Music, Movie and Book Recommendations
Recommended books:
Douglas Adams:
- The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Much like Red Dwarf, many are put off by the idea of a sci-fi comedy. But Do Not Panic!: Douglas Adams had a fantastic sense of humor. You don’t need to enjoy science fiction to enjoy his work.
Vernor Vinge:
- A Fire Upon The Deep
- A Deepness in the Sky
- The Witling
- Rainbows End
Some of Vinge’s books, such as A Fire Upon The Deep and A Deepness in the Sky, were difficult for me to get through the first time. Nevertheless, you must not miss these – they are packed with novel concepts. Not everything he imagines will come to pass, but I am awed by his visions of the future.
Robert Heinlein:
- Variable Star (with Spider Robinson)
- Citizen of the Galaxy
- Tunnel in the Sky
- Sixth Column, also titled The Day After Tomorrow (if you can ignore the racial bias)
In my opinion, Heinlein is very hit-or-miss. I frequently re-read certain novels, such as the Heinlein juveniles. Others are not at all enjoyable for me. If you’ve already read a Heinlein and hated it, give one of the above a try before giving up on him.
Frederick Pohl – The Heechee Saga
- Gateway
- Beyond the Blue Event Horizon
- Heechee Rendezvous
- The Annals of the Heechee
- Gateway Trip (not a proper member of the series – contains short stories)
Recommended movies:
- The Fountain
- Leon – The Professional (The international version is best)
- Run Lola Run
- The Matrix
- The Boondock Saints