See above, public apology to everyone. Meant to reply to "Stirlitz, the Russian James Bond" specifically. I read most "good" sci fi I can get my heads on. To me it goes something like Stephenson, Vernor Vinge, Gibson, Harry Harrison for the "campy" stuff, Asimov very much in that order, though I know I will be crucified for putting Asimov last. Then there are good one-offs like The Forever War, Ender's Game, the Oumuamua book (whatever the actual title is). I specifically dislike The Three Body problem and the fact that modern Nebula awards can no longer be trusted. Out of historical fantasy, the Merlin Trilogy by Mary Stewart is absolutely amazing, at least as a teenager. Which reminds me that "The Nine Princes in Amber" is horrible. Hopefully someone recommends something.
That's a shame about The Three Body Problem. I have it on my list to read. There's a chance I might like it, of course, but because you said you like The Forever War I think perhaps not.
Where would you start with Neal Stephenson? Have you read Iain M. Banks?
Snow Crash is definitely the place to start with Stephenson, but it's also a bit dated at this point and in many ways seems like his least "visionary" book. Stephenson went very much from a balance of style and substance to the latter over time, and it gets a bit tedious. Anathem and Diamond Age are pretty good too. From there, you will have enough context to figure it out.
As far as The Three Body Problem - it's ok and starts off really strongly, but then just completely falls apart.
I have not read Iain M. Banks, what do you recommend as a start?
There's conflicting advice on where to start with Iain M Banks' Culture novels, but I would personally start with the first - Consider Phlebas - and read the rest in order.
If you like Consider Phlebas, you'll almost certainly love the rest. It's a strange start to the series, not least because it presents the Culture as the antagonists quite explicitly, but it's good for introducing some of the technology. The series as a whole is my favourite series of books, it's remarkable.
