Palecon suggested in another forum that we start a favorite reading list forum.  I like this idea.

I'll begin by suggesting the author Vince Flynn.  His super-spy hero is Mitch Rapp, who in each novel saves the USA from the bad guys - much like Jack Bauer saves the day in the TV series 24.

Vince Flynn's books are just fun to read, and it is best to read them in order.  I've now read the entire series - and anxiously await his next installment.

Excellent suggestion.

The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is that everyone should read or re-read Orwell's "1984".  It is scarily prophetic.  The way things are going, it increasingly seems that Orwell was only off by about 25-30 years.

If you want an “eerily prophetic” book try reading “Will the Soviet Union Survive Until 1984” by Andrei Amalrik.  He predicted a series of events that would cause the collapse of the Soviet Union.  

Amalrik published the book in 1970 just as the Soviet Union was beginning a long climb in perceived strength and power and began its contest with America in earnest.  

Amalrik died in 1980 after having spent years in the Soviet Gulag and exiled to the Netherlands.  

In 1991, The Soviet Union dissolved and the Evil Empire was destroyed after a murderous reign of 74 years in which tens of millions of people were murdered by the vilest men ever to rule a state during this millennium.

I totally agree-read Vince Flynn.  I have also read them all.  I would add Daniel Silva, whose hero is Rapp's Israeli counterpart.  I have read all of his novels, too, and they are spectacular.
If you like authentic historical fiction, pick up the novels of Dorothy Dunnett.  Her two huge series (written in the 1960's, and only now coming to the USA) are the Lymond Chronicles (6 books), and House of Niccolo (7 books).
Carol Kujawa

If you are a Sci-Fi or history fan try looking for anything by Harry Turtledove.  He writes Sci-Fi/Alternate History works that are really great.  I have read almost everything he has written and loved them all.

paleocon wrote:If you are a Sci-Fi or history fan try looking for anything by Harry Turtledove.  He writes Sci-Fi/Alternate History works that are really great.  I have read almost everything he has written and loved them all.

I recommend Heinlein for sci-fi fans.  How does Turtledove compare to the old masters: Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert, etc?  I've been looking for a decent modern day author of either sci-fi or fantasy (it's what I grew up reading) -- I haven't yet found anyone who rocks my boat, and when I go to the book-store, there's so many aouthors I can never choose -- & If I DO choose, I manage to choose.... poorly.

Also, if you've read Frank Herbert's Dune series -- I recommend that you DO NOT read the stuff written by his son.  He's just made a life cashing in on his father's name & creation -- He can't write for sh!t.

Eyas wrote:I recommend Heinlein for sci-fi fans.  How does Turtledove compare to the old masters: Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert, etc?  

Also, if you've read Frank Herbert's Dune series -- I recommend that you DO NOT read the stuff written by his son.  He's just made a life cashing in on his father's name & creation -- He can't write for sh!t.

Turtledove has won a bunch of awards.  Check out more info here.  Is he Asmimov or Heinlein?  No, but I read a dozen of his books in one summer and could hardly put them down.  

I never read the Dune series.  Doubt I ever will at this point.  Didn't know he had a son so it won't be hard to ignore his works.