Books
primarily those that I've read
I wouldn't say that I read a lot. This page exists because I am generally dissatisfied with Goodreads and its competitors. My commentary may or may not include spoilers (clearly marked). The contents are placed here in no particular order.
the books
The Message
2024
8
I really enjoyed the prose in this book; the elegance of the author's descriptions served, in my opinion, to enhance the message of one of the core themes. I do indeed find myself haunted by this book, for which I am glad.
Cowboy, Cross My Heart
2018
3
I did not read this book voluntarily, and I will not elaborate on this fact. While I can mostly certainly appreciate the allure of a good cowboy, especially one with new stainless steel appliances and a ranch, the inciting incident of the plot is a bit too goofy for my taste. There's like a rodeo pageant sexual harassment scheme being run by an evil cabal of anti-cowboys?
Dune
1965
8
I read the first Dune book without having seen the Lynch film and before the new movie was released. Unfortunately, I found that, in addition to the typical suspension of disbelief required by this genre, it was necessary to look past many interesting opinions Frank had regarding women (see: Heretics of Dune).
Dune Messiah
1969
8
Messiah is more philosophical than Dune. Herbert's anti-theocracy and anti-autocracy messaging is far stronger here. One might say that Herbert's rejection of charismatically driven tyranny was prescient.
Children of Dune
1976
6
In my mind, Children of Dune exists almost solely to set up its sequel. This book has some very uncomfortable moments (although by no means the worst this series has to offer) arising from Herbert's use of children characters with adult memories.
God Emperor of Dune
1981
9
A common criticism of GEoD is heavy use of monologue; I quite enjoyed the Worm's lengthy expositions. Philosophy aside, I enjoy this book for the absurdity of its premise: a giant worm has near-complete control over the entirety of humanity.
Heretics of Dune
1984
5
How I adore Herbert's writing of women. There are many interesting ideas in Heretics, but this is in large part overshadowed by the more objectionable content. As far as I can tell, Duncan is thirteen in this book. Fine, he reacquires his old memories, but the Bene Gesserit were planning to imprint him before that. The idea of imprinting is revolting on its own, but the pairing with an underage character is more so.
Neuromancer
1984
5
Although I found it hard to follow at times, Neuromancer's numerous contributions (if not outright creation of) to the genre cannot be dismissed. I found Gibson's writing of women characters to be lackluster; I personally can do without unexpected smut. The sequel, Count Zero, leaned this direction so quickly as to prompt my abandonment of the trilogy.
Be More Chill
2004
3
I have little to say about this entry. YA is not typically my preference, and this book did little to change that.
To Kill a Mockingbird
1960
10
Everybody has read this book, I just think it's quite good and wanted to include it here despite that.