Bookshelf Badgering: "A Song of Ice and Fire"

I've read a slew of fantasy series in my time, but none has held my curiosity much like the "Song of Ice and Fire" series.

To begin with, I myself have a sordid origin story with it. A few years back a friend let me borrow a copy and I attempted to get through it. I can't say what was happening that distracted me at the time, but I slogged through the story and could not enjoy it.

Then, this summer, I ended up in possession of the first three books in this ongoing saga.

Bookshelf Badgering: the Dresden Files

One of the book series I would recommend hands-down to any of my friends, without question or hesitation, would have to be the Dresden Files. I won't bother explaining individual plots to you but will hit what I like about the series and let you enjoy each story should you pick 'em up.