Dune, party, midterms, family.
First, a review of Dune, by Frank Herbert. Yes, I know I'm insanely behind with this one. Yes, it's already a sci-fi classic. Yes, whatever I say doesn't make a damn difference if you want to write sci-fi, because, frankly, if you do, Dune is required reading. But I spent a good chunk of the past four or so days with this thing, and by gods if I won't babble about what I thought of it.
It was pretty good. I'm not entirely sure what else to say about it. I suspect this does confirm my thoughts that sci-fi isn't really a genre that appeals much to me, as I'm willing to say that this is probably the best sci-fi I've read. (Flowers does not count. Flowers is its own special place in my heart.) The world itself was fascinating, and the plot was very intriguing, but both of these were an overwhelming and crushing force when it came to any true character development. Well, no. They developed. But most developed in ways they needed to for the story. Everyone was so aware of The Bigger Picture that it really took away from the impact of most changes. Most characters also often seemed to just be victims of circumstance, with no real autonomy away from fate/the writer. The lone exception to this was Alia, who was completely unnecessary to the plot and all sorts of crazy awesome. I'm almost afraid to read the rest of the books out of fear of what Herbert might have done to Alia.
I want to be able to say that it might make a better movie than a book, but that simply isn't so. It has too grand a scope for a movie, and Hollywood has already proved me horribly wrong, from what I've heard (I plan on watching the movie Dune sometime soon now).
If you like sci-fi, you should read Dune. If you want an example of good sci-fi, you should read Dune. If you don't much care about sci-fi at all, then read the book if you've got a free week and want mind-crushing headaches. No, seriously. They should put a warning label on there: Causes Mind-Crushing Headaches.
That might have just been my strange desire to out-smart the book though. My very strange and strong desire.
The party is tonight. Soon, I'll be leaving to pick up soda, chips, things of that nature. I'll then take them down to the shop. Then, I'll go drop some library books off and pick up a ice cream cake, then return to the shop. This should be about six-thirty, and at 7 I will take stock of people then order pizza (Wedge, in keeping with tradition). I'm supposed to be the sort-of hostess for this, but I'm unsure of what I'll do once things actually get rolling. I have ideas, but I want to be able to see who's there and what they might want to do. It's a good-bye to Game Night. There should be games. We'll see.
Midterms are somewhat over for me. I have one after break (isn't that awesome?). I have a big group presentation this Friday though, and got suckered into doing the first version of the powerpoint. Joy. That needs to be done by tomorrow. I also need to write 18 pages of a journal I haven't been keeping before Friday, and a paper. Those can wait though. Party comes first.
My cousin is getting married. I was told this last night. I didn't even know she had a boyfriend. Hello college bubble. When did you start blocking my family out too...? That might be the gray sheep bubble though.
It was pretty good. I'm not entirely sure what else to say about it. I suspect this does confirm my thoughts that sci-fi isn't really a genre that appeals much to me, as I'm willing to say that this is probably the best sci-fi I've read. (Flowers does not count. Flowers is its own special place in my heart.) The world itself was fascinating, and the plot was very intriguing, but both of these were an overwhelming and crushing force when it came to any true character development. Well, no. They developed. But most developed in ways they needed to for the story. Everyone was so aware of The Bigger Picture that it really took away from the impact of most changes. Most characters also often seemed to just be victims of circumstance, with no real autonomy away from fate/the writer. The lone exception to this was Alia, who was completely unnecessary to the plot and all sorts of crazy awesome. I'm almost afraid to read the rest of the books out of fear of what Herbert might have done to Alia.
I want to be able to say that it might make a better movie than a book, but that simply isn't so. It has too grand a scope for a movie, and Hollywood has already proved me horribly wrong, from what I've heard (I plan on watching the movie Dune sometime soon now).
If you like sci-fi, you should read Dune. If you want an example of good sci-fi, you should read Dune. If you don't much care about sci-fi at all, then read the book if you've got a free week and want mind-crushing headaches. No, seriously. They should put a warning label on there: Causes Mind-Crushing Headaches.
That might have just been my strange desire to out-smart the book though. My very strange and strong desire.
The party is tonight. Soon, I'll be leaving to pick up soda, chips, things of that nature. I'll then take them down to the shop. Then, I'll go drop some library books off and pick up a ice cream cake, then return to the shop. This should be about six-thirty, and at 7 I will take stock of people then order pizza (Wedge, in keeping with tradition). I'm supposed to be the sort-of hostess for this, but I'm unsure of what I'll do once things actually get rolling. I have ideas, but I want to be able to see who's there and what they might want to do. It's a good-bye to Game Night. There should be games. We'll see.
Midterms are somewhat over for me. I have one after break (isn't that awesome?). I have a big group presentation this Friday though, and got suckered into doing the first version of the powerpoint. Joy. That needs to be done by tomorrow. I also need to write 18 pages of a journal I haven't been keeping before Friday, and a paper. Those can wait though. Party comes first.
My cousin is getting married. I was told this last night. I didn't even know she had a boyfriend. Hello college bubble. When did you start blocking my family out too...? That might be the gray sheep bubble though.