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Monday, April 27, 2015

Dune Read-along Part One Discussion




It's been a week and section one has been read!  It was a bit of a slow confusing start but really picked up and I'm eager to continue with book two.  The questions for part one were asked by Jenni, one of our lovely hosts.  Here we go.

Questions
Have you ever read a high sci-fi book before?
Nothing quite as hardcore as Dune.
Is this your first time reading Dune?
Yes
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?
This is my first time reading it. It's very much like I expected. I've read enough "older" books to know what to expect.
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?
It didn't bug me. When I know and the characters don't though I'm always screaming at them to see what's happening but I still enjoy knowing something they don't.
What do you think of the idea of recycling the water from your body to survive in such an arid climate? 
I don't think it's gross but I did wonder, when they were describing the stillsuits, if recycling sweat  etc. in that manner was even possible. I'm sure it probably is and I think Herbet is smart to think of it. Plus the whole idea really makes you realize how desperately important water is.  
What was your favorite part of this section? Why? 
Obviously I liked when the action picked up but I think my favorite part of this section was the dinner party. I like that we get to hear all the main character's thoughts and all the political intrigue just makes me happy.
Which character(s) do you find the most interesting? Why? 
Of course I like Paul and Jessica the best. I also really liked the Duke and since his death was very for-shadowed I tried not to become attached but I did anyway. I'm also very intrigued by Kynes.
Are there any revelations in this section that surprised you?
Oh yes!  Totally didn't see Jessica being the Baron's daughter. Now I want to know what the hell's going to happen there.
What do you think of Dune so far? Are you having a hard time following what’s going on? Is it engaging? Boring?
I'm really liking it. The first bit was very confusing but as soon as they get to Arrakis it gets good. I thought so anyway.
Do you have any predictions about what’s going to happen in the next section?
I think we can expect to see more about Paul and his destiny unfold, but no, I don't really have any predictions. 

So, yeah. I'm enjoying the book more than I thought I would. And because it wasn't mentioned it the questions can I just say how pissed I was that the Baron escaped! I know, I know. He can't very well die off, he's the main villain, but I still was pissed!   Anywho, I'm enjoying things so far and anxious to continue. 

Don't forget the Twitter chat tonight at 9:00pm MST. It's a fun conversation. So far we've been discussing cheating (for those who are struggling through this part) Tsk. Tsk. It's a riot! Rember to use the #DuneRAL hashtag.

11 comments:

  1. Woo hoo! You're liking it for all the reasons I do! I'm so excited!!!

    And, yes, the fact that the baron escapes pisses me off too. And, I liked the Duke too. I wish he couldn't lived longer, but for things to happen, it's just not possible.

    I'm excited to see what you think of Book 2! :D

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  2. I liked what I saw of the Duke, too. I was hoping he'd be able to get away from the baron guy, since he knew he was being set up anyway. I'm glad you're liking it. I have high(er) hopes for Book 2. :)

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    1. I do too. Now that things are established it should move faster

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  3. I'm so glad you're liking it! Though, given what I know about what you and Jenni "normally" like, I'm also very surprised! I don't think I'll ever be able to predict what you will and will not enjoy when it comes to reading!! :) Here's to book two! I better get my crap together.

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    1. I know. You usually like most books but you surprise me too.

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  4. I agree with everything you said. We like the same characters! Thanks for the little push on Twitter the other day. It was just what I needed to get to the good stuff.

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    1. I know! We totally agreed on a lot of things, didn't we?

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  5. Glad to hear that you're enjoying the book! Doubt that I'll ever pick up a copy, so will live vicariously through your read-a-long! lol

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  6. I'm glad you enjoyed this first section! Because it wasn't until book two that I got more invested. The political intrigue didn't really interest me much. But that dinner party was a fascinating thing! I enjoyed getting to know some of the different characters that way. Especially Kynes.

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