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.
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.
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
I think The Dead Zone may be next, then The Stand.
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)
That would mean subscribing to CBS All Access, which I won’t do.
Yeah, I’m with you. I’m sick of every channel now has their own damn streaming service.
No kidding. I think my monthly bill is pushing $250 as it is.
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.
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.
It’s big, but it’s great! You’re in for a (post-apocalyptic) treat.
Agree with @Elendil_s_Heir. I’m guessing that you will enjoy it immensely.
“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.
Crane, just FYI, there’s a July thread here: Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - July 2020 edition
Oh, thanks!