Letters from Arrakis
Let's Read Dune Together
As the days get colder, allow me to briefly abandon my usual magic-infused writings for a warming announcement: I will be reading Frank Herbert's Dune along with
, and ! And you, if you wish to join us!Why?
A while ago, Claudia mentioned on Notes that she was going to reread Dune with the other two in preparation for the second film release. I begged them to join because I'd been looking for exchange and collaboration with others on Substack, and what could be more fun than hanging out with fellow writers talking about books?
Like the others, I'd read Dune before. I had some issues with the story though which is why I abandoned the series after the first novel. For this reread, I thought it would be interesting to revisit my opinion from several years ago, see how it holds up now and also exchange thoughts with Alexander, Claudia, and Nathan who certainly have opinions and viewpoints of their own (Herbert's writing style has been a hot topic in our chats so far).
It's my first time rereading a book I didn't particularly enjoy. Why not join us and watch me criticize Herbert to death or revise my opinion after all? And why not explore why the others decided to do this reread before I jumped in?
The Specs
Dune, the first novel in Frank Herbert's series, is divided into three books. After reading each book, we will meet to discuss our thoughts and post a compilation on one of our Substacks. Of course, everyone will cross-post or share all posts so you don't miss out! We will also look at different themes that are present throughout the entire novel in each meeting or post. Some of us might bring different angles to the discussion, depending on our interests and specialties. Claudia, for example, will focus on environmental themes.
The first discussion of Dune Book One (roughly 200 pages) is scheduled to drop on December 15th, with a focus on worldbuilding. Subsequent discussion dates will be announced presently (if you know, you know).
If you join us—don't worry, we will not check whether you've actually read Book One by December 15th. We would, however, love it if you joined the discussion in the comments. If you've read Dune before, how did you like it? Have you seen any of the films? Or are you excited to read a classic of science fiction for the first time?
Add a dash of spice to your winter now! The desert of Arrakis will keep you warm, I promise, and the spice must flow.
It's getting a bit fresh in our respective locations so it will be a bit hard to picture the heat on Arrakis. But I'm excited about doing this together!
Looking forward to seeing this happen, Vanessa. Thanks for jumping on board when Claudia Noted it! Great to have you as part of the collaboration.