I would recommend starting with 'Aye, and Gomorrah...'. It's relatively short but packs a powerful punch. It gives you a taste of Delany's ability to create unique futures and explore complex social and personal themes, especially those related to gender and sexuality. It's a great introduction to his writing style.
If you like stories with a more philosophical bent, 'Time Considered as a Helix of Semi - Precious Stones' could be a good starting point. It's not overly long and it immediately immerses you in Delany's mind - bending ideas about time and how it relates to our lives and relationships. You'll get to experience his rich use of language and imaginative settings.
You might also consider starting with 'Driftglass'. It has an engaging plot that draws you in right from the start. With its post - apocalyptic setting and the focus on human survival and exploration, it shows Delany's range as a writer. It's a story that can be easily accessible to new readers of his work while still being full of his characteristic depth.
You could start with 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It's very well - known and gives you a good taste of Lovecraft's style. There are these cults, a really big and scary monster, and a lot of mystery. It sets the tone for a lot of his other works too. You'll quickly get a sense of his use of the unknown and the cosmic to create horror.
Another option is 'Crossing the Sierra de Gredos'. It's a more recent work that showcases Handke's continued evolution as a writer. The descriptions of the journey and the characters' interactions are very engaging, and it gives you a taste of his later - stage writing which is still as thought - provoking as ever.
I'd recommend starting with 'A Cold Day in Paradise'. It gives you a good taste of Hamilton's writing style. It has a strong sense of place, set in the wintry landscapes of Michigan, and the characters are well - developed. You'll quickly get hooked on his storytelling.
I'd recommend starting with 'The Forgotten Dream'. It's relatively easy to get into and gives you a good sense of Rajesh Kumar's writing style. It has elements of mystery and a touch of romance, which makes it an interesting read for a wide range of audiences.
You could start with 'Coyote'. It has a very strong premise and the world - building is excellent right from the start. You'll quickly be drawn into the story of the colonists and their struggles on a new planet. Plus, the characters are well - developed and interesting, which makes it a great entry point.
You could start with 'The Body'. It's a coming - of - age story with King's signature touch of the macabre. It follows a group of boys on a journey to find a dead body, and it delves into themes of friendship, growing up, and mortality. It also has a very relatable and engaging narrative that will draw you into King's world.
Another option is 'Black Cherry Blues'. It's part of the Dave Robicheaux series, and starting with this one would let you jump right into the action. The writing is engaging, and you'll quickly get a sense of Burke's talent for creating a vivid and often dark world in his novels.
I'd recommend starting with 'Cloud Atlas'. It gives you a good taste of Mitchell's unique narrative structure. You'll be plunged into different eras and storylines that will keep you hooked from the start. Plus, the movie adaptation is also quite well - known, so it can be interesting to compare the two.
I would recommend starting with 'The Lincoln Lawyer'. It gives you a great taste of Connelly's writing style, especially his ability to create a vivid and interesting legal thriller. The character of Mickey Haller is so well - developed that you'll be immediately drawn into his world.
One of the highly regarded Samuel Delany short stories is 'Aye, and Gomorrah...'. It's a thought - provoking piece that delves into themes of identity, sexuality, and the human condition in a future - scaped world. The unique narrative voice and the exploration of complex ideas make it stand out among his works.