>Call me a Philistine. If I reduced Dune to one word, it wouldn't be >"classic" it would be "ponderous". I've never understood the fuss about it >and I couldn't even make myself read half of the first sequel before I just >skipped to the last chapter then put it away forever. With apologies to the >Herbert fans, my personal opinion is that Dune and its offspring have a lot >more in common with Star Wars-style space opera than it does with most good >science fiction. Different strokes, I guess. >I wouldn't neccesarily call any particular Zelazny classic either (though >Lord of Light comes close). However, I've enjoyed pretty much every Zelazny >story I've read. Crossroads was the only one that left me with the "why did >I bother" feeling. If _Lord of Light_ isn't considered a classic, the word needs to be retired as irrelevant. Other classics would have to be _A Rose for Ecclesiastes_, _Doorways in the Sand_, and the _Home is the Hangman_ trilogy of stories. I loved _Roadmarks_, though I read it more as a contemporary fantasy than sci-fi, and was thus not disappointed. The ideas were really out-there and the movitations of the "bad guy" ultimately made perfect sense. It was a fun read. Johne Cook Wisconsin, USA _________________________________________________________________ Looking to buy a house? Get informed with the Home Buying Guide from MSN House & Home. http://coldwellbanker.msn.com/