Dune by Frank Herbert

          Book Synopsis from Goodreads: Here is the novel that will be forever considered a triumph of the imagination. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family--and would bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream. A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.    

          My Thoughts: I chose this book for a book challenge that consisted of reading 10 books from 10 different genres that I either did not like or did not read often. I am not a big science fiction fan, but I loved this book. The world that Herbert creates along with the culture of the native Fremens had me entranced. At the suggestion of a friend, I read the appendices first and found that to be very helpful when starting the actual story. I was able to understand more of the terms without having to constantly check the back glossary and it gave me a basic understanding of the political and religious history in the book. So if you have not yet read this book then I'd suggest you do the same. I am more than pleasantly surprised and would recommend it to others who have had a hard time getting into science fiction.
              I'm not a big desert fan. I'll take big green trees and mountains any day, but the imagery that Herbert creates with the landscape, sand worms and Fremen riders is far from colorless. It's beautiful and, along with the unique customs of the Fremens, it kept me interested. And it gave me a new respect for water.

Favorite Quote:
"Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn to see fear's path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

The Author

*Book Tidbit: Dune won the Hugo and Nebula award for Best Novel (well deserved).