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.