A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

To think that this story is about 100 years old and it is still one of the best sci-fi stories ever told.  Burroughs has created an amazing world on Mars that rivals any world created by George Lucas.  In fact, I see a lot of Star Wars in A Princess of Mars.  The character of John Carter is wonderful, as he is heroic, swashbuckling, yet remarkably human. His quest to marry Martian princess Dejah Thoris drives him across Mars, with the action and adventure of his battles driving the story.  He meets numerous Martian civilizations, befriending people wherever he goes with his derring-do and benevolence.  Burroughs is a little over-the-top with the story, but he always is and makes the story work despite moments where suspension of disbelief is needed.  I suggest that anyone interested in outer space sci-fi stories should start with this one.  It's a great story from one of the 20th century's greatest storytellers.  Don't miss it!