Lord of the Rings Read-Along, Part 6

Questions from Jenni Elyse's blog.
See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.

1. Has your favorite character changed in The Return of the King? If yes, why?
Well, since I was pretty vague throughout in my favorites, not really.  I still adore Aragorn and SAM FOREVER.  Also, Eowyn and Faramir. 

2. Which is your favorite book of the series? Why?
I'm afraid I love them all!  I do love the ending though, since it is so bittersweet.

3. Do you like how the series ended? Why?
Yes!  I think it shows just enough of what happened after the great events that you can feel satisfied.  I also love how Frodo tells Sam that he won't *always* feel torn in two.  After devouring the appendices (actually I didn't read them this time, but previously) right near the very end of Appendix B, it mentions that in legend, Sam eventually passed over into the West as well, after his wife died.  Makes sense to me - as he was a ringbearer too.

4. If you could change one thing about the ending what would it be and why?
I would have liked to have more of Aragorn and Arwen and, Eowyn and Faramir.  Even the appendices don't fill my need for more romance in these books! I did also always feel sad that they came home to the Shire and found it all in ruins.  So sad that they wanted to protect it and it still was hurt.

5. Were there any changes in The Return of the King movie that you liked or disliked?
I think they should have had some of what went on in the Shire.  It kind of made Sam's vision in Galadriel's mirror pointless (though, I guess it was Frodo's vision in the movie).

6. What was your favorite moment in Book 6?
Pretty much anything having to do with Eowyn and Faramir was my favorite.  I did love the moment with Arwen and Frodo.  I had forgotten about that!  They even sneaked something of it into the movies (albeit, it was in Fellowship).

7. Which death affected you the most?
I have to say Theoden's was the most epic.  He really went out with a bang. (Also, I agree with Kami that his death scene with Eowyn in the movie was so much more touching than the book.)

8. Why do you think Frodo didn’t want to kill Saruman and Wormtongue, even after all the destruction and heartache they caused in the Shire?
You know, I think Tolkien really was trying to put his pacifist ideals into Frodo.  Almost throughout his time in the books, he doesn't want to hurt or kill anyone, but especially so after his meeting up with Gollum.  It's just most obvious in this instance.  I think it's very noble and it's also very different from pretty much how anyone else would react, except perhaps Gandalf.  It shows an interesting value for life, even when it seems like it isn't what people deserve.

9. If you were in Frodo’s place, would you have done the same thing? (See previous question.)
Yeah, probably not.  I would have been more vindictive, I think.  Then again, having someone's death on your hands would be rather uncomfortable.

10. If JRR Tolkien were still alive and wrote a sequel to The Lord of the Rings, which character would you want to see the most and why?
Hello, let's have more romance!  I think Faramir and Eowyn need their own series.  For those aching for a bit more Aragorn and Arwen, there are a few pages in Appendix A :)

Thanks so much for hosting such a fabulous read-along, Kami and Jenni Elyse!  It was lovely to devour this series again.

Lord of the Rings Read-Along, Part 5

Question on Kami's Library Thoughts.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

I've been trying to come up with something to say about the discussion question (basically, we can talk about some kind of theme from this book).  I loved seeing all the responses so far and they all made me think even more about the book.  What I decided to focus on was the idea of sacrificing all in order to do some small good.  Throughout this book in particular, but in other ones as well, characters make the choice to do something that seems like it will fail and they will die, but knowing that full well and still choosing to do it.  Pretty much every time I read those kinds of things, I feel like my heart swells and I have all the feels going on.  Here are some examples:

-Rohan riding to the aid of Gondor - Theoden as well as Eowyn and Merry all assume this will be their last act
-The seige of Gondor - pretty much the entire time, the people assume this is the end, but they will still make a stand
-Faramir going out to defend Osgiliath - everyone knows this is a suicide mission and there is no point, but he goes because his father asks him to go
-The march to the Black Gates - all of the people know from the start that their chance of survival is miniscule.  I love the part where Aragorn sees that some of his people are overwhelmed by fear and he offers them the option of still maintaining their honor, but not having to face something they are not able to.  Pippin, right near the end of the book, says he's going to go out with a fight. 
-Obviously, Frodo and Sam feel like they are on a doomed mission from the first, but they just keep going.  And yet Sam always has such a positive outlook on it.

I just feel like the kind of courage it requires to make the choice consciously to fight even knowing you will fail or die is something inspiring.  It always makes me wonder what kinds of choices I would make if I experienced those kinds of odds and knew it was a choice between making a stand and dying or running away.

And since I've mentioned how very obsessed I've been with Lord of the Rings (see this tribute for some proof), I decided I'd post a bit of my fan art. I'm not super creative, so most of this is just me copying stuff from the movies. 

I had a Legolas obsession (movie Legolas, of course)

I loved the jewelry from the movie - some seriously beautiful pieces

And, of course, Eowyn!

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Lord of the Rings Read-Along, Part 4

Questions found at Jenni Elyse's blog. 
Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

1. Has your favorite character changed in The Two Towers? If yes, why?
I still love Aragorn, but I have to admit after the second half of the book, Sam has my heart.  He is just such a positive person!  It's fabulous to have someone going into the very heart of darkness and still be thinking about what comes after.

2. Which do you like more, The Fellowship of the Ring or The Two Towers? Why?
I like Fellowship, just because we are introduced to everybody and Two Towers was much more of a war book, with the giant battle at Helm's Deep.  But I do love the new characters from Two Towers...so not really one or the other, but both?

3. Do you think Frodo and Sam should have killed Gollum?
No, I think not killing is always the best choice for anybody :)  And he definitely does play an important role, albeit not always a nice one.  Plus, it kind of doesn't fit their personalities.  Even though Sam talks big about hating him, he is much gentler than that.  (Although, after the end of TTT, he's pretty keen on getting Gollum.)

4. What do you think about Book Faramir vs. Movie Faramir?
Bah.  When I first saw Two Towers in the theater and Faramir says "the ring will go to Gondor" I was like WHAT????!?!?!? There has never seemed to me a good reason for that change, other than they got to throw in another super violent fight at Osgiliath.  I absolutely think Faramir is a unique character and changing his reaction to the ring and the choices he makes totally ruined it for me.  I can now enjoy the movie more, but it still upsets me.

5. Why do you think Frodo trusts Gollum?
I wouldn't say it's entirely trust, but I think Frodo feels a sort of kinship with him, as a ring bearer and definitely feels pity for one so twisted by its power.  I think he is able to see that he himself might have ended up like that if he had the ring for so long too.  Also, the promises that he extracts are ones that pretty much have to be honored by Gollum, even if he can sneak around it a bit.  Plus, he remembers that Gandalf thought Gollum still had a part to play in the ring's journey.

6. If you were in Sam’s place, would you have made the same choices if you thought Frodo was dead?
I probably would have taken the ring and made a run for it.  I doubt I would have gone back to Frodo, unless I knew he wasn't dead.  (Though, I'm with Kami, let's not leave him lying around in the open.) I think Sam had never been in a situation where he had to take charge and it was super hard for him!

7. Frodo is very blessed to have Sam with him on his quest. He is a great support and companion, and Frodo even admits he wouldn’t have made it far without Sam. If you could choose one person to take on a epic quest with you, who would it be and why? (Choose anyone! They can be fictional, family, role model, etc.)
Well, I'd probably want my husband, because I depend on him so much.  I know it's kind of cheesy, but he's pretty handy in a pinch and also happens to have a pretty positive attitude, so he might make things look less bleak.  Plus, if I've got to hike around in the wild for months, I'd rather spend that time with someone I get along with pretty well :)
Bonus choice: Aragorn.  He'd make sure we had enough to eat and he'd probably know where he's going.

8. On the flip side, do you think Frodo should have had a different member of the fellowship with him instead of Sam?
No.  I think Aragorn might have been more handy, but I definitely think Sam was the one that Frodo really needed.  His outlook, support, and friendship are really what Frodo needs, more than a guard and a fighter.

9. How has the ring affected Frodo so far in the story?
I don't think we've seen it as much in the second book.  It shows a lot more in the movie, but I think it's been kind of slow in the book.  It does talk about how he feels weighed down, heavy, and pretty much makes him tired and unable to sleep.  I think that's part of it's menace is that it kind of slowly and subtly runs you down until you don't even notice it's changing you. 

10. What was your favorite moment in Book 4?
When Sam stabs Shelob.  Just doesn't get any awesomer than this tiny hobbit fighting to the bitter end against this enormous spider.  He definitely doesn't back down, even though he thinks he's going to die.  And even though I find spiders incredibly terrifying.  (Side note, I was reading this part of the book outside on my hammock and guess what I saw crawling right next to me?  Yeah, a spider.  I pretty much shrieked and fell out.  Definitely not what I wanted to see while reading about an enormous spider.)

Can't wait to get to the last book!  Ah, I love rereading this series.  Thanks, Kami and Jenni Elyse!

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Lord of the Rings Read-Along, Part 3

Questions found at Kami's Library Thoughts.  See Part 1 and Part 2.

1. Do you like how the book is split? Book 3 is all about Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, and book 4 is all about Frodo and Sam.
You know, I think I might have liked it more if they were interspersed.  I like the suspense that creates, but if one of the narratives was more boring, I might not have liked it.  I think it's ok and I can see why Tolkien did it, but it might have made the whole thing more fast-paced if they weren't separated.

2. What differences between the book and movie do you like?
I love to see more of Eowyn.  I think Tolkien does imply a lot about her from the very brief passages we get about her, and I love how the movie expanded on that.  I like how the book spent much less time with all the gory fighting in Helm's Deep and more time with the Ents.  I love Ents!  One thing I absolutely adore about the movies is the music.  Oh, my goodness, the music for the riders of Rohan is one of my favorites. 

3. What differences between the book and movie do you dislike?
I think I was annoyed, as I kind of mentioned, about how much the emphasis in the movie was on Helm's Deep and the absolute bloodbath that was.  We haven't gotten to the second part of this book, but FARAMIR!!!!! I believe I mentioned this already :)

4. Why do you think Grima Wormtongue threw the Palantir out the window?
I think he had no idea what it was.  I think he was realizing just what an awful situation he got himself into and, as Gandalf (I think it was him) said, he couldn't decide if he hated Saruman or Eomer more.  Definitely didn't know how much it meant to Saruman :)

5. Have you noticed any differences in character from Gandalf the Grey to Gandalf the White?
Absolutely.  I think Jenni Elyse said it best, he has a lot more confidence in his decisions.  He doesn't hesitate as much and he has a lot more power.  When he faces off with Saruman, he knows that he is stronger and he easily takes his staff. 

6. What was your favorite moment or scene in the book?
I loved when the Ents got all hot and bothered and destroyed Isengard.  I think it's awesome how powerful nature can be and they signify that for me. 

7. Magic always has to have constraints. If it didn't, we'd want all the problems to be solved with magic. There is some powerful magic in Lord of the Rings. How do you think it works? What are the constraints? Why doesn't Gandalf just transport the ring to the Mount Doom or wipe out the armies with magic?
One of the things I love about Lord of the Rings is that obviously, there's magic, but it is actually really subtle.  When you try to think of magic things, it's only stuff like magic rings and making fire and elves being elvish.  I thought the part where Théoden "wakes up" was much more subtle in the book - the movie tends to make the magic more obvious.  There was no mystical fight with Saruman, instead Gandalf's words had power.  Perhaps that's how the magic works.  Words do seem to have power in the books.  I think the magic is very subtle and it isn't meant to be more potent than what regular people (or hobbits) can accomplish on their own steam. 

8. I feel like Tolkien wasn't a fan of technology or machinery. Did you pick up on any of that?
Yes!  This might be because I read some of what Tolkien thought about the prevalence of factories and technology going on in England at the time.  I think the contrast between Treebeard and Saruman is the most obvious example.  Essentially, nature and trees are the good guys, whereas Saruman "has a mind of metal and wheels" (I think that's the quote - too lazy to look it up :).  His machinery and smokes and all going on in Isengard are the epitome of what's wrong in Middle Earth - at least to Treebeard.  We'll definitely see more of this when they get back to the Shire.

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Lord of the Rings Read-Along, Part 2

Part 1 thoughts.

Discussion post found at Jenni Elyse's blog.

Questions

1. Even if you’ve read the books before (or you’ve seen the movies), were you surprised by who Elrond picked for the fellowship?
Nah, I was kind of into the vibe that those who were sent or came to Rivendell at that time were "meant" to go on the quest.  Like they had a calling or something.  I guess I never questioned that kind of thing.

2. How do you feel about Gandalf’s fate in Moria?
I probably cried a bunch the first time I read it, but it's pretty awesome to have him reborn (or whatever it was) into a more powerful wizard and show up and surprise everyone. :)

3. What do you think you would see in Galadriel’s mirror?
Huh, probably stuff I wouldn't want to know like when and how I'd die or something.

4. If you could have any of the gifts the elves from Lothlórien gave to the fellowship, which one would you choose and why?
I do love Sam's gift (it's more than just dirt :), though I think I'll take the vial she gives Frodo.  It comes in pretty handy for him and I'm sure I could find a use for it.

5. Do you think Boromir had any logic in his thinking about using the ring to fight Sauron?
Yes.  I think that he was thinking about saving his kingdom and continuing to protect everyone beyond his land.  But he was also having a classic reaction to the ring - desire it for good purposes and that will eventually lead to corruption ("the very desire of it corrupts the heart" - one of my favorite quotes from the book.) Both Gandalf and Galadriel mention they would take it to do good, but it would eventually lead to becoming a corrupt tyrant of sorts.

6. Do you think Frodo was rash for leaving the fellowship behind?
Yes and no.  I can see his way of thinking, since the ring was already making members of the company a bit crazy, he was smart to try and escape from them.  The other hobbits he was trying to protect and I can see that too.  Still, it was really kind of stupid since he has no clue how to get to Mordor and very little ability to protect himself.

7. Do you have a hard time following the action? Do the movies, if you’ve seen them, make it easier to envision the events taking place?
I don't have a hard time following the action at all.  I love all the descriptions and the excitement (when it happens).  I do also think that the movie helped me see the places a bit better.  I love having those gorgeous movie sets to imagine.  Can't wait for Rohan!

8. Who is your favorite and least favorite character in The Fellowship of the Ring?
Favorite is always going to be Aragorn.  He's just so fabulous! I do love Galadriel too, though she is kind of creepy cool.  And Sam, though I think he's the best in the next two books. And Gandalf (ok, ok that's only four favorites).  Least favorite is harder.  Boromir was kind of a jerk, and Legolas comes off that way as well (though, the movies made me love him more). 

9. What is your favorite and least favorite scene in The Fellowship of the Ring?
I do love the party at the beginning, but I'm really having a hard time picking a favorite.  I also really love both Rivendell and Lothlorien.  Too hard to pick.  I always found the barrow-wight scene to be the most creepy of all - even more disturbing than the black riders.

10. These books seem to be very male-centric. Does this bother you? Do you wish there were more important female characters? How do you think the book would’ve changed if one of the main characters were female?
I do sometimes get mad when I think how few female characters there are.  I used to be annoyed at the role they put on Arwen in the movies, but it makes sense to make a more visible female character.  I feel like there are important female characters, but they don't get nearly the page time as the males.  Still, Eowyn is coming and she is the best of all, I think. 

My baby decided to join in the read-along too:

 

On to the next book! What are your thoughts?

Lord of the Rings Read-Along, Part 1

Check out the first discussion post at Kami's Library Thoughts.  Here are my answers to the questions (from Book 1, the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring).  

1. Is this your first time reading or a re-read? What do you think so far?

It's a reread for me, though it's probably been 10 years since my last time through. I'm enjoying remembering all the details I forgot after sort of replacing them with the movie. 

2. Jenni hates the songs, I love them. How do you feel about them?

Some I love and some are annoying. I like having a tune to some of them, which I can thank the movies for taking quite a few and putting them to music. The silly ones are somewhat annoying and can simply be skipped. 

3. The Hobbits live a simple and peaceful life. Tolkien considered himself a hobbit. How about you? Do you relate to the hobbits, or would you be another race?

Oh I love the hobbit habits! I'd love to live in the country and do quiet living. I think it sounds like the best way to exist, especially the part about just being so protected from the evils outside. I think I would enjoy that. It always breaks my heart when Frodo (or Sam?) talks about enduring anything so long as the shire is safe. Course, I also wouldn't mind being a gorgeous and graceful and powerful elf. Like Galadriel maybe :)

4. What are some differences between the movie and book that you like?

I do think the director was smart to cut lots of the details from the books.  Also the pacing would definitely have dragged in the movie. I forgot how long it took just for Frodo to leave, let alone make it to Rivendell!

5. What are some differences you hate?

Mostly the differences I hate are in later books. I think changing characters motivations and actions was the saddest (Faramir). I did miss the barrows too - that was such a creepy scene and would have been really great cinematically. Oh well :)

6. Why do you think the ring didn't work on Tom Bombadil?

I think it's because, as he said, he is Eldest. Meaning he's been around long enough to have predated the ring and Sauron.  Thus, his power is older I guess.  I also think that just like there people that weren't as drawn to taking the ring and seizing its power, if you perhaps don't feel drawn to its power at all, it would have no power over you. Just my thoughts :). 

7. How do you feel about Frodo selling Bag End, especially to the Sackville-Bagginses?

I had forgotten that, but I think he had to for the exit Frodo was trying to make. It does make you a bit sad, but I think it turns out well in the end :)

8. What do you think about Tolkien's writing style? 

It's definitely old-fashioned. He tends to the long winded and rambling descriptions of places and scenery.  I like that most of the time. It helps that I know what's going to happen so that I don't feel rushed for the story. Plus, who writes all those crazy songs in their books now? :)

9. Do you picture the actors from the movie in your head, or do you picture your own characters?

I wasn't much of a character picture-er kind of person, but I very much see the movie actors now. I'm always a little thrown though when I remember Frodo was a fat middle-aged hobbit and not young thin Elijah Wood :) 

10. Jenni wanted me to ask about Tom Bombadil. She hates him, I enjoy him. How do you feel about him?

I love Tom! I remember he was one of my favorites from before and I was mad he didn't make the movie (though it was better without him). He is so strange and unique and just one of those quirky characters that only Tolkien could have created. Plus he is this weird juxtaposition of silly and powerful. Just a very intriguing character to me. 

What are your thoughts?

Lord of the Rings Read-Along!

I'm just now getting my post up about this, but I'm super thrilled to be joining in Jenni Elyse and Kami's Lord of the Rings Read-Along!  It's definitely time for me to read this series again.  Here's the schedule, and drop on by Jenni Elyse or Kami's blogs to sign up.

Fellowship of the Ring (Book 1): May 1 to May 15

Fellowship of the Ring (Book 2): May 16 to May 31

The Two Towers (Book 3): June 1 to June 15

The Two Towers (Book 4): June 16 to June 30

The Return of the King (Book 5): July 1 to July 15

The Return of the King (Book 6): July 16 to July 31

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Dune Read-Along, Book 3 Discussion

Credit: Jenni Elyse

Watch out for major spoilers ahead!!

1. What is your reaction to finally learning the identity of Princess Irulan? Do you think that her convention added to the story?
I actually felt pretty sorry for her at the end. It was interesting to try to figure out who she was and why she had written so much about Paul, but I thought she got the short end of the stick there, and wasn't quite sure she deserved it.

2. Were you satisfied with the ending? For those reading for the first time, was it what you expected?
I guess I feel pretty satisfied with the ending, though it obviously leaves a lot of room open for the next books. I wish we'd gotten maybe a bit more about the jihad Paul kept talking about and more Alia and Paul's son Kept too (those events felt kind of incomplete and rushed over). But no cliffhanger, so I can read the next books if and when I want to.

3. On both Arrakis and Salusa Secundus, ecology plays a major role in shaping both characters and the story itself. Was this convincing? Do you think that Paul would have gone through with his threat to destroy the spice, knowing what it would mean for Arrakis?
I thought the idea of a harsh environment giving rise to strong, tough characters was completely realistic! It's kind of a bit like kids who grow up working hard, maybe on a farm, versus those who had everything handed to them. There are definite differences in the strength and abilities of people like that. I think Paul meant his threat, but knew there was no way he would have to follow through. It was a good call for him, but would have made for a pretty crummy end.

4. Both Leto and Paul made their decisions on marriage for political reasons. Do you agree with their choices?
I don't know that I agree necessarily, though as I mentioned, I felt pretty bad for Princess Irulan for her role. I can see how his choice seemed inevitable and could be considered the "right" one, but I wish for more following of heart in all cases :)

5. What was your favorite part in this section of the book?
I'm just glad we finally saw some action! Boy it felt like a long build-up to anything actually happening. It was pretty awesome to see Alia get some action and the fight scenes were pretty good to finally get to see. Also, the worm riding was pretty cool, if somewhat creepy.

6. Herbert used the word “jihad” on a number of occasions. What do you think of Herbert’s message about religion and politics?
Well, to be honest, I wasn't sure what that message was. Paul was definitely worried about his power to inspire people and where it might lead, but also didn't hold back when the manipulation suited him. The Bene Gesserit were a whole different breed of creepy and controlling and doing things for their own purposes. And yet, at the end, they all figured it was inevitable the Fremen who,d be fanatical about their leader. It was cautionary, I guess, but pretty subtly so.

What are your thoughts about the book? For those who adored it, what makes you love it so much and recommend it to people?

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Dune Read-Along, Book 2 Discussion

Credit: Jenni Elyse

Watch for major spoilers!!

1. Was Liet’s identity a surprise? Who do you think he really works for?
Um, yes.  I really didn't suspect Liet was anyone we had met before. As far as who he really works for, I got the impression he worked for the planet, what would be best for it and not just one person or group.

2. What do you think of the Fremen culture? is this a culture you think you’d enjoy spending some time with?
What I really love about them is how complete it feels. Herbert really went all out to create this whole complex society and culture. I love how water really is currency, how what is most important to them is literally worth the most. Everything they do and say is steeped in the knowledge of how much water means to them. I think it would be interesting to spend time with them, but I don't know if I'd survive on Arrakis. It's plenty hot and dry for me here in Arizona!

3. What do you think of Count Fenring’s unusual verbal mannerisms?
Mostly I found them annoying while reading. I had a hard time imagining how it would sound. I did like how he and his wife often weren't afraid of saying exactly what they wanted to. Cunning, but annoying too.

4. This is a far future empire with very little in the way of computerization. Information is often passed down orally, and schools (such as the Mentats and the Bene Gesserit) have formed to train young people in memorization and information processing. What are you thoughts on a scifi story that is very “low-tech”? Does that sound like a feasible future? A ridiculous one?
I actually really like the low-tech details. I think there is just enough advanced tech that matters in the worlds where they exist to be believable. But I really think that our future doesn't have to be as steeped in electronic technology as it is now. It is a nice balance between what is past and what may come. I hope oral history never disappears completely!

5. If you found the beginning of the book tough to get into, do you find that you’re having an easier time with the middle portion, now that all the “set-up” is complete?
I definitely don't feel as confused and annoyed as I did before. I am still having a hard time now and then getting into the story, especially when the really weird trippy things happen, but I don't feel lost or overwhelmed by strange words and phrases.

6. The center portion of the book is still pretty dialog heavy, but what I’ve noticed is the subtlety of the dialog. Things left unsaid are often more important than things that are said. What do you think of that as a stylistic choice? does it make the dialog more interesting? less interesting?
There is a lot of double meaning and things unspoken but implied in the dialog. I find it requires me to pay more attention to what I said and focus more. Sometimes it works and sometimes I just don't catch the other meanings. I am not sure it is more or less interesting, but just more subtle.

7. Dune was written in the 60′s. Does it feel dated to you? How does it compare, writing style-wise, to more contemporary science fiction you’ve read?
Actually it doesn't feel really dated, though occasionally I will think a tech detail sounds odd. I'm not sure I read enough true sci-fi to compare it with contemporary stuff. I do find myself slightly annoyed with some of the writing style choices, but I don't think it's because of when it was written so much as how it was written. Amazing how well this one holds up, perhaps because it is light on technology.

8. If you’ve never read this book before, where do you think the storyline is headed?
You know, I'm really not 100% sure, but I think it will follow Paul to the point where he becomes the prophet or leader or savior or whatever they think he will be among the Fremen. His rise to power and struggle with that future he sees but doesn't want too.

What are your thoughts on these questions?

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Discussion Questions for Dune Read-Along, Part II

Credit: Jenni Elyse

Can you believe it's week two?  I'm behind in my reading already :)  Here are the questions (again, courtesy of Carl from Stainless Steel Droppings) for this week's reading.  Post your answers on Saturday, July 21st, or before/after as you prefer.  I will have the linky for your posts up on Saturday. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out the Dune Read-Along intro post. Warning: the question might contain spoilers if you haven't read the book!

1. Was Liet’s identity a surprise? who do you think he really works for?

2. What do you think of the Fremen culture? is this a culture you think you’d enjoy spending some time with?

3. What do you think of Count Fenring’s unusual verbal mannerisms?

4. This is a far future empire with very little in the way of computerization. Information is often passed down orally, and schools (such as the Mentats and the Bene Gesserit) have formed to train young people in memorization and information processing. What are you thoughts on a scifi story that is very “low-tech”? Does that sound like a feasible future? a ridiculous one?

5. If you found the beginning of the book tough to get into, do you find that you’re having an easier time with the middle portion, now that all the “set-up” is complete?

6. The center portion of the book is still pretty dialog heavy, but what I’ve noticed is the subtlety of the dialog. Things left unsaid are often more important than things that are said. What do you think of that as a stylistic choice? does it make the dialog more interesting? less interesting?

7. Dune was written in the 60′s. Does it feel dated to you? How does it compare, writing style-wise, to more contemporary science fiction you’ve read?

8. If you’ve never read this book before, where do you think the storyline is headed?

How are you doing in the read-along?  Making any progress?

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Dune Read-Along, Book 1 Discussion

Credit: Jenni Elyse

Yeah!  We made it to the first discussion questions!  Hopefully you all managed to read Book 1 of Dune and answer the following questions.  Feel free to discuss these and other things in the comments.  Beware that there are spoilers for Book 1, but please avoid spoiling anything beyond that as many of us have never read Dune before.  Leave your links for Dune discussions and any other Dune-y posts you so desire below too. If you fall behind, no worries, keep reading at your pace and posting answers when you can.

1. What, if any, preconceived ideas did you have before you started reading Dune and how has the first section measured up to those preconceptions?
Well, I didn't have many ideas of what this book would be like except long and complicated, as many sci-fi sagas tend to be.  So far, it is living up to both of those expectations.  It was a bit hard to adjust myself to the new world and new terminology, but I think after about 40-50 pages I was immersed.

2. What did you think about the plot device of the early revelation that Yueh was to be the traitor?
I was surprised at first, but after seeing it over and over, I was a bit tired of it.  I mostly just wanted to get that traitor stuff over with and see what happened after.  An interesting way to go about telling a story, spoiling part of it so early, but I still had plenty of mysterious stuff to keep me guessing.

3. What was your favorite part of this first section? Which character(s) do you find most interesting and why?
I loved the first interaction they had with a worm - not something one can easily forget, an experience with a giant worm.  I really love Jessica and Paul the most.  I think they are both so much more than they appear and I love seeing their thoughts and what they can see in people without having those people even know.  Extra perceptions always intrigue me and these two have them in abundance.

4. Did the revelation about the Harkonnen surprise you?
Big time! I did not see that one coming! (I'm referring to the surprise regarding Jessica.) So not what I would have suspected and I am not exactly sure where it will go next, which is how I like my stories :)

5. Finally, please share some overall thoughts on this first section of the book. Are you finding it difficult to follow? Easy to understand? Engaging? Boring? Just share what you are thinking thus far.
Well, as I mentioned a little, I was completely thrown off for the first 40-50 pages, totally lost with all the weird names and phrases tossed about like I should know what was going on.  After I finally got it together enough and having some explanations given, I felt like I was joining the world, not just looking in from outside.  The story was slow to start too, but I feel like it's picking up and the momentum is beginning to build.  Definitely I can see how this book has made such an impact and has such a huge following.

What are your thoughts so far?

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Discussion Questions for Dune Read-Along, Part 1

Credit: Jenni Elyse

Here are the questions (courtesy of Carl from Stainless Steel Droppings) for this week's reading.  We are posting our answers on Saturday, July 14th, but you are welcome to do it before if you want.  I will have the linky for your posts up on Saturday. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out the Dune Read-Along intro post.  I'm posting them now so you can kind of keep these in mind while you're reading:

1. What, if any, preconceived ideas did you have before you started reading Dune and how has the first section measured up to those preconceptions?
(Alternate Question for those who’ve read the book: Did you see anything in this first section of the book that either you hadn’t seen before or that you had forgotten about, anything that stood out to you?

2. What did you think about the plot device of the early revelation that Yueh was to be the traitor?

3. What was your favorite part of this first section? Which character(s) do you find most interesting and why?

4. Did the revelation about the Harkonnen surprise you?

5. Finally, please share some overall thoughts on this first section of the book. Are you finding it difficult to follow? Easy to understand? Engaging? Boring? Just share what you are thinking thus far.

Can't wait to discuss all this on Saturday (um, I better get reading, though, as I'm only about 50 pages in).

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AND Go! Dune Read-Along Starts...Yesterday

Credit: Jenni Elyse

Hey!  I'm starting to see a pattern of lateness here in my blogging.  Ah, well.  I'm posting a day late (and probably a dollar short too, but that's another story).  Yesterday was the official start of the Dune Read-along!  We are reading Book 1 this first week and posting answers to the discussion questions (which, I will get up probably around Wednesday this week) on Saturday.  For more information and the schedule, check out this Dune Read-along post.  If you're joining in (or just want to follow along) get yourself geared up for the world of Dune!  I'll have a linky up soon where you can drop any Dune-related posts you put up this week - I promise!

And thanks to Jenni Elyse for the fantastic button. 

Dune forward folks!

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July Dune Read-Along

Remember way back when I mentioned doing a Dune Read-Along?  Yeah, I didn't forget.  I think I've worked out the details enough to get this party rolling for July.  Here's what I have so far, utilizing the fabulous structure and questions from Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings' July 2011 read-along.

Since the book is split into three sections, we will read one section per week in July (starting the second week, for my own convenience sake - I'm on vacation that first week :).  Then at the end of that week, we'll each post answers to some or all of the questions or any other discussion thoughts we might have about it.  Anyone who's read Dune in the past is more than welcome to post answers to the questions or join in the discussions. 

July 8-14: Book 1, discussion questions posted on July 14th
July 15-21: Book 2, discussion questions posted on July 21st
July 22-28: Book 3, discussion questions posted on July 28th

If you are interested, leave a comment and maybe post about your intentions on your blog, spread the word, whatever you feel like, and prepare to start the read-along!  Thanks for your participation.

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A Dune Read-Along - Who's With Me?

So, in the category of Epic Sci-Fi, I think this series wins an award.  I've been hearing good stuff about Dune by Frank Herbert for a long, long time.  And yet, despite my occasional lust for the big and epic stuff, I've never picked it up.  I've looked for it at library book sales and used book stores sporadically and never found a copy (possibly a testament to owners' love).  But I'm determined this summer will end my Dune-fast and I'll finally start feasting on the series. 

AND, I think it will be funner to read it with some company.  So, I'm hoping to make it a read-along.  I've never done one, but I think this is a great opportunity to start.  (That's kind of a hint to drop me some tips, assuming anyone wants to join in.)  Let me know if you're up for a read or reread (or rerereread).  I'm thinking July will be a fabulous month for it, since I'll probably need a whole month to get that first book finished.  Any takers?

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