but the [spoiler?] eclipse is such a trope in the sequel that it sort of ruins both books for me.

I would avoid starting with Tintin and the Picaros as well.  While I love the end, the bell bottoms drive me crazy.

Farscape!  (but skip most of the middle of Season 1)

A studebaker?  If you mention any more classic cars I will begin to think that Frank is just an ultra-violent Dirk Pitt.  Next time could he use a tommy gun and/or seduce a UN Secretary General?

Soul Music and Moving Pictures have to go on that "Don't Start list" as well.

Start with the City Watch books and avoid anything involving the witches.

Guards! Guards!
Night Watch
The Fifth Elephant
Jingo
Thief of Time

I always assumed that it was a sign that the "real world" was not actually real.