Dune Read-Along discussion

Dune (Dune #1)
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message 1: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Hi, everyone!

I don't remember when I first read Frank Herbert's Dune. It's not for any reason like "it's just always been there, I don't recall a time without it." I just can’t pinpoint a time. It was suddenly, sometime after high school and maybe during college, there. Maybe I even saw the 2000 Sci-Fi miniseries first and that inspired me to book up the book.

Cut to me including the name Irulan in tons of internet user names--the ultimate compliment, am I right?

Whenever it happened, I'm grateful Dune swept into my life. It's a title I've returned to for centering, for enjoyment, and for a distraction. I find Herbert's words both elegant and straightforward. I feel the realness of his characters. I recognize the depths of the world he’s created. I’m always excited to discuss this book. I’m glad we’re all here.

Please say hello. Tell us all if this is your first time picking up Dune or your millionth. If the latter, share why you revisit Dune (but no spoilers, please).

This read-along will be informal and hopefully informative. I'll be posting discussion questions once a week; I'll also start a monthly post for our favorite quotes from each section. I'll be sharing random thoughts as I read and dropping into discussions, too. You don't have to wait for me though! Post any questions you have for the group, debate which on-screen adaptation is the best, talk about the upcoming film from Legendary, show off your Dune cosplay. You get the idea. I look forward to seeing you all on Arrakis.


Ryan Grinas (grinnning33) | 1 comments Hi Amy and everyone in this group!
I finished reading Dune for the first time a few weeks ago and I can confidently say it’s my favourite book. The characters, beautifully written prose, the religion and terminology, all these aspects and many more offer immersion like I rarely experience in any other book.
I’d like to see the television adaptations and the 1984 movie was pretty good. I think it was a fan service movie rather than a motion picture epic, but that’s not always a bad thing!
I’m very excited for next year’s Dune (two-part?) film and I’m starting God Emperor of Dune tomorrow!
I’m happy to be apart of this group and can’t wait to meet new people :)


Ashley (ashdolenz) | 14 comments Hi! I was going to start a different book today, but since Dune is on my TBR list and I have “goals” to hit through this read-—long, I figured why not start it now! I have never read the book before. My reason for wanting to read it is David Lynch. I read his memoirs last year and decided that I wanted to read the book before seeing his adaptation of it. I also really adore Kyle MacLachlan. 😊


message 4: by Nate (new)

Nate Pester | 1 comments Hello!

This book has always been on my "must-read" list which includes several dozens of books on my dusty bookshelf, so I'm happy this group will give me the motivation to finally start it.

My introduction to the Duneverse was the 2003 Sci-Fi miniseries I watched with my dad. I don't remember much, but I remember the amazing score by Brian Tyler sticking with me long afterwards. I can't wait to dive in the next few months.


message 5: by Steve (new)

Steve Riley (stevehriley) Hi everyone

I saw Dune in 1984 at the cinema, and I think I really liked it - it was a while ago! I've been meaning to read the book for years, and last year my wife bought me the 50th anniversary edition, but I'm yet to start it. So when Amy announced this read along it seemed like the perfect opportunity, so here I am. I've already started a book, so I'll finish that and then crack on. Once I've finished the book it'll be great to see the film again, and then the remake.


message 6: by Angela (new) - added it

Angela (angela-criswell) Hi! I have never read Dune and have not watched any film version of it. It’s been on my TBR list forever and I saw this group. So, it will now be my current read and I look forward to seeing the film in 2020.

Angela


message 7: by Anne (new) - added it

Anne | 2 comments It’s my first time reading Dune and I’m excited I have a group of folks to read a long with! 🤓


message 8: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Ryan wrote: "Hi Amy and everyone in this group!
I finished reading Dune for the first time a few weeks ago and I can confidently say it’s my favourite book. The characters, beautifully written prose, the relig..."


The miniseries and film both have parts I really like (Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck!), so I'm hoping the upcoming movie nails it. I certainly like the casting so far.


message 9: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Ashley wrote: "Hi! I was going to start a different book today, but since Dune is on my TBR list and I have “goals” to hit through this read-—long, I figured why not start it now! I have never read the book befor..."

It's wild to remember Kyle MacLachlan was Paul Atreides way back when. And you have me adding David Lynch's memories to my to-read list. I'm so glad you're joining us, Ashley!


message 10: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Nate wrote: "Hello!

This book has always been on my "must-read" list which includes several dozens of books on my dusty bookshelf, so I'm happy this group will give me the motivation to finally start it.

My i..."


Yay, welcome! I'm so familiar with have piles of books to read.

Also, can I just say I never realized Brian Tyler did that score?!


message 11: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Steve wrote: "Hi everyone

I saw Dune in 1984 at the cinema, and I think I really liked it - it was a while ago! I've been meaning to read the book for years, and last year my wife bought me the 50th anniversary..."


Huzzah! The 50th anniversary edition has a gorgeous cover. I'm happy you're joining us. And you're reminding me I want to do a 1984 movie and 2003 miniseries binge when the read-along wraps.


message 12: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Angela wrote: "Hi! I have never read Dune and have not watched any film version of it. It’s been on my TBR list forever and I saw this group. So, it will now be my current read and I look forward to seeing the fi..."

Angela! Ahh, I'm excited for your journey and to hearing what you think. :D


message 13: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Anne wrote: "It’s my first time reading Dune and I’m excited I have a group of folks to read a long with! 🤓"

Having folks to read with and to share thoughts and questions with always helps be get through books that have been on my TBR pile. Hosting a book club was the only way I got through The Silmarillion.


Ashley (ashdolenz) | 14 comments Amy- I actually listened to the audio book of Lynch 's memoir. I enjoyed it so much more than I probably would have reading it in print. That's my recommendation anyway!


message 15: by Mediocre (new) - added it

Mediocre Jedi | 4 comments Hi all! I vaguely remember reading several of the books, but not much. I enjoyed the 1984 movie in all its quirkiness. I loved the weird (pun intended) effects and concepts.

I honestly need a little distraction in my life right now, and books have always been a comfort for me. I'm looking forward to reading it again and sharing with you.


message 16: by Mer (new)

Mer | 2 comments Hello there! This will be at least my 12th time reading Dune. I dont remember how many times I read it when I first got it as a gift at 15 but since then I've read it at least once a year. Dune has been a comfort book but every time I find new things to love. Frank's writing is beautiful and poetic and the world building is insane. I'm looking forward to reading all the discussions and visiting Dune again with everybody!


message 17: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Mediocre wrote: "Hi all! I vaguely remember reading several of the books, but not much. I enjoyed the 1984 movie in all its quirkiness. I loved the weird (pun intended) effects and concepts.

I honestly need a litt..."


I'm really glad you're joining in.
Hmm I feel like at some point we'll have to organize a discussion group live chat or tweet for the 1984 movie.


message 18: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Maryann wrote: "Hello there! This will be at least my 12th time reading Dune. I dont remember how many times I read it when I first got it as a gift at 15 but since then I've read it at least once a year. Dune has..."

Oh wow! I can't wait to hear your thoughts as we go along considering you'll have a deep well of perspective to draw from. :D


message 19: by Mediocre (new) - added it

Mediocre Jedi | 4 comments Amy wrote: "Mediocre wrote: "Hi all! I vaguely remember reading several of the books, but not much. I enjoyed the 1984 movie in all its quirkiness. I loved the weird (pun intended) effects and concepts.

I hon..."


How rad would it be if Lor San Tekka was the same person as Dr. Kynes?


message 20: by Anthony (new) - added it

Anthony R. (anthonydelmond) | 3 comments Never read it. Been on my list for ages, so I'm excited to join a reading party.


message 21: by Justine (new) - added it

Justine I have never read Dune but I picked up a copy a few years ago and I am going to use this group as my reason to finally read it.


Eugene Mah (imabug) | 1 comments I'm flying this weekend, so I'll be starting my 1986 Berkley Books edition of Dune for the "idon'tknowhowmanyth" time on the plane


message 23: by Mayumi (new) - added it

Mayumi (mayumim) | 3 comments Hi everyone! I'm very excited to join this read-along!

I never read Dune though it's been on my list for ages. Looking forward to it!


Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind) (fictionstateofmind) I read Dune for the first time in the fall of 1978. Even though I was an avid reader I never visited the science fiction section as a child. After seeing a display of the Star Wars novelization I started exploring the section and discovered Dune.


Daniel (tiepilot_dandy) | 18 comments Bright suns, everyone!

This is my fourth time digesting Dune, but my second time reading it. My first and third experiences were through the fully cast and most excellent audiobook version. I’m excited to see the discussions of both new readers and those who are enjoying it again. And thank you to Amy for doing this.


message 26: by Lauren Hubbard (new)

Lauren Hubbard | 1 comments Hi, add me to the "have meant to read forever and just haven't" group. Picked up my copy of the book today and am excited to dive in!


message 27: by Eric (new) - rated it 4 stars

Eric Onkenhout | 2 comments Hi all! Thanks for having me! This is my first voyage into Dune despite many friends telling me I need to read it if I like Star Wars so here I am.


message 28: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Eric wrote: "Hi all! Thanks for having me! This is my first voyage into Dune despite many friends telling me I need to read it if I like Star Wars so here I am."

Haha, welcome! I definitely think you'll see some similarities between the two universes. We'll have to chat about the Bene Gesserit and Mother Talzin later.


message 29: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Lauren Hubbard wrote: "Hi, add me to the "have meant to read forever and just haven't" group. Picked up my copy of the book today and am excited to dive in!"

Doing the thing!! Welcome.


message 30: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Daniel wrote: "Bright suns, everyone!

This is my fourth time digesting Dune, but my second time reading it. My first and third experiences were through the fully cast and most excellent audiobook version. I’m ex..."


Bright suns! I have just realized I haven't listened to the audio book and it sounds like I should give it a try.


message 31: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Eugene wrote: "I'm flying this weekend, so I'll be starting my 1986 Berkley Books edition of Dune for the "idon'tknowhowmanyth" time on the plane"

Haha, that's a very good number of times. And also, the cover of that edition is beautiful.


message 32: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Fiction State Of Mind wrote: "I read Dune for the first time in the fall of 1978. Even though I was an avid reader I never visited the science fiction section as a child. After seeing a display of the Star Wars novelization I s..."

Um, what an incredible way to stumble upon it!


message 33: by Jenn (new) - rated it 5 stars

Jenn Hi All! I am one of those who has never read Dune before, but has always been meaning to. Surprisingly, I have never spoiled the story for myself, and only know the general synopsis.

I am excited about being a part of this group, as it will finally push me to read the book! I own an old copy, but I am tempted to pick up the new edition.

Looking forward to experiencing this tale with everyone!

-Jenn


Peter DiCicco | 12 comments Hi everyone!

My first exposure to Dune was the David Lynch movie (yes, I totally had the Dune Storybook adaptation as a kid, and no at 6 years old I did not understand the movie at all). I think I finally read the book for the first time in high school or college, and I pick it up every few years. The story has so many layer and so many characters, I get something new out of it each time. Also, I my last read I finally continued on and read Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, so I’m looking forward to this new perspective. My old copy is so worn I’m considering picking up the new edition, but I have to catch up.

Thanks Amy for setting this up. Looking forward to the ride!


message 35: by Bradford (new) - added it

Bradford (bradfordbenn) | 1 comments This will be my second time reading Dune. I am not sure my first read was actually complete. I was trying to understand and read it before the 1984 movie came out. I was thirteen. I don’t remember if I actually finished or not.

I have been doing lots of audio books the past year and decided that this would be a good hard copy analog book.


message 36: by Bruce (new)

Bruce | 1 comments I’ve never read Dune and never watched the movie. So I’m definitely a Dune newbie and am very interested in reading this book. I read many Star Wars (and co-host The Star Wars Report podcast) and Star Trek books (and co-host the Literary Treks podcast). So I read a lot of sci-fi/fantasy and ready for something new!


message 37: by Louis (new)

Louis Ghanem (lgghanem) | 1 comments Hello!

First time Dune reader, and in fact I know very little about it outside its reputation. Plus I’ve definitely fallen a little behind on my reading goals recently—and when I do pick up a book it’s usually from my growing backlog of Star Wars books—so I’m happy to join this read-along!

Thanks for setting this up, Amy!


Meaghan (immortalraine) | 4 comments Hi everyone! I've never read Dune although it's been in my TBR pile for.... eons... it feels like. I saw the 80s movie several years ago and enjoyed it in all it's cheesy glory. I'm really looking forward to finally getting into this book and discussing it with all of you.


message 39: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Meaghan wrote: "Hi everyone! I've never read Dune although it's been in my TBR pile for.... eons... it feels like. I saw the 80s movie several years ago and enjoyed it in all it's cheesy glory. I'm really looking ..."

It is soooo very cheesy. Ha! Glad you're joining us. :)


message 40: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Louis wrote: "Hello!

First time Dune reader, and in fact I know very little about it outside its reputation. Plus I’ve definitely fallen a little behind on my reading goals recently—and when I do pick up a book..."


Thank you for joining!

Oof, I cannot think about the backlog of Star Wars books in my TBR pile. And I feel hopelessly behind on the comics.


message 41: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Jenn wrote: "Hi All! I am one of those who has never read Dune before, but has always been meaning to. Surprisingly, I have never spoiled the story for myself, and only know the general synopsis.

I am excited..."


Um, I'm so excited you've never been spoiled!


message 42: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Peter wrote: "Hi everyone!

My first exposure to Dune was the David Lynch movie (yes, I totally had the Dune Storybook adaptation as a kid, and no at 6 years old I did not understand the movie at all). I think I..."


Oh my goodness, I forgot about the storybook adaptation. Thank you for reminding me to add it to my collection. I kinda love that your introduction was to it when you were so young.

And yeah, I'll be curious to see how many folks in this read-along go on to read more of the series!


message 43: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Bruce wrote: "I’ve never read Dune and never watched the movie. So I’m definitely a Dune newbie and am very interested in reading this book. I read many Star Wars (and co-host The Star Wars Report podcast) and S..."

Oh then I think (and hope) you'll enjoy checking out Dune. The world, like Star Wars and Star Trek, is very thought out and rich.


message 44: by Ben (new) - rated it 1 star

Ben (bennewton_1) Hi everyone. I've been wanting to read Dune since I was in high school but never quite got around to it. Thanks Amy for starting the group, I'm looking forward to checking out the scenery on Arrakis.


message 45: by Megan (new) - added it

Megan | 10 comments Hi Amy & company! Dropping in a bit late, but I'm looking forward to re-visiting a book that taught me a lot about what science fiction can do. I've seen the movie and mini-series (there's good ... and bad ... in both, and I remember loving the more wild costumes) but not re-read the book since high school. This one is vividly tied to memories of school bus rides, so there should be plenty to re-discover based on what changed in the world since that time.


message 46: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Ben wrote: "Hi everyone. I've been wanting to read Dune since I was in high school but never quite got around to it. Thanks Amy for starting the group, I'm looking forward to checking out the scenery on Arrakis."

Huzzah, no time like the present!


message 47: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy Ratcliffe (amy_geek) | 120 comments Megan wrote: "Hi Amy & company! Dropping in a bit late, but I'm looking forward to re-visiting a book that taught me a lot about what science fiction can do. I've seen the movie and mini-series (there's good ......"

I'm glad you feel compelled to read it again with all of us. :D


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