This is not in order of preference. I like all these books and their authors.
- The Chrysalids by John Wyndham was my introduction to science fiction. I read the rest of his books with equal fascination and admiration.
- The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov but he also wrote so many other stories that I enjoyed.
- 2001 by Arthur C. Clarke. Like the previous two, he wrote so many great books. Someday I will reread them once I have finished all the ones I now have to read. These are the writers who inspired and influenced me the most. If I could come anywhere near emulating them, I would be happy.
- Lord of the Rings by Tolkien. Overwritten but still wonderful. Read it several times.
- The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. Again overwritten but such a sweeping series.
- Catch 22 by Kurt Vonnegut who turned me onto fiction and humour.
- The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams who further showed me the value of humour.
- The Neanderthal Parallax / The Hominids Trilogy by Rob Sawyer. This is what-if fiction at its best with lots of science to back it up. He has many other great books.
- Beneath Vaulted Hills by Sean Russell. The first book in the River into Darkness trilogy—excellent fantasy.
- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. This is storytelling as good as it gets.
Alex Binkley 