I was thinking of tackling Robert Jordan's 'The Eye of the World' now that an Amazon show is set to come out. Let me know if you'd like a review of that book. Cheers!
Nice write-up on Dune. I liked it when I first read it about 23-24 yrs ago, but I also found it dense, at times, like reading Tolkien's appendices . I've heard the sequels are really good, but I havent forayed there yet. I'd love to hear your review on any of Ursula K Leguin's work, specifically The Dispossessed.
I have been meaning to revisit Le Guin, though. 'The Left Hand of Darkness' is a favorite that I would love to reread. And I hear good things about 'The Lathe of Heaven.'
I will also put 'Children of Dune' into the mix, since I am interested to see where the story goes.
BONUS CONTENT: After I sent the newsletter on Sunday, I realized I didn't flesh out why I loved 'Dune,' beyond saying it was a page-turner.
I loved the world and the intrigues of 'Dune' and how Frank Herbert constructs his world on the fly. There aren't long explanations of things. Instead, we get snippets and facts when Paul does, and our understanding of Arrakis and intergalactic politics grows along with his.
Tied to that was how Herbert fleshes out what his characters are thinking and plotting. We see them contemplate their schemes within schemes, their misunderstandings and their spice-induced insights. For example, one character incorrectly thinks another has betrayed House Atreides, and we are kept in suspense over the deadly implications for Paul and Lady Jessica.
I also loved how the story still felt relevant and ahead of its time. It offers insights into the perils of technology, the commonalities of religion, the legacy of colonialism, the plundering of natural resources and creatures, the scourge of climate change, the corruption of governments and the costs of drug addiction.
And lastly, I loved what a brash fellow Herbert seemed to be. In his author's blurb, in addition to describing himself as a veteran and a journalist, he mentions that he once was an oyster diver. The same page includes a positive blurb for 'Dune' from 'Stranger in a Strange Land' author Robert A. Heinlein above the results of a poll that said 'Dune' was more beloved than 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Stranger in a Strange Land.' Grok that, pal!
Wow this is fascinating - "It offers insights into the perils of technology, the commonalities of religion, the legacy of colonialism, the plundering of natural resources and creatures, the scourge of climate change, the corruption of governments and the costs of drug addiction."
Yes! There is a lot going on here to inspire several dissertations lol! I'm excited to continue exploring this world, too, and am still thinking about picking up the next book in the series.
PS: I forgot to mention that the two sci-fi books I've reviewed thus far are both 'Star Wars' related:
* 'Ahsoka' by E.K. Johnston: https://booksongif.substack.com/p/books-on-gif-75-ahsoka-by-e-k-johnston
* 'Splinter of the Mind's Eye' by Alan Dean Foster: https://booksongif.substack.com/p/books-on-gif-65-splinter-of-the-minds-eye-by-alan-dean-foster
I was thinking of tackling Robert Jordan's 'The Eye of the World' now that an Amazon show is set to come out. Let me know if you'd like a review of that book. Cheers!
Nice write-up on Dune. I liked it when I first read it about 23-24 yrs ago, but I also found it dense, at times, like reading Tolkien's appendices . I've heard the sequels are really good, but I havent forayed there yet. I'd love to hear your review on any of Ursula K Leguin's work, specifically The Dispossessed.
Hi Mo! Thanks for the kind word.
I read 'The Silmarillion' years ago and wow, it was very dense. I was glad Dune was not like that.
Thanks also for reminding me that I had reviewed 'The Dispossessed' waaaaaaaaaay back at the beginning of BoG: https://booksongif.substack.com/p/books-on-gif-17-the-dispossessed I couldn't bring myself to reread what I wrote, so I apologize if it's terrible.
I have been meaning to revisit Le Guin, though. 'The Left Hand of Darkness' is a favorite that I would love to reread. And I hear good things about 'The Lathe of Heaven.'
I will also put 'Children of Dune' into the mix, since I am interested to see where the story goes.
BONUS CONTENT: After I sent the newsletter on Sunday, I realized I didn't flesh out why I loved 'Dune,' beyond saying it was a page-turner.
I loved the world and the intrigues of 'Dune' and how Frank Herbert constructs his world on the fly. There aren't long explanations of things. Instead, we get snippets and facts when Paul does, and our understanding of Arrakis and intergalactic politics grows along with his.
Tied to that was how Herbert fleshes out what his characters are thinking and plotting. We see them contemplate their schemes within schemes, their misunderstandings and their spice-induced insights. For example, one character incorrectly thinks another has betrayed House Atreides, and we are kept in suspense over the deadly implications for Paul and Lady Jessica.
I also loved how the story still felt relevant and ahead of its time. It offers insights into the perils of technology, the commonalities of religion, the legacy of colonialism, the plundering of natural resources and creatures, the scourge of climate change, the corruption of governments and the costs of drug addiction.
And lastly, I loved what a brash fellow Herbert seemed to be. In his author's blurb, in addition to describing himself as a veteran and a journalist, he mentions that he once was an oyster diver. The same page includes a positive blurb for 'Dune' from 'Stranger in a Strange Land' author Robert A. Heinlein above the results of a poll that said 'Dune' was more beloved than 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Stranger in a Strange Land.' Grok that, pal!
Wow this is fascinating - "It offers insights into the perils of technology, the commonalities of religion, the legacy of colonialism, the plundering of natural resources and creatures, the scourge of climate change, the corruption of governments and the costs of drug addiction."
Sounds like a dissertation waiting to happen.
Yes! There is a lot going on here to inspire several dissertations lol! I'm excited to continue exploring this world, too, and am still thinking about picking up the next book in the series.
Okeey sold!
Great! I hope you enjoy it!!