Reading chronologically

[Reece]

This is less of a discussion and more of a question. I bought Surface Detail on a whim because I wanted to read more Sci Fi, but the cover didn't state that it was part of a series :( Is it the kind of series that requires reading all the books in order or can I just treat it as a stand alone?

[Michele]

You can read it as a stand alone. On the other hand, the Culture series is so beautiful you HAVE TO read it all :).
You can begin with Consider Phlebas.
Iain M. Banks is one of the best, perhaps the best modern sci-fi writer.

[Reece]

Thank you! I wish I had picked up the first book but if I can read it as a stand alone I'll try this one and If I like it, read the series from the beginning :)

[Michele]

Good reading, and let me know if you like it. Sorry for my English, I'm Italian :)

[Locke]

I have particularly enjoyed reading Banks' culture novel, I wish he had written more of them and really WISHED that he had written some on the PoV on one of the council races. There was an article I've read or a post somewhere that Earth was not the source of the Human race but just a part of and they just joined in. well I'm waiting for Hydrogen Sonata to be released here on my country and I'll buy on the first day! (Working at a book store).