I love books. They make me laugh, cry, love, hate, despise, adore, take pride, envy, learn, and more. The amount of knowledge I've gathered from books is something I will be always proud, and I would be a sadder person if I hadn't met David Brin, JRR Tolkien, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Tom Clancy, Neal Stephenson, Rachel Pollack, Vernor Vinge, Stephen Coonts, Douglas Adams, Isaac Asimov, Phillip K. Dick, Sharon Lee, Anne Rice, Margaret Weis, Agatha Christie, Frank Gruber, oh, so many authors who with their words have transformed worlds!

This is a very short bibliography of the books and authors that made me. I don't even pretend that this is complete, for it could never be. Many influences upon my existence have been swept away by the winds of time and memory, their lingering seed blossoming onto my consciousness. That is their gift, and for all the known and unknown authors, born and unborn, I give my undying gratitude.

Go to Amazon or your favorite bookstore and look up these authors. Any book from their hands is worthy of your attention. I'll just list the few most memorable.

To Douglas Adams, 1952-2001: So long, and thanks for all the fish

If you have never read Douglas Adams, you are a Vogon. If you don't know what a Vogon is, go read "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". It's absolutely the most astonishing book you will ever read, and it will explain to you in no uncertain terms why Altavista's online translator is called babelfish. If you haven't read it yet, go read it, now! Don't panic, don't forget your towel, and 42 to you too. %-)

A Userfriendly tribute, by Illiad

Douglas adams, oh smith of words,
and humour soft yet manic
we thank you much for all the fish,
and advice that we not panic

Space is big, you once had stated
a point we'd not dispute.
But space is not as big as say,
the rib pains you made acute

And so it comes to this dear sir.
But we'll see you again
When we meet for tea and crumpets as
we watch the universe end

To J.R.R. Tolkien: You made the worlds, you dreamt of gods and mortals, and forever shall we remember thy gifts of honor, courage and friendship.

There are no words worthy of praise to the works of Tolkien. Indeed, his words echo through the ages and leave an indelible mark upon those who read them. "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" are gifts of this man to mankind, and are rated among the best works of the 20th century. There are no books like these, and poor are they who do not have the privilege of reading and living the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo in Middle-Earth.

To Marion Zimmer-Bradley - 2001: Writing of Arthur, of Troy and Celts, you opened the door to the misteries of an era long gone and worthy of remembrance, praise and, perhaps (who can say) recovery.

"Mists of Avalon", "Firebrand" and a host of other books gave me the first glimpse of a world of magic and mistery, where women had power, commanded, were not just toys made up for the story. This was the first version of Arthur's story that I read, so it for me this one always felt more real than the movies and books that I later came in contact with. Marion has a way of presenting myths with a truly personal, real touch, and Firebrand is no exception, being her depiction of the Trojan story. A must for everyone.

David Brin

I have read (almost, 1 or 2 missing) everything that this man has ever written. Starting with "The Uplift War" and "Earth", going on to the "Practice Effect", every book is a discovery of something new in the universe. Have you seen "The Postman", with Kevin Costner? David wrote it. I heartily recommend this author.