Iain Banks - diagnosed with terminal cancer

[Halmyre]

Was on holiday on Skye when I heard this, what a damned shame, why do only the best get taken?

[scary]

I heard a lovely story about someone in Tesco's who picked up an Iain Banks book. She was waiting at the check out and got talking to the bloke behind her about the book. Turned out he was Iain Banks and he signed it. Very sad because he comes across as a lovely chap.

Cheers

MTM

[Crook]

His diagnosis is such incredibly sad news.

His account of driving an F1 car is worth a read:

[Trax]

Not sure if anyone follows the updates that Iain blogs, but he recently made an update a few days ago.

Many of you will know he gave up his tasty cars some time ago, and stopped flying to reduce his carbon footprint.

But, in true PH fashion, he has now bought a 6yr old M5, and is currently enjoying hooning around Scotland, with a big grin on his face, and in his words, loving 500hp......

[Gaspode]

Trax said:

Not sure if anyone follows the updates that Iain blogs, but he recently made an update a few days ago.

Many of you will know he gave up his tasty cars some time ago, and stopped flying to reduce his carbon footprint.

But, in true PH fashion, he has now bought a 6yr old M5, and is currently enjoying hooning around Scotland, with a big grin on his face, and in his words, loving 500hp......

That's great to hear, what a top bloke.

[Einion Yrth]

Gone. R. I. P.

[Mojocvh]

Unfortunately it is reported Mr Banks has passed away today.

[Trax]

Rip. I am crying in the restruarant, and I don't care.

[ALawson]

Was just reading an article in the Sunday Times and then saw the news on BBC.

RIP

[Grenoble]

RIP.

Thanks Iain for all of the hours of joyful reading. A toast will be raised tonight.

[DibblyDobbler]

Damn.

[Baron Greenback]

Dam! RIP

[MarshPhantom]

Just heard the news. Awful.

[Champhill]

Just heard. Sad news indeed

Thanks for all the great reads, RIP a great writer and chap

[Lefty]

Great shame. He wouldn't appreciate the RIP's though

[whoami]

A truly great author. Will be missed.

[Schmeeky]

Since I heard the news at the start of April I've been going through all his stories again, with the aim of finishing all his 'M' books before he left us.
I'm writing this in the pub, was just about to start on my last one, Consider Phlebas...

Farewell Sol-Terras Iain El-Bonko Banks of North Queensferry.

[storminnorman]

My brother is a big fan - he's currently in the rainforest and I'd put money on an Iain M. Banks being in his luggage. A very sad loss for Sci-Fi.

[mr_tony]

Great writer. Will read a bit of Raw Spirit later and have a dram. Then I will read Excession. Again.

[Huff]

Hoping GSV Sleeper Service made it in time.

Bugger.