If anyone is into non-fiction, I recommend Out of Control by Kevin Kelly. It's one of the most thought-provoking books I've ever read, and I've read it several times. The book can be had for free in various electronic formats on the author's website.

It's hard to describe what the book is about. It deals with many different subjects, such as biology, ecology, economy, cryptography, AI, robotics and others, but the central idea is an exploration of complex systems, how they work and how they evolve by bootstrapping new functionality into themselves.

Every time I read this book, I get the urge to try and program an Artificial Life simulation. So far, I haven't managed to actually begin the work, but every time I read the book, a few more details fall into place in my mind.

After that look into Neil Gaiman's stuff. There's some real gold in there. The Sandman series is a given, but some of his lesser known stuff like Signal to Noise and Violent Cases are no less brilliant. Backed by outstanding artwork too.

Love Sandman series. But I'll look into those stuff. Again, thanks very much.

If there are any people here who never read H.P. Lovecraft, there's no better time than RIGHT THIS MOMENT! Also, keep in mind that H.P. Lovecraft died a long time ago, and the copyright expired so you can get it for free, legally, of the internet.

Lovecraft is one of those big names I always wished to like, but I just couldn't. Wich book would you recommend? I only read The Dunwich Horror years ago and it was... well... pretty boring.

I recommend you start with Dagon, which is pretty short, then move to Call of Cthulhu and Mountains of Madness. After that, onward to "The Colour from Outer Space". You just started with the wrong one :)

Thanks Licurg, I'll give them a try once I get more free time.

Terry Pratchett's 'Discworld' series is a must, but I couldn't help but imagine that most people have read them already

I have a soft spot for cheesey throwaway novels, and the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher fit that quite nicely. Urban fantasy for grown-ups.

Of course, slightly younger readers of urban fantasy might enjoy the Skullduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy. For those who have outgrown Harry Potter and aren't quite ready for Clive Barker yet :)

For graphic novels, try volumes 1 and 2 of 'The Ultimates' by Mark Millar. But not volume 3. Pretend volume 3 doesn't exist, because for most of us it really doesn't.

I have just been reading John Scalzi's Old Man's War Universe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Scalzi#Old_Man.27s_War_universe

I loved them; maybe because they are great but maybe because I haven't read many sci-fi books lately.

Also The Emberverse series by S.M. Stirling. I am a sucker for all things post-apocalyptic. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emberverse_series#Novels_and_short_stories

Just wanted to mention that there is also a complete fantasy series (meaning whole fantasy world not mixed with reality) from Jim Butcher which is quite good: The Codex of Alera

I've seen the Codex Alera books around, but since I'm moving to a Kindle-oriented reading model, I'm trying to balance my desire for books against Amazon's ridiculous assertion that a digital file can exist in hardback and therefore demand hardback prices, and that no matter how old a paperback book is in digital format it'll still cost me £5 - even while they'll themselves sell me the physical paperback edition for less than a quid. Including postage.

Really good book, but let me say a warning. You will need patience since there are only two books of the series published at the moment and planned are 5 books for the complete series. And since it is a good series you will end up checking the authers hp often just in hope of some news of release :D

Bizarro books are totally awesome; I think people would love them if they knew about them.

http://bizarrocentral.com/

I'm actually on my way to the library to pick up "Mein Kampf".

The "Sandman Slim" series by Richard Kadrey is great.

The Black Company series by Glen Cook.

Michael J. Sullivan's series (Theft of Swords, etc.)