If you could recommend just ONE book or book series...

a reply to: Learningman

Oh no, I love Tolkien. I started reading them when I was nine. I've read the Hobbit, LotR, and The Silmarillion. The Silmarillion is the only one that felt like history--kinda like reading The Illiad. Not my favorite, but I appreciate the complexity and thoroughness of the stories and lore. I'm a Tolkien geek

Thanks everyone for the replies/suggestions. I've been reading the last few days and finished another Jane Austen. That makes three this year. I'll post the other books I pick from this list as I read them.

a reply to: kosmicjack

The Area 51 series. It introduced me to the ancient aliens concept. Really fun read.

a reply to: Krazysh0t

I know it's woo to some but I love that stuff and it makes sense to me, to an extent. I'll try to get to it.

a reply to: kosmicjack
Are you getting overwhelmed by suggestions yet? Is your head spinning with titles?

a reply to: Skid Mark

There are no doubt a lot. I'm going to look into each suggestion (because someone who is part of a group I admire is passionate about it) and pick the ones that appeal to me based on that and member comments.

Any of Bill Bryson's travel book if you want to belly laugh whilst learning.

You will not have lived a full life if you have not read some of Harlan Ellison's work. He mainly writes short stories. Amazing mind. Very trippy stories.

The Iron Druid Chronicles is a fun read. *shrug*

I can't even finish the Jane Austins, I'm through four books and I my speech and manner of talking is all #ed up. lol! I'm going to pick another list from the suggestions here and let you guys know what's next.

a reply to: kosmicjack

Like as if you don't have enough books to read already, I'm going to add yet another book series I think you'd really enjoy:

The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon

If you think reading Jane Austen books has you speaking proper english tongue (I too love reading the classics)... just wait until you read a bunch of books written in Scottish dialect !

It actually took me a few chapters before I could even understand what they were saying. The next thing you know, I'm reading/thinking (in my mind) in a strong Scottish accent... all the while laughing at myself.

Pure genius the way she wrote those books.


Lang may yer lum reek, lass !




... Sean Connery, eat your heart out babe.

a reply to: kosmicjack

I can't even finish the Jane Austins, I'm through four books and I my speech and manner of talking is all #ed up.

You should watch several seasons of Doctor Who all day for weeks. I still have the occasional urge to shout "OY!" at people. Before, it was nearly unstoppable.

a reply to: CranialSponge

Someone else mentioned that and I also saw it at the store today. Seems intriguing. Historical AND Sci Fi.

a reply to: Skid Mark

dying to be me by anita moorjani....it is a good read and opens the mind to other then mainstream NDE's

a reply to: seekingpeace

In my life, NDE means Non-Destructive Entry. It's my specialisation as a locksmith.

What does it mean for you?

ETA: Apologies. My brain is in work mode. Paradigm shifting for change of venue revealed your true meaning. Disregard this message.

Books by Ian Banks, particularly if they're part of The Culture series.

Start with The Player of Games. It's good ~and~ it has a cool title.

I think our esteemed ATS member, Jim Marrs books need a mention. They should be required reading for all CT.
Especially...."The Rise of the Forth Reich"


and our namesake....."Above Top Secret" sets the stage for everything CT.

a reply to: kosmicjack

I am knowledgeable, curious, alternative minded, deep thinking and sometimes brave. I groke you might like any book by Robert A. Heinlein!

Edgar Rice Burroughs writes old style, well he wrote 100 years ago. Get away from Tarzan and John Carter and he has some really good stories.

en.wikipedia.org...

The Outlaw of Torn was my fav.