I just finished reading Ian Fleming's "From Russia with Love"

[dcwjr_73]

What interested me most about this book is that a good portion of it is dedicated to outlining the enemy's plan. The author does not rush, and the characters seem quite natural. This series gets into the gritty aspects of espionage, while still keeping up the excitement.

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[NogDog]

I have not read that one, but I did read a number of his Bond novels back in the day. Anyone who has only seen the movies should give at least one of them a try, just to see how different they are.

[shaunduke]

Having not read any of the original Bond stories/books, would either of you recommend From Russia with Love as a starting point OR one of his other works? I'm a huge fan of the films (especially the modern renditions, which is probably blasphemy...), so I'd be game to give the books a try.

[NogDog]

Having not read any of the original Bond stories/books, would either of you recommend From Russia with Love as a starting point OR one of his other works? I'm a huge fan of the films (especially the modern renditions, which is probably blasphemy...), so I'd be game to give the books a try.

It's been a few decades now, but my fuzzy recollections would lead me to suggest Casino Royale as possibly the best entry point of the handful I've read. (It's definitely not like the Woody Allen/Peter Sellers version. )

[A.G. Richards]

The best of the Bond novels -- to my mind -- has to be On Her Majesty's Secret Service,the one that got filmed with George Lazenby as Bond. But yes, Fleming was a decent writer and the novels are a lot better than you'd imagine . He certainly was not a hack.

[dcwjr_73]

I would start with Casino Royale, and not just because it's the first. That book really set up the series and introduces the character.

[Dan_Oakley]

I read the Bond books a few years ago and was surprised how different they were in tone to the movies. I loved the opening scene of Diamonds are Forever when Fleming describes a scorpion. No idea why but that stuck with me! I really enjoyed the books. They were fast-paced and well-written.

[P.W.JORDAN]

Hi, although the movies were a staple growing up it was a long time before I starting picking up Flemings books. Different times etc but the inspiring thing to me was that Casino Royale wasn't out until he was 44yo. Gave me the kickstart to write.
I've worked my way through the books and my two cents on the thread, MOONRAKER, it was just so different to what I expected. Also LIVE AND LET DIE. They are all nostalgic of the times.

[Shaohao]

I have not read that one, but I did read a number of his Bond novels back in the day. Anyone who has only seen the movies should give at least one of them a try, just to see how different they are.

Would you like to elaborate on main differences between the books and the movie franchise? I have just seen the movies, except the newest once as I just do not like them. But classic Bonds are fantastic! My favorite Bond is Sean Connery.

[JohnHansen]

Some of the differences, as I see them:
Bond is more vulnerable. He gets hurt a lot. He is afraid, so much that throws uo out of fear a couple of times. He is occasional delusional, and has a more strained relation to the service.
Bond's humour is closer to Daniel Craig's Bond than to the other Bonds. That is to say, virtually non-existing.
There is less action in the books. When I reread some of the novels a while ago, that surprised me. Not to say that there aren't any at all.
The books have wonderful descriptions of persons and places. The opening of From Russia With Love is in my view some of the best.

I would also recommend Moonraker and From Russia With Love, and also Dr. No. If you want to read James Bond books written by other than Flemming I recommend the two my Anthony Horowhitch (I hope the rumours of a third is true!)

[Roger Cave]

I love most of the original Bond novels, they can be dated in some areas, but the stories are usually good. I agree with John Hansen above, the character is probably closer to Craig's version of Bond, and he is cruel as well s having a darker sense of humor.

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