I love "favorite" lists, and the best of all are Favorite Books. But they do seem to obligate a two cents response. So mine: Back in my rampant Sci-Fi days - beginning in High School - almost 60 years ago, I was priviliged to read the Masters as they appeared. Dune was the first BIG Sci-Fi book I found, and I was ecstatic to see it on the shelf, and even more after reading. I've read every Frank Herbert book there is. Canticle for Leibowitz strained my youthful brain, but it was a stretch I thoroughly loved, even if I can't remember anything about it today. Except the title. I always LOVED the title, in fact drawing on it in the literary novel I am just now completing. Interview With The Vampire made me nauseous, not because of the writing, but all that blood drinking finally got to me. Although I read a bit of Lovecraft, and loved it, I don't recall if I read the particular piece you mentioned. I have not heard of Silence, but it's one of my most very favorite words, so maybe I should check it out. So sorry for this incredibly long response, but you'll always get me with articles about "favorites", books, and favorite books will always get a huge response from me. Thanks!