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[hermes]

Anyone who cares about this probably already knows, but the BEST science fiction writer, Iain Banks, has been diagnosed with inoperable gall bladder cancer.  He says he has but a few months to live.  I'd encourage anyone who has appreciated his work and who hasn't already done so to go to the site set up to hear from Iain and to leave your message to him.

http://friends.banksophilia.com

[Scoops Novel]

Thank you for this. I'll make sure to read his books as soon as i can.

[Vattic]

I've not long been reading his stuff, but have enjoyed it thoroughly. It will be sad to see him go.

[Xantalos]

Culture man? Dammit!
Thank you for thread.

[Scoops Novel]

I did not know that! Damn.

[Mictlantecuhtli]

He died a few weeks ago, which I just found out unfortunately, but I'd like to mention the London memorial walk [Finishing at the Hope and Anchor pub!] was yesterday. Anyone attend? I know we've got some Londoners at B12.

Also: Iain Banks discussion thread. I ordered The Bridge since it sounds like one great novel. Wasp Factory sounds a bit visceral for me but I could try it, especially since I have a thing for always making sure I read an author's first work. But the real dipping of my toes will be the Cultures series, one I've never read before despite seeing it around forever. I ordered the entire set online this weekend and plan on reading it this summer in tribute.

[MonkeyHead]

I discovered his work around the year 2000/2001 through a fellow geek, and in the space of 18 months bought and read everything he had written up to that point. Since then I have obtained each new release. I am about to finish The Hydrogen Sonata (last Culture novel) and start The Quarry (last novel full stop). It will be a very painful moment closing the cover once finished.

He died a few weeks ago, which I just found out unfortunately, but I'd like to mention the London memorial walk [Finishing at the Hope and Anchor pub!] was yesterday. Anyone attend? I know we've got some Londoners at B12.

Also: Iain Banks discussion thread. I ordered The Bridge since it sounds like one great novel. Wasp Factory sounds a bit visceral for me but I could try it, especially since I have a thing for always making sure I read an author's first work. But the real dipping of my toes will be the Cultures series, one I've never read before despite seeing it around forever. I ordered the entire set online this weekend and plan on reading it this summer in tribute.

Whatever you do, read them in the order he wrote them to avoid some teasing spoilers and giveaways.

[Vattic]

Whatever you do, read them in the order he wrote them to avoid some teasing spoilers and giveaways.

I started with Use of Weapons because a friend bought it me. Having read a few more now I certainly wouldn't have chosen to start with it. If I was to suggest the series to someone I might pick Player of Games (the second) rather than Consider Phlebas as it's shorter, doesn't spoil anything, and is, I thought, better written.

[hermes]

I adore the Culture series, but am ashamed to say I have never read any of Iain's non-sci find stuff.  Recommended?  Start at the wasp factory?

[Nightscar982]

I think I might add this to my list of stuff to do/read, after Wheel of time and watching GoT

[palsch]

I adore the Culture series, but am ashamed to say I have never read any of Iain's non-sci find stuff.  Recommended?  Start at the wasp factory?

I've only read a few bits myself, but I remember The Business being very close to his SF, just set in the real world, so if you want to be eased in gently. The Wasp Factory is diving in the deep end. I remember reading Complicity, or rather remember some of the murder scenes as the kind of thing that sticks in a teenage mind and refuse to leave.

[MonkeyHead]

Complicity is a good start. So would be Dead Air, Whit, The Steep Approach to Garbdale or Stonemouth. You will need to work your way up to the crazy world that are books like The Bridge, Walking on Glass, Feersum Enjin or Wasp Factory though - they are a bit full on until you get used to Banks' style.

[Siquo]

Now Canal Dreams, that one was Visceral (with a capital V). The Wasp Factory is very nice, as is The Bridge and The Business (the most... rational/realistic of them all).

I really need to read his SF-stuff, though.

[Vattic]

I enjoyed Stonemouth, on the radio admittedly, but have otherwise only read The Wasp Factory of his non-SF. I keep hearing it was controversial, while it is very violent I don't understand why it caused controversy.

[GalenEvil]

I started with Use of Weapons as well, then went back and started reading the series at the beginning. The Culture is on my ToDo list of books to read all the way up to the end. I just finished reading Excession a week ago and itching to start the next one. Just need to find a copy of it! Will have to go trawl through the internet bookstores I think unless I get lucky with my local bookstore later this week