# Khadaji's Whatcha Reading Thread - June 2020 edition **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 30, 2020, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744 "2020-05-30T18:10:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2020, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/81 "2020-06-30T19:24:31Z")
I actually just finished reading Frank Herbert’s _Dune_ for the first time. it was pretty good. But since it was written in 1965, I can kind of see a lot of it’s influence in other later fantasy series like Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and so on where you have all these future-feudal societies, scheming houses, quasi-magical powers, etc. ---
**Author:** ![DZedNConfused](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dzednconfused/32/15991_2.png) [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2020, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/82 "2020-06-30T20:34:57Z")
Ohhhhhhh, _The Dead Zone_… I was was an emotional wreck for a week after reading it. I still think of it every time I see a rain sllicker. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2020, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/83 "2020-06-30T20:40:13Z")
Yep. I read _Dune_ in high school, and again earlier this year. A fascinating premise and great world-building, but poor characterization and often-clunky dialogue, I particularly noticed the second time 'round. And have you seen this, **mssmith**?: [Jodorowsky's Dune | Official Trailer HD (2014) - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0cJNR8HEw0) ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2020, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/84 "2020-07-01T19:09:24Z")
I think The Dead Zone may be next, then The Stand. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/85 "2020-07-02T02:33:54Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Yep. > > I read _Dune_ in high school, and again earlier this year. A fascinating premise and great world-building, but poor characterization and often-clunky dialogue, I particularly noticed the second time 'round. > > And have you seen this, **mssmith**?: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0cJNR8HEw0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0cJNR8HEw0) It’s just msmith with one “s”. Not that it matters as it’s a completely made up name I didn’t bother to change for 20 years. I did find the dialogue a bit clunky. In many ways, it kind of reminded me of Atlas Shrugged how it seemed like characters where giving each other narrative exposition to explain how shit works in their world. Another similarity is how every character is essentially “super-human” and one dimensional. Or at least so effortlessly good at the one thing they do that there’s no real tension. There are also few, if any “normal people”. Like what does the average citizen living in Arrakeen think of all these goings-on? Also the world-building feels forced (mostly to give a reason to fight with swords). I mean you can’t tell me that Duncan Idaho is the first person to think of rigging a shield to go nuclear. Especially on a planet where the Fremen are screaming “Jihad”. And finally, the women are either supremely manipulative (i.e. Bene Gesserit trained) or …I believe the word is “ghanima” (I know that’s Paul’s daughter’s actual name). A “spoil of war” more or less used as window dressing. Literally in the case of Princess Irulan. Like why are Paul and Chani “in love” besides he dreamed about her and the plot tells us so? I haven’t read beyond the first book, but am I supposed to believe Paul marries Princess Irulan and doesn’t hit that? Like his love is so strong for a woman who lives in a cave and spends every waking moment wearing a suit that regurgitates her urine, sweat, and feces? @Chefguy: The Stand may be coming sooner than you think: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Stand\_(upcoming\_miniseries)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stand_(upcoming_miniseries)) ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/86 "2020-07-02T14:54:15Z")
That would mean subscribing to CBS All Access, which I won’t do. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/87 "2020-07-02T15:32:48Z")
Yeah, I’m with you. I’m sick of every channel now has their own damn streaming service. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/88 "2020-07-02T17:19:22Z")
No kidding. I think my monthly bill is pushing $250 as it is. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/89 "2020-07-03T00:55:33Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > > [@Chefguy](#): > > > > Decided to reread some of Stephen King’s early books. Finished 'Salem’s Lot and am nearing the end of Firestarter. > > I loved _'Salem’s Lot_ and liked _Firestarter_. My other favorite SK books are _The Stand, The Dead Zone, 11/22/63_ and _Misery_. _Salem’s Lot_ is my #1 SK book, closely followed by _The Stand_. Other favorites are _Different Seasons_ (which of course is really four novellas), the 3 _Mr. Mercedes_ books, and _The Green Mile_. As for what I’m currently reading, I just received notification and was able to check out _Masked Prey_ by John Sandford from the state digital library. I’ll start it tonight and, based on past history with Sandford books, I’ll be done in less than 3 days. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/90 "2020-07-03T01:02:58Z")
I just started _The Stand_. I’m not really sure that I ever read it. This is the extended version with a huge amount of cut material restored to the story line. Should keep me busy for awhile. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/91 "2020-07-03T17:13:56Z")
It’s big, but it’s great! You’re in for a (post-apocalyptic) treat. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/92 "2020-07-03T17:59:17Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I just started _The Stand_. I’m not really sure that I ever read it. This is the extended version with a huge amount of cut material restored to the story line. Should keep me busy for awhile. Agree with @Elendil_s_Heir. I’m guessing that you will enjoy it immensely. ---
**Author:** ![Crane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crane/32/3495_2.png) [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/93 "2020-07-14T13:59:39Z")
“Nothing But The Best, The tradition of English Craftsmen from Edwardian to Elizabethan”, Thomas Girtin. Wonderful reprint from the late 50’s. It is in the style of Alistair Cooke’s pro-logs and epilogues to Masterpiece Theater. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/94 "2020-07-14T14:08:35Z")
**Crane** , just FYI, there’s a July thread here: [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - July 2020 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-july-2020-edition/913825) ---
**Author:** ![Crane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crane/32/3495_2.png) [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744/95 "2020-07-14T14:12:33Z")
Oh, thanks! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2020-edition/854744.md?page=4)