What’s jumping out to me is that he’s just reading the first books in the series? He’ll read Hitchhiker’s Guide but then not read The Restaurant at the End of the Universe? He’s reading just Foundation and Dune too? At least follow through my dude. It’ll add so much more intellectual points if you can stray a little from the beaten path.
He’s reading the 2nd book of the Culture series, so maybe already read the first one.
Maybe, though most recommendations I’ve heard is to skip the first book, Consider Phlebas, and start with Player of Games. Admittedly I haven’t read either.
I’ve only read Consider Phlebas, and it was pretty good. I think the reason someone would tell you to skip it is that it’s narratively detached from the other books.