This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on November 23, 2005). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
The Guardian UK ran a survey voting for the top 20 geek novels written since 1932, and in ‘net meme tradition, here’s the list with those I’ve read in bold.
- The HitchHiker’s Guide to the Galaxy — Douglas Adams
- Nineteen Eighty-Four — George Orwell
- Brave New World — Aldous Huxley
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? — Philip K Dick
- Neuromancer — William Gibson
- Dune — Frank Herbert
- I, Robot — Isaac Asimov
- Foundation — Isaac Asimov
- The Colour of Magic — Terry Pratchett
- Microserfs — Douglas Coupland
- Snow Crash — Neal Stephenson
- Watchmen — Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
- Cryptonomicon — Neal Stephenson
- Consider Phlebas — Iain M Banks
- Stranger in a Strange Land — Robert Heinlein
- The Man in the High Castle — Philip K Dick
- American Gods — Neil Gaiman
- The Diamond Age — Neal Stephenson
- The Illuminatus! Trilogy — Robert Shea & Robert Anton Wilson
- Trouble with Lichen — John Wyndham
13 out of 20…65%. Not bad, but I could do better. Time to add to the ever-growing reading list!
You really need to read Neuromancer. It’s one of my top 5 favorite novels of all time by far.
OK, so now I feel nerdy… I’ve read every single one of those!
You really should read Neuromancer. In fact, I’ve got a copy of it that I am most of the way done reading and could probably send your way sooner or later. Want it?
I could go for that, Robert. Drop me an e-mail and we’ll figure out the details. Thanks!
11/20. I’m actually surprised I never read Trouble With Lichen, because in high school I hit a bit of a John Wyndham phase… Although the Midwich Cuckoos was the last one I read, and it was a bit much for my poor little 14 year old mind. :)