One of the great ones has passed

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This evening, I came home to the news that my absolute favorite author, Arthur C. Clarke had died.  I have been an avid reader or Mr. Clarke since I was 12.  That year, I first picked up a copy of '2001: A Space Odyssey".  From the start, I was hooked.  Now, 26 years later, I have re-read '2001' at least 20 times (yes, I really do average almost once per year) and have devoured almost everything I have gotten my hands on.  I am, in fact, currently in the middle of 'Firstborn' (co-written by Stephen Baxter). 

While it is very difficult to create a list of his essential books, some of my favorites are:

  1. 2001: A Space Odyssey
  2. Childhood's End
  3. Songs of Distant Earth
  4. The Ghost of the Grand Banks
  5. Fountains of Paradise
  6. Hammer of God

Tonight, I'm going to stay up late, finish 'Firstborn' and grab one of my many copies of '2001' and start reading.  I'll likely have my DVD of the movie playing as well.

Mr. Clarke, you will be greatly missed.  Thanks for the legacy of great books.  You made me a hard core reader 26 years ago, and I remain one to this day.  I'll enjoy your work for life.

-- DK