"Well, I have most of a century worth of books to catch up on. I don't think I have any recommendations more recent than the Lord of the Rings." It's a weird thing, going to war after reading the Hobbit, a cute children's fantasy about a little guy who goes on an adventure. Come back and find out the story goes into the horrors of war.

"Just getting to Ursula Le Guin."

It's a pretty mild answer, all things considered.

"Anything I should check out?"