The Pillars of the Earth question

Pillars of the Earth definitely. Classic reading. Read it twice, and it's huge so I know what I am talking about :). I am reading Clash of Kings now which is slightly more interesting than its predecessor... The only reason I am reading the GoT series is purely because of hype - I am ashamed to admit it!

I loved Pillars of the Earth! I read all of the GOT books and liked those too, however, it is an investment of time to read all of the GOT books. GOT is more fantasy and the PIllars is historical fiction so the generes I feel are completely different. I also enjoyed World Without End!

If you haven't read LOTR, read that first. Then read A Song of Ice and Fire (GOT). Then watch the HBO version and lastly read POE. Just my two cents CAD.

Only if you are nuts for architecture. Some really horrible stuff happens and the book is a huge time commitment. Have you read Fall of Giants? I preferred it.

Great answers from everyone - these are both great books. It took me two tries to get into Pillars of the Earth - the opening scenes in the forest just about did me in. But the second time I finally got into the story. Game of Thrones is a love or or hate it proposition. Either you love intricate stories and lots of death and mayhem or you don't. GofT is best enjoyed when you can commit three straight months to reading it. If you ever put it down, you'll never be able to keep the cast of characters straight. The HBO series of GofT apparently is one of those rare productions that stays surprisingly true to the original book. Either way, you'll be set for months of dastardly characters and rich plot!

Having read both - I suggest Pillars of the Earth in book form and if you are old enough watch game of thrones on hbo. Follet's a better novel writer at least in his cathedral books. Got is written with a screenplay in mind - very exciting story and savory characters but mediocre writing. Got is five books at least - Pillars can be a stand alone book. You don't have to read World without End.