Foundation's Edge

> mathematical model that can predict the future Read the Robots series and then Foundations Edge and sequels.

No, most (non-pedantic) Asimov fans refer to the first three books (F, F&E, SF - which yes are technically collections of short stories glued together as one) as "the Foundation Trilogy". I do recommend reading the Foundation's Edge and Foundation and Earth, they're worthy sequels to the "trilogy". The Robot novels are also a top read and tie in with the later Foundation books in a satisfying way: - The Caves of Steel - The Naked Sun - The Robots of Dawn - Robots and Empire

A lot of stuff: Asimov's Foundation (I only recommend the trilogy, though; Foundation's Edge is good but will make you want to read Foundation and Earth, which does severe damage to the universe. Haven't read the prequels.) Asimov's short stories Tolkien Ben Hur The Count of Monte Cristo (brilliant revenge story) A lot of Brandon Sanderson's work (The Stormlight Archive is promising to be fascinating) Too long a list of other stuff to put here.