[asimovian]

And please expound on it. What did you think of it ? Did it change something in your outlook on life ? Etc.
I would mostly welcome replies from readers with substantial reading experience.

[Solaar]

You know, I'm 26 years old and it wasn't until last year that I read The Foundation Series by Asimov.

I'd spent ignorant years avoiding the man because I believed a report which read that his books were boring.

It taught me to trust my own taste and not that of a critic - I LOVED the series!

Solaar
apologising to Asimov for taking so damn long...

[hariseldon]

well, what can i say...just look at my nickname

the Foundation series is really fantastic...i like the first 3 novels in the series best of all

Asimov was really an amazing writer...a writing style that is not too complicated, he still says so much in so little words...a great read every time...

but as always, it's hard to point out the best novel (in your personal opinion)...lots of other novels are very high up the ladder as well...but since you asked for only one, Foundation it is : great story, nice characters and lots of interaction, easy to read...it's got it all

[Crazy Eddie]

The Forever War. I love this book so much, it changed SF from an interest to an obssesion for me. The story is so cleanly written even after 10+ readings it's still a joy to read.

[Raisuli]

My personal favourite is still 'Gateway'.
It conveys an equal sense of wonder and horror and it is the most intense novel I've read. It balances perfectly the outerspace and human elements of the story. Pohl's economical writing style suits the story precisely.

[Kamakhya]

Dang, it is nearly impossible to say what is the best sci-fi book I ever read. Perhaps the most influential for me was The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin. I first read it as a young teen. I was quite the little idealist back then and was really moved by LeGuin's portrayal of anarchsm vs. capitalism. I also found her portrayal of the cultures and characters so real and believable that I was in awe. I still do. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

Kamakhya

[Cadfael]

OMG this is hard... there are so many!!

Robert Heinlin's (sp?), 'Time Enough For Love'... is one that immediatly springs to mind.... along with his 'A Stranger In a Strange Land'

But I am sure I can come up with a load more... but to narrow it down to one.... oh boy!!!

[LePeze]

This is an easy one for me. Dune.
No further comment needed.

[Loque]

Ender's game by OS Card

[Matrim]

"Hyperion" tetralogy by Dan Simmons.Amazing!