Hi! My name is Jonathan. Welcome back to Abington Public Library for APL Book Bites, a new program here at the APL where we review some of our favorite books and more.

If you have been keeping up with recent movies or the Oscars within the past couple of years, you most likely have heard of Dune. In preparation for the initial movie’s release, I read the original novel written by Frank Herbert in 1965. Since its release, Dune has gone on to become a phenomena among fans of speculative fiction and contemporary fiction alike. Based in the far flung future in a time barely resembling our own, Dune follows Paul Atriedes, heir apparent to the Dukedom of Arrakis, as he flees a coup and faces challenges with planetary natives, space witches and seemingly supernatural powers. Given the alien nature of science fiction the idea of reading Dune can be a little daunting. This future is devoid of computers but space travel is possible and routine. The galaxy is governed by an emperor and various royal families like the titular Atriedes and Harkonnens, and the most precious resource in the galaxy is derived from giant sandworm excrement. These fantastical elements, as well as the political and sociological themes, have gone on to inspire creator after creator after creator over the last six decades including George Lucas and the cultural touchstone known as Star Wars. Dune can be overbearing with the implications of various historical events within the universe that created the world Paul Atreides inhabits and muddies the water of what’s vital to the story. Despite all of this aesthetic worldbuilding and Herbert flexing his creative muscles, Dune is a digestible exploration of political dynasty, the danger of political or religious extremism and heroworship to the point of proclaimed divinity.

This has been APL Book Bites, brought to you by the Abington Public Library, and we’ll see you next time! Bye!