Give me a Reason, Please!

Posted on October 26, 2007 by Adam B.

Dune by Frank HerbertSo I started reading Dune two weeks ago.  I had to stop... almost immediately.  If there are 5 things I hate about literature this book does them all.  I hate that the main character is supposed to have super intuitive powers.  I hate that everything is given a kookie alienish name.  I hate that I have no clue what is going on, and every page only makes things worse.

After my first failed attempt to enjoy this book I put it down for two weeks.  I tried again last night.  It only added more fuel to the fire.  So far the only thing I have enjoyed is his description of the fat baron. Now I want to read this book, I want to enjoy it, honestly, but he's got to give me something.  So please, if you have read this book, give me a reason to give it one more try.  I am starting to think I hate science fiction.  Maybe I should try Jurassic Park instead.

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  • http://www.monkeyouttanowhere.com/thoughts/ Kevin D. Hendricks

    Haven’t read the book, but I watched the movie. Ug. Pile o’ crap.

    If you’re looking to read some good sci-fi I’d recommend Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game or Robert Heinlein’s The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Both are great. I’ve been in quite a sci-fi kick lately (a dozen or so books in two months) and those two are head and shoulders above everything else.

  • http://theyomen.com Adam B.

    I read Ender’s game and, while I enjoyed it, it is not something I would ever recommend to anyone. That is another reason I think I might not really enjoy sci-fi. I am running out of reading material in my house so I will have to start taking up a few of the book suggestions people have given me on the sight. If I decide to give up on Dune perhaps I will try The Moon book next.
    On a similar note, the only other book I have given up on, ever, is the sequel to Ender’s game, Speaker for the Dead. I hate to leave books unfinished but sometimes you just have to count your losses.

  • http://www.strangeconnections.blogspot.com Steven K

    Talk to Nathan S and Lonnie S about Dune. In fact, if they get wind of this post they may come after you with some murderous force. I’ve never attempted Dune, I loved Ender’s Game and made it 3/4 way through Speaker before something else came up. I’m not so into Sci-Fi either, however, as Kevin pointed out, some of it can be really good. The Time Machine is a great, some good social commentary and I Robot (don’t think of the Will Smith movie because all the movie and the book share is the name) is a good read.

  • http://theyomen.com Adam B.

    Nate is the one who suggested Dune, and on that recommendation alone I am tempted to push on; all I want is a reason. He has suggested several of what have become my favorite books. This book makes me doubly nervous, however, because of all the appendices in the back filling in detail from the book. Shouldn’t a book stand on its own? I don’t want to do additional research to figure out what is going on. I assume that these appendices were written to satisfy fan curiosity, but now that I am into the book I fear they are there to appease reader confusion!

  • Fitz

    I also can’t stand Dune. You know I love sci fi. You can’t dismiss it until you try to dive into at least two or three of Orson Scott Card’s series.

    The more I write the more I realize why I set a book down and don’t want to pick it up again. Its very educational.

  • MOM

    Adam,
    I asked Karen, my friend, who is a real Sci fi nut. She said that Dune was the worst she ever saw. She recommends author Ray Bradberry. She has read them all. Also 2 more people at church want your book. Miss Millie and Becky Lynn. Call me for addresses.
    Love ya,
    MOM

  • http://aaronstewart.blogspot.com aaron

    Adam I’m not sure if we can be friends if you didn’t like Ender’s Game.

    ;)

    But seriously….. I’m worried about you.

  • http://www.xanga.com/mishraile Lonnie Smith

    Ok…

    this post and ensuing comments break my heart. While I couldn’t stand any of the follow-up books, the original Dune enthralled me. I literally couldn’t put it down, I carried a paperback copy of it in my back pocket and would pull it out every time I had 10 mins to my self. I have NEVER done this before with any other book!

    I was entranced by the mystery, of the people of the desert and the crazy mysticism that permeates it more and more. I encourage you to finish…if you don’t enjoy it then, so be it, but at least give this classic its due and finish it.