Fantasy

David Eddings
    Has written several series. My favorite is the Belgariad (and yes I do own all five books). They really aren't that large but the characters are well written and the plot is extremely entertaining.

Patricia C. Wrede
    Wrote a series of four books titled the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. Yes, I am well aware that these novels are classified as Young Adult. What can I say? I know what I like. The titles are in this order: Dealing with Dragons, Searching For Dragons, Calling On Dragons and Talking With Dragons. Rather enjoyable series.

J.R.R. Tolkien
    Surprisingly, my favourite is not Lord of the Rings. It is actually the Hobbit. Directed at children (while Lord of the Rings was directed at adults) is the prequel to the LOTR. This book is about Bilbo and his adventures. I would suggest that children read this book before LOTR to help them understand who some of the people in the LOTR are.

Piers Anthony
    The Xanth Series. Although they are very good, the series itself is extremely long and takes a very long time to read. Generally, the entire Xanth series is actually seperated into smaller series of trilogies.

Terry Brooks
    Actually, all of his series are very good. I would personally read them in chronological order because in later series characters and objects come back. Reading the earlier series gives his characters more depth and the reader better understanding of what is happening.

J.K. Rowling
    Harry Potter Series. Enough said. I have read all of her books released thus far and am waiting for the last one.

Music

    I really like all sorts of music. It would be way too hard just to choose one. I like classical, musicals, soundtracks from movies. Not really all that much into heavy metal but do enjoy some punk covers of some songs. I also like MoTown (Aretha Franklin totally rocks).