What to read in the meantime

[Steve Bates]

No: HPFGUIDX 460

I would recommend C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy (Out of the Silent 
Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength), which I just finished 
reading, having had it recommended to me by a friend (much the same 
thing happened with Harry Potter).  I had already read all of the 
Narnia books (as well as Lewis's Screwtape Letters), and they are 
definitely worth more than a look, too.  Of course, neither of 
Lewis's two fantasy series are "fantasy" in the traditional sense; 
they are often overtly Christian allegory, and focus more on 
characters in the "real" world.  But I reccomend them not just 
because they are fantasy, but because they are such good books.
Of course, the same goes for Lewis's friend Tolkien; if you haven't 
read The Hobbit or Lord of The Rings they should be the top fantasy 
books on your list.
Otherwise I am not much of a fantasy reader, but I think if I find 
the time I wouldn't mind trying some Ursula LeGuin.  Anybody have a 
suggestion as to a good starting place for her writings?