Book Review: Frank Herbert's Dune

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Book Summary

[Spoilers] Paul Atreides embarks on his hero's journey as a royal manling. He's then stranded on a harsh planet, surrounded by treachery, with nothing but his mother, his training, and fate to aid him. He ultimately faces off against the universe—and wins!

There's no wrong age to visit the pages of Dune, but I'd say the ideal reading age for young men is 12-20 years. Why? It consoles young men who perceive themselves as misunderstood; it serves as a guide. By co-experiencing Maud'dib's adventure, adolescents can believe that their coming of age can be survived. Additionally, it teaches parents how to communicate with their omniscient sons.

These actors were so cool in 1984

Book Review

Dune by Frank Herbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Desiring to appear literate, like my college friends, I lied about having read Frank Herbert's Dune. Sure, I had read the Cliff's Notes in high school. And to advance my illusion, I strategically dropped quotes like, “He who controls the spice controls the universe” and "the slow blade penetrates." But only now do I understand what I missed out on in my adolescence. (I just finished Dune, cover to cover, in less than 3 days! The last time that happened was in 2000 when I read Ender's Game.)

Dune is a true fantasy for a teenage boy.

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