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:

• The Witling
• Rainbows End
• A Fire Upon The Deep
• A Deepness in the Sky

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

Recommended music: