For the science fiction aficionados, I recommend Nightwings by Robert Silverberg. Short, but thought provoking. Larry Niven fans will want to consider the Man-Kzin Wars series written in collaboration with Jerry Pournelle. The Dune series, as continued by Frank Herbert's son in recent years is masterful tribute to his father as well as fascinating storytelling on a galactic scale. In the manner of the now established Star Wars prequel, Herbert junior spells out in five books the prelude to Dune. Dragons ? Anne McAffrey is the acclaimed goddess of this genre. Not wishing to monopolize the conversation on books, I shall make way for others here.