Discourse in a Digital Age discussion

Frank Herbert is a Godfather of Science Fiction, and this book is why. Let me know what you think about it. Once you start ignoring the words they keep using without explaining them, I'm finding it very readable. (FYI, there is a glossary.) I wonder how much of that is because I have read it before, though. Sound off, and let me know how much I screwed up assigning an 850 page book!

It seems to me the success of this book could be rooted in the fact that it's primarily a coming-of-age story. It's got the same basic plot as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter or the like. Our hero discovers amazing potential inside himself and learns to harness his power and undertake an incredible journey. It appeals in the same way because we want to see him overcome his circumstances and succeed. Or am I way off base here?

What do you think of the omniscient narration that occasionally gives away what's going to happen? Does it heighten tension for you, or draw you into it more? You already know Paul will succeed because of how these stories work, so the story isn't really giving much away... right?

I'm just over 100 pages in and figured out that Paul is the Muad Dib guy some time last night. It takes away some tension but clearly there will be many obstacles to overcome. I did get into a good rhythm reading and really hope to finish in time!

I do find it interesting that some of the names are "normal" (in an ethnocentric way) and others are so off the wall. I also find myself stuck on pronunciations in my head but once I get past that, I move more quickly.

Also, "the spice" sounds creepy like "my precious."

Loved this when I first read it many years ago and was surprised that I really enjoyed rereading it --the whole thing --last week. Think it's partly because of the foreshadowing--you know what's going to happen but the details build toward that in unexpected ways -- and mostly because of the presence of sympathetic major women characters whose viewpoints make the action just plain more interesting when the all the action and male swagger gets old.