Kevin's Watch

It may not be "an age thing " so much as it may be an"experience thing".
My mother ( age 55) is a much more avid reader than I am and she is constantly on the lookout for new books to read. Having said that there she does periodically reread the Earth`s Children series (Clan Of The Cave Bear) by Jean Auel, (personally I think she just likes to read the naughty bits).
Anyway my point is that she still needs to find newer literary experiences where maybe you, having previously read a variety of authors, may be satisfied with your experiences in literature and do not feel the need for more - I don`t call it stagnation, I call it satisfaction.
Well, that`s just my personal theory - you did ask (and I hope it makes sense).

You make a lot of sense, Infelice. Never heard it put like that, but I believe you're correct: I am satisfied with my literary experiences, and I'm not looking for newer experiences. It's also a matter of time. I have so little of it that I don't want to waste any time getting "into" a book when I know I have books that I "know" I will enjoy. I'm the same way about music. Thanks for your insight (I have read some Bentley Little books, but he seems to be getting into formula writing).

My pleasure, Bannor. I agree with you on the time issue as well, I operate on a very limited schedule although I find I`m devoting a lot more of my time to places like this - not that I`m complaing though - I just wish I could find a way to do without sleep and not go crazy.

Latro in the Mist by Gene Wolfe. It's an omnibus edition of the two Latro books, who's name I can't recall right now. And, George RR Martin's A Game of Thrones. Yep, it's my first time.

I finally received Gardens of the Moon by Steve Erickson from Alibris. had to cancel my Amazon order as it had been about a half a year (no exaggeration) and I still had not received it. I'm enjoying it thus far. very gritty. Reminds me of GRR Martin.

P.S.
I envy you Mhoram in that you get to experience those three wonderful volumes of A Song of Fire and Ice for the first time. It's outstanding stuff!

Indeed! Have a magical time, Lord Protector!
I am nearly done with the book on Japanese myths. I had a couple of hours break in between my kids' soccer games yesterday and spread out a blanket in a patch of violets next to the River and read my book and fell asleep listening to all fo the birds singing.
I think I might read a horror book by Dan Simmons next, The Song of Kali. And then Kiln People by David Brin.
And of course, I've been working on the special Westeros issue of that magazine.

Can anyone suggest a short list of suggested reading that is in the style, scope and character developement of Donaldson? Besides SRD, I am an avid reader of Frank & Brian Herbert, Isaac Asimov and the fictional books of L Ron Hubbard. The problem is I find myself continually returning to the same books by these 3 authors and rereading what I have already read! I tried reading the 2nd Foundation series of books but was completely put off by them, esp book 1. I tried the Wheel of Time series but again, it didn't keep my attention. I've also tried Robert Silverbergs, "The Face of the Waters" and William Gibson and Bruce Sterlings, "The Difference Engine." Neither of these authors books could keep my attention either. I read Orson Scott Cards, "Enders Game" and found it mildly entertaining but couldn't get into the follow-up books and Greg Bear I simply despise. I've read several Star Wars books and although they are entertaining to a certain degree, they lack the depth of story I enjoy that is the trademark of Herbert and SRD. SO, that said...can anyone lead me in the right direction? I much prefer sci-fi over fantasy but will give a fantasy book a try if it's of very high caliber such as TCTC or TLOTR. I look forward to your suggestions.

Try "Game of Thrones" by GRR Martin.

I know I'm a broken record but The 4 Neverness books by David Zindell; Neverness, The Broken God, The Wild and War in Heaven r perfect 4 some1 who likes SRD AND Herbert! Grand in scope and character developement...

Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe if you're up for a challenge. A lot of people find it hard to get into, but I didn't have much of a problem with it whereas I could never get into Asimov.

Anything by Neil Stephenson. Particularly Cryptonomicon.

I finally got done with my book of Japanese mythology, and am starting Dan Simmons's Song of Kali, a horror-fantasy sort of thing.

DirectorDios wrote:Can anyone suggest a short list of suggested reading that is in the style, scope and character developement of Donaldson?

I hope you are not really asking for that kind of quality, because books like that is so rare that they are almost impossible to find. However there are some books that I would recommend to you. You say that you have read Ender's Game, and some of the sequels. If you have you will know that Orson Scott Card varies widely in quality. But I would recommend the "Alvin Maker" series of his to you. It is a five book story set in an alternate colonial america. Alvin is born with great gifts of magic, and the story concerns his growing up and learning to live with and use these gifts.

I love Alvin's Chipmunk records!

I'm reading Kiln People by David Brin now. The only problem is I keep thinking of the cloned-Fists at the Hangar chatroom and start giggling hysterically...

I'm currently reading The Witches of Karres by James H. Schmitz (for the third time). I Just finished reading The Cat Who Walks Through Walls (Heinlien, one of my favorite authors).

Im reading the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman..I`ve just started the third and last book. Quite good.

A Clash of Kings by George RR Martin. I'm hooked

Amazon keeps recommending The Forever War by Joe Haldeman to me so I picked it up at Borders yesterday.