April is for Arthur

[gully_foyle]

Fellow Chronites,

A little reminder that in April we might read a book in honour of Arthur, and raise a glass, and probably raise a glass while reading one of his books. I've found a copy of Fountains of Paradise, which I've never read.

[Connavar]

Im in !

I have read only Childhood's end that i will order one of his other better books to honour him.

[Urlik]

I'm rereading Other Side of the Sky (a collection of short stories including The Star, one of the best SF stories written)

[manephelien]

I was re-reading Tales from Planet Earth when I got the news of his death...

[Razorback]

I was going to start a Clarke right after he died, until I saw you suggestion for a group read in April. I held off, but I’m going to read Childhood’s End as soon as I finish my current read.

[DeepThought]

Me too, going to read Rendezvous with Rama as soon as I'm done with my current read.

Cheers, DeepThought

[MBPub]

I am sure Arthur will be meeting the Big G. Hope he finds out which of the 'nine billion names' to use

[Razorback]

Oops! I meant The Songs of Distant Earth. I’ve already read Childhood’s End. So far, The Songs of Distant Earth is a pretty good read.

[Connavar]

I dont have a clue what of his other books to get.

Is there a hard SF one that shows why he is seen as the legend he was ?

Im asking since i dont have any of his books right now and have to get something of him.

[manephelien]

2001, A Space Odyssey might be a good place to start. Or Childhood's End, although as has been said it's a bit spotty in that some parts are brilliant and some, well, aren't.

[Razorback]

Rendezvous with Rama is one of his better-known works, with lots of fans. It captured both the Hugo and Nebula awards. I also enjoyed The Fountains of Paradise.

[Ian Whates]

I'd second Razorback's recommendations. Both Rendezvous and Fountains are outstanding books. Mind you, lesser known works such as A Fall of Moondust and The Sands of Mars are also well worth reading.

I've just ordered a copy of the new, signed hardback reissue of Tales from the White Hart from PS Publishing... Can't wait to read those wonderful stories again (and I believe this edition includes a new tale, co-written with Stephen Baxter).

Seems a great way to remember a great writer.

[Connavar]

The Songs of Distant Earth or The Fountains of Paradise it is for me.

Nothing wrong with Rama but those two sounded most interesting to me.

I want to start lighter than with his most famous work.

[gully_foyle]

Sands of Mars is a bit too naive, so it's a bit hard to get into. I found Childhood's End very spotty. Rama is very good. City and the Stars is one of his best. 2001 is one of the great SF novels, regardless of the film. But I think some of his collections really show his talent. The Sentinel is my personal fave. I've started Fountains of Paradise so I'll let you know what I think. (As if I wouldn't.)

[manephelien]

Sands of Mars reads like a juvenile. Nothing wrong with juveniles, but I see what you mean by naive.