Books on the Nightstand discussion

Any suggestions on where to start with reading Terry Brooks? I am interested in reading one of his novels after listening to him on a TED talk. I only occasionally read from the fantasy genre. He has written so many different series- I'm not sure where to start.
Maggie

I read The Sword of Shannara when I was a teenager. It was pretty good, but very derivative of Tolkien.

I recommend Tolkien himself, Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun or George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. All great, but all different.

My son is trying to get me to read Patrick Rothfuss. I probably will do so very soon.

Eric wrote: "My son is trying to get me to read Patrick Rothfuss. I probably will do so very soon."

For some reason I am very surprised that you haven't read Patrick Rothfuss. It's wonderful stuff.

I tried listening to the first book twice and for some reason I cant get interested.

I tried listening to the first book twice and for some reason I cant get interested.

I never tried reading the Shannara books, but liked the first few in his Magic Kingdom for Sale series.

I've read most of the Shannara books - I think the place to start is where he started - with Sword of Shannara. If that doesn't end up being your cup of tea - try the Magic Kingdom of Landover series; it's set in a different universe.

One of my first books was but the spine broke and it was torn in half(maybe the sword did it). I might download to finally read it. The book had this wonderful cover.

I recently decided to read one of his novels as well and my local library only had the Dark Legacy of Shannara trilogy available on audio, so I went with that. Just finished the first book over the weekend and had no problem tracking characters or storylines from the prior series. I enjoyed it well enough that I downloaded the second. I will warn you that it is a true trilogy - the story does not end with book one. Don't know if you are looking to commit to three books, so that may be a consideration.

I remember reading the Sword of Shannara as a kid, too. I also read several after that. I think the first one (Sword) was good, but goes on a bit longer than it needs to. The subsequent books seemed like a pleasurable rehash--more of the same. I probably wouldn't go back to it as an adult.

I've seen Patrick Rothfuss on Acquisitions, Inc (a deep nerd reference there) and need to read a book of his! Not to hijack this thread, but does anyone have a recommendation on where to start with him?

John wrote: "I remember reading the Sword of Shannara as a kid, too. I also read several after that. I think the first one (Sword) was good, but goes on a bit longer than it needs to. The subsequent books seeme..."

The Name of the Wind! It will break your foot if you drop it, but I couldn't put it down once I started.

Thanks, Dawn!