[Long Cut]

Thanks for the advice. I just finished reading The Lord Of The Rings trilogy again, I'm in the middle of The Silmarillion right now and I've got two more books (both non-fiction) on my "to read" shelf, but I'll give your suggestions a look. I cannot pass up so enthusiastic an endorsment!

[PatrickHenry]

Lord Of The Rings is fantasy. All you've been exposed to is sci-fi and fantasy. Millions love the stuff, so I'm not knocking it. But you seem to get a kick out of having your imagination stimulated. Genuine SF is the way to go.