I just saw Stalker a few days ago, and I was told it is inspired by one small part of a novel called Roadside Picnic (Пикник на обочине) by the Strugatsky brothers. What I know of the plot sounds very interesting.

I hear there is also a book based on Tarkovsky's film, called Zona, which is also supposed to be quite good. I fully intend to read both. But I wanted to mention it here to see if one of you were familiar with the books.

Edit: I was directed to this this morning. It seems the Strugatsky/Tarkovsky combination is aiming to spread across all the boards of RAFO. I look forward to the inevitable WoT tie-in.