodoo doll come to life or something.

Oh and the Dean Koontz book about the two boyhood friends and one of them has a "dark" side or something. And they make a blood pact by cutting their palms and shaking. Being young dumb and naive my friend almost convinced me to do that with him cause we were so close at the time. But then I realized what a bad idea transmitting blood could possibly be.

Most disappointing book I've ever read

Catcher in the Rye

I knew nothing about it going into it so while reading it I expected something to actually happen. Like some big event. I didn't know it was sort of coming of age rebel teenager book where the most exciting thing is he almost (or does??) get with a prostitute.

Simplton @ 15/6/2016 16:30

Most disappointing book I've ever read Catcher in the Rye I knew nothing about it going into it so while reading it I expected something to actually happen. Like some big event. I didn't know it was sort of coming of age rebel teenager book where the most exciting thing is he almost (or does??) get with a prostitute.

And the swearing! Quite scandalous. Not.

Is it worth reading 2001: Space Odyssey after seeing the movie?

It's one of my fav films of all time, but I have no idea just how much it misses out from Arthur C Clarke's novel.

i'm afraid i can't answer that, wikey

KC @ 15/6/2016 15:46

Why is Clifford SO BIG?

Because Emily Elizabeth loved him that much, duh.

ATTWN

not much of a reader at all but I'd probably put ASOIAF, Watchmen, and Slaughterhouse-Five at the top

The Cricket in Time Square and Where The Red Ferns Grow