Dune Readalong: Part One Discussion

I must admit, I've been struggling with this book! And I even knew what to expect! Still, the writing style is so different from my favorite that I'm just really having a hard time. That being said, I'm having a blast with the read along and plan to just keep reading, just keep reading, just keep reading!

Jenni Elyse posted some fun questions on her blog yesterday to get the discussion going. (Beware a couple of spoilery things if you haven't yet read this book!)

Here are my responses if you're interested:


1. Have you ever read a high sci-fi book before?

Yes, many times. Many many Orson Scott Card books, many Ray Bradbury books, The Sparrow and Children of God by Mary Doria Russell (both AWESOME by the way) and. . . I can't remember what else. 

2. Is this your first time reading Dune?

No, I've read it before, though it was so long ago I can't even remember when. I would guess maybe early married years? Maybe college days? I really have no idea when it was. I remember liking it, but not understanding a whole lot. I remembered worms and sand. 

3. If this is your first time reading Dune, is the book anything like you expected it to be? If this isn’t your first time reading it, have you noticed anything different this time around?

What I've noticed that's different is my criticism of the writing. (See my issues below.) I can tell this is very old school writing. Is there such a thing?  I don't think people these days could get away with some of the things he's doing. 

4. Were you surprised that you knew who the traitor was before everything went down at the end of this book? Did it help prepare you? Or, were you bugged by it?

I was a little bugged. I mean, I like some foreshadowing, some hints and etc, but but to just KNOW everything right off? It takes away some of the suspense for me. (And don't talk to me about Death in The Book Thief! That's different!!) 

5. What do you think of the idea of recycling the water from your body to survive in such an arid climate?

Very cool. Gross. But cool. I'm not sure I can picture this suit though. And gosh, wouldn't it be awfully hot and sticky and stifling and most terrible to wear. ICKY! One thing, reading this book makes me thirsty and want to guzzle lots and lots of water!

6. What was your favorite part of this section? Why?

I liked it when Paul caught that hunter seeker thing. That was cool. I liked it when Paul and his mom were trying to escape the bad guys. That was exciting. 

7. Which character(s) do you find the most interesting? Why?

Paul is interesting, the powers he's learning about and all. But he's not very, shall we say, relate-able, or vulnerable enough, or REAL enough to truly like. I'm hoping that will change up a bit. 

8. Are there any revelations in this section that surprised you?

Yes, as others have mentioned, the "you're the Baron's daughter" thing was pretty surprising. I did not see signs or foreshadowing for that. The vision thing that assaulted Paul there at the end of the part was surprising. 

9. What do you think of Dune so far? Are you having a hard time following what’s going on? It is engaging? Boring?

Well. So far I think it's quite hard to read. I have a very difficult time staying focused. I find it so far to be a lot of info dumping and set up and talk about all the technology, the planet, the society and such. I'd much rather be dropped right into the story and figure it all out as we go along. I think I can follow what's actually going on, but most of the stuff I'm wondering... do I really need to know this? The style of flipping in and out of everyone's head is crazy and knowing all the thoughts that everyone's having takes me out of the story. It's a lot of telling and not showing. 

10. Do you have any predictions about what’s going to happen in the next section?

Worms? Romance? Spice? Lots more Freman? Tons of religious stuff? 

Okay. Up next is Book Two! Which I'm hosting! AH!!!! Here's hoping I find a groove. Get my scifi on, and my Frank Herbert interpretation glasses shined, and my Dune technology all spiffy! I can do it!

See you back here for that discussion on May 6, with the Twitter chat the next day on the 7th at  9 pm. MDT. Okay? Okay.