We got into A LOT with Dune. The readers loved the excerpts from other writings at the beginning of each chapter. One in particular states something to the effect of humanity at large believing learning is difficult. And how much this can inhibit someone. If people think learning is difficult and don't give it a good effort, they become extremely limited in what they can do. There's a quote on p. 370 (of our version) that reads "Fear is the mind-killer." Fear is an option, but what happens when we give into it? What do we lose? It certainly limits our foresight, one reader pointed out. Another reader mentioned that it is reminiscent of Buddhist philosophy--don't allow fear to take over your mind. Let your feelings pass by, but don't attach yourselves to them. In prison, the readers said they are faced with questions regarding their incarceration: will this strengthen me or destroy me? And it's a choice! Often times they said people are solely focused on getting out, and will occasionally miss other opportunities. Pay attention to the every day. There are things to learn along the way.
One reader got very personal and said he learned of some major, major news that impacted him a great deal this week. The idea of assessing feelings and understanding them, but not letting them take over allowed him some perspective in dealing with the news of this event.
Everyone loved the world building of Herbert's novel. He carves out so many themes throughout the novel. Economics, religion, ecology, politics, recycling, and much more. It's almost like you have to read it through a different lens every time you read it in order to soak it all in, or at least attempt to soak it in.
Another reader pointed out a scene early one, where Paul is being tested with the legendary Gom Jabbar. His mother comes up to him, in preparation for the pain he will suffer and how he will be tested, and says, "Remember...you're a Duke's son." This struck him as particularly comforting, and reminded him that we all are of worth. We're all someone's son and people love us. That gives us value.
This book was a smash hit. Everyone loved it, and a few even want to read it again.
One reader got very personal and said he learned of some major, major news that impacted him a great deal this week. The idea of assessing feelings and understanding them, but not letting them take over allowed him some perspective in dealing with the news of this event.
Everyone loved the world building of Herbert's novel. He carves out so many themes throughout the novel. Economics, religion, ecology, politics, recycling, and much more. It's almost like you have to read it through a different lens every time you read it in order to soak it all in, or at least attempt to soak it in.
Another reader pointed out a scene early one, where Paul is being tested with the legendary Gom Jabbar. His mother comes up to him, in preparation for the pain he will suffer and how he will be tested, and says, "Remember...you're a Duke's son." This struck him as particularly comforting, and reminded him that we all are of worth. We're all someone's son and people love us. That gives us value.
This book was a smash hit. Everyone loved it, and a few even want to read it again.