Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert 1969 / 338 pgs. ( ~ 70,000 words) Science Fiction
Dune Messiah is a starkly different experience from the original. While it lacks the fast-paced “page-turner” energy of the first book, it serves as a fascinating bridge to Children of Dune.
In the introduction, Brian Herbert notes that many readers disliked this sequel because of Paul’s trajectory. I suspect Frank Herbert realized he had created a character so powerful that Paul had essentially become a narrative dead end. How do you challenge a man who has the power of prescience, the abilities of a Reverend Mother, and a loyal following conducting a bloody Jihad in his name?
The heart of the book is the conspiracy to take Paul down. Even though the Emperor knows it’s coming, he is trapped by his own foresight. The most striking moment for me was Paul’s conversation with Stilgar, where he compares his “statistics” to the dictators of Ancient Earth:
“I’ve killed sixty-one billion… I’ve wiped out the followers of forty religions… We’ll be a hundred generations recovering from Muad’Dib’s Jihad.”
This quote perfectly captures the “darkness” Paul has brought to the universe. While the ending for Paul and Chani might be polarizing, I found it satisfying. It felt like a necessary way for Herbert to move the story forward, removing an all-powerful lead so we can explore the Dune universe without Paul seeing every outcome before it happens.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s a really good book. If you are in love with the first book and don’t want anything to change in the world of Dune. I would recommend not reading Dune Messiah.
The Nine by Gwen Strauss 2021 / 317 pgs. (84,000~ words) History
This is a deeply emotional narrative. It is a true account of the lives of nine young women, aged 18-26, who served in the French Resistance, were captured, and then sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp—only to escape during a death march at the end of the war.
The book is not just about their survival; it is a deep dive into who each of these women were. It explores why they joined the Resistance, how they were captured, and the torture they endured at the hands of the SS. It details how they kept their spirits and morale as high as possible in the camps, and how they formed their bond, as they didn’t all meet until they arrived at Ravensbrück.
There is also a wonderful narration of their escape—journeying through village after village, constantly fearing discovery by German soldiers or the SS, which would mean execution. The final section covers their lives after the war and how they were treated—or often forgotten—by the French Government despite their service.
The story is fascinating because, while many have heard of the Holocaust, people often forget the sheer variety of people put into concentration camps. The book mentions several groups often lost to history: the asozial (prostitutes, homosexuals, Sinti and Roma, and common criminals). It describes how this group survived in the same block and how they interacted.
As a person who has visited Dachau, this book really brings into perspective the number of people that Nazi Germany didn’t want in society.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s a really good book. Just be mentally prepared for what these women went through to survive. It can be heartbreaking.
How to read Literature like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster 2003 / 314 pgs. (84,000~ words) Literary Criticism
When I started this book, I expected something entirely different. I honestly thought it would be a guide to reading professional documents effectively or finding key points in technical writing. It wasn’t that at all. However, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.
The book is a guide to understanding literature on a deeper level by analyzing narrative context. It explains that elements in well-written stories are rarely accidental; they are there to help you visualize scenes or foreshadow events. Even characters are built for specific, structural reasons.
Here are a few highlights I noted:
There is no such thing as a new idea. All stories have already been written. When you break down a narrative, you find that authors are inspired by previous authors, who were inspired by those before them.
Most plots have ancient roots. Many themes stem from the Bible, Shakespeare, or Greek Mythology. This tradition goes back as far as Virgil writing the Aeneid (19 BC), which mirrors Homer’s Odyssey (8th Century BCE).
Weather matters. Rain and snow are rarely just atmospheric. Winter often symbolizes death, while Spring symbolizes rebirth—concepts rooted in the myth of Persephone and Hades.
The Hero vs. The Supporting Cast. The hero (almost) never dies, while those around them exist to support the narrative. We often know everything about the hero but very little about the supporting characters because their primary function is to drive the hero’s journey.
Violence serves a purpose. In literature, an injury is often a plot device to force one character to interact with another.
Symbols are subjective. Symbols mean something different to everyone. If a meaning were completely straightforward, it would be an allegory, not a symbol.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. I really enjoyed reading it, and I could practically hear my high school teachers saying, “See, I told you this when you were in school!” It genuinely teaches you to read books from a different perspective.
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 1977 / 285 pgs. (95,716 words) Si-Fi Classic
In Joe Haldeman’s classic science fiction novel, The Forever War, we meet William Mandella, a physics student whose advanced education gets him conscripted into the United Nations Expeditionary Force (UNEF). After grueling basic training on Earth, he is sent to Charon, a desolate planetoid beyond Pluto, where the training proves lethal for several recruits. From there, Mandella is thrown into a brutal, centuries-long war against a mysterious alien race known as the Taurans.
Mandella and his fellow soldiers travel between star systems using “collapsars,” which allow their ships to cross light-years in an instant. However, this instantaneous travel comes with a staggering cost due to time dilation. While Mandella ages only a few months or years on a mission, centuries fly by on Earth. He becomes a stranger to the very world he’s fighting to protect, which changes beyond recognition with each return.
More Than Just a Sci-Fi Story
At its heart, The Forever War is a profound exploration of the psychological horrors of combat. Haldeman unflinchingly portrays the trauma of losing limbs, the pain of losing loved ones, and the deep alienation of a soldier returning home.
The novel is a powerful allegory for the Vietnam War experience, channeling Haldeman’s own experiences as a veteran into a futuristic setting. The feelings of displacement, the struggle to adapt to a society that has moved on without you, and even the paradoxical desire to return to the simplicity of war will resonate deeply with many readers, especially veterans.
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
The Forever War is a book that deeply impacted me. I was completely engrossed in Mandella’s story, eager to see how his seemingly endless journey would conclude. It’s a masterful commentary on the futility of war and the enduring humanity of those forced to fight it.
Grab a cup of coffee and dive into this unforgettable classic. You won’t be disappointed.
Churchill’s Shadow Raiders by Damien Lewis 2019 / 350 pgs. (104,000 words) Military and War, History
The birth of the British Airborne Commando Operations, Operation Colossus, the very first British airborne operation, a mission to parachute into Italy and destroy a key freshwater aqueduct. It explores the challenges the team faced and how the mission ultimately ended in failure when their extraction failed, leading to the entire team’s capture.
However, the idea wasn’t over. The battle of Briton was an air battle and RADAR was the key that helped the British survive. The story then shifts to a critical intelligence-gathering raid in France. Understanding that German RADAR technology was a major threat, commandos were sent to capture parts of an advanced Würzburg radar system and return them to the UK. This mission proved to be a major success, providing intelligence that would have a great impact on the future Operation Overlord (D-Day).
Would I recommend it? It’s a good book for those that are interested in the subject. Having a RADAR background, the book sparked my interest. If you are not interested in military history, it might not be for you.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck 1952 / 602 pgs. (610,000 words) Classic
John Steinbeck’s magnum opus, East of Eden, is an epic retelling of the biblical stories of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. Set in the Salinas Valley of California, the novel masterfully weaves together the lives of two families: the hardworking Hamiltons and the deeply troubled Trasks.
The story of the Trasks begins in Connecticut with two brothers, Adam and Charles, living under the shadow of their cruel and dishonest father. Though a failure in most respects, the father’s fabricated tales of Civil War heroism eventually land him a powerful government position. Upon his death, he bequeaths a significant fortune to his sons.
The narrative follows Adam, who, after a forced stint in the Army, marries the beautiful but monstrously manipulative Cathy Ames. Soon after giving birth to twin boys, Caleb (Cal) and Aron, Cathy abandons her new family. The boys are raised by Adam with the indispensable help of Lee, their Chinese cook, housekeeper, and the story’s philosophical heart. In many ways, Lee becomes more of a father to the boys than the distant Adam ever is.
The central conflict unfolds as the brothers grow up, embodying the ancient rivalry of Cain and Abel. Cal is the dark, tempestuous, and jealous son, while Aron is the fair, innocent, and morally rigid one, whose idealism makes it difficult for him to confront the world’s evil.
Should You Read It?
Absolutely. Don’t let the 600-page count intimidate you. While the initial chapters, which jump between families and timelines, can be a bit disorienting, Steinbeck expertly ties every thread together into a powerful, flowing narrative. Be prepared for an ending that feels abrupt but will leave you thinking for days. East of Eden is a profound and unforgettable reading experience.
Thinner by Stephen King (written as Richard Bachman) 1984 / 442 pgs. (95,716 words) Horror
The premise of Thinner centers on William “Billy” Halleck, an overweight lawyer who kills an old Gypsy woman in a driving accident. When Halleck uses his connections to avoid legal consequences, the woman’s elderly father deems it unjust and places a curse on him: “Thinner.” The novel chronicles Billy’s terrifyingly rapid weight loss and the looming question of whether the curse will prove fatal.
While the plot’s predictability, especially towards the conclusion, is a minor drawback, it doesn’t completely detract from the story. Reading it prompts relatable thoughts: rapid, unexplained weight loss in a loved one would likely first suggest cancer, and claims of a “Gypsy curse” might be dismissed as denial. Much of the narrative telegraphs future events, including the ending.
So, is Thinner a bad book? Not at all. I’d still recommend it if asked, though it wouldn’t make my personal list of top Stephen King novels. Its somewhat foreseeable nature prevents it from being a completely captivating read, slightly diminishing its ‘getaway novel’ appeal.
Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!
Lopaka
Interesting Notes:
Recognizing the Gypsy curse as a common storytelling device (a trope), I immediately thought of Sideshow Bob shouting “Trope Alert!” in a Simpsons‘ Halloween special.
The Metamorphosis by Franc Kafka 1916 / 78 pgs. (22,009 words) Classic
Kafka’s The Metamorphosis opens with Gregor Samsa awakening one morning to find himself transformed into what the author calls a “monstrous vermin.” The novella then focuses on the reactions of Gregor and his family as they confront the reality that he is no longer the traveling salesman and sole breadwinner who supported them. This disturbing event sets the narrative in motion.
Although it’s a short novella—only about 78 pages, which I read in roughly two hours—it carries a significant emotional weight. From the beginning, I was curious about where the story would lead. The narrative develops towards an ending that feels both inevitable and deeply sad, leaving the reader with much to consider about the characters.
Despite its seemingly straightforward narration, the story provokes considerable thought. It’s easy to see why this work is hailed as a classic.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!
Lopaka
Interesting Notes:
One of my favorite movies is Spaceballs. There is a line that I never understood until now. After I finished The Metamorphosis, I was working on something when the line came to my head and I had that Ah Ha moment.
The line,
Colonel Sandurz “Preparing ship for Metamorphosis Sir.”
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (Translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude) 1869 / 1,394 pgs. (587,000 words) Classic
War and Peace is, to date, the longest novel I have ever read – and it’s a truly epic story. However, describing this book isn’t easy. It avoids simple narration and defies traditional structures. There’s no single central character; instead, the reader follows several individuals, a mix of fictional creations and historical figures. The narrative weaves around significant historical events, such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the lead-up to the French invasion of Russia, and the eventual burning of Moscow.
This novel offers more than just a story; it delves into philosophical questions of right and wrong, personal tragedies, and triumphs. It’s quite common to be following a character’s experiences, only for Tolstoy to digress into a philosophical discussion, such as debating the reasons and responsibility for Moscow’s burning before Napoleon’s arrival.
The narrative structure doesn’t follow a conventional pattern, yet somehow, it works. While reading, I sensed Tolstoy’s desire to innovate beyond the traditional novel format. Deeper into the book, I initially suspected Tolstoy’s main goal was simply to write about the burning of Moscow, using the surrounding story merely as a backdrop to convey the events of the occupation. While I was wrong about his sole focus being the Moscow fire, I was right that he structured the narrative purposefully to tell a larger story.
The story unfolds within the world of Russian aristocracy, an environment Tolstoy, as a Count himself, knew intimately. We follow numerous characters throughout the novel – some you grow to love, others to dislike. Pierre Bezukhov provides a fascinating example. He begins as the illegitimate son of a dying Count, with many hoping to inherit the vast fortune. Believing he’ll receive nothing, Pierre is unexpectedly thrust into the highest echelons of aristocracy when his father leaves him everything. This sudden change confuses Pierre, who feels unprepared for the responsibility and is still searching for his purpose in life. Much of his journey involves this search for meaning, during which others sometimes take advantage of his nature, including his wife, who gains access to much of his fortune.
Another compelling character is Natasha Rostova, a beautiful young countess. She falls in love and becomes engaged to the older Prince Andrei. As part of an agreement with Andrei’s father, they must wait a year before marrying, during which Andrei serves in the military and tours Europe. Natasha waits, though unhappily, feeling her youth slipping away. During this time, she develops strong feelings for Andrei’s friend, Pierre Bezukhov. Tolstoy intriguingly portrays this period from Natasha’s perspective, allowing the reader to feel her painful anticipation for Andrei’s return, mingled with the awareness of passing time.
As mentioned, exploring War and Peace is a vast undertaking. Readers face a few challenges, common for novels of this scale: primarily keeping track of the numerous characters and managing the book’s sheer size. Dedicating enough time is crucial; realistically, plan for at least two to three months to journey through it.
Interestingly, I read the novel on my iPad, despite owning a paper copy. The electronic format offered a significant advantage: easy translation. Tolstoy often incorporates French phrases and sentences into the dialogue – reflecting the fact that much of the Russian aristocracy at the time spoke French. While understanding the French isn’t essential to follow the plot, translating it (which was simple using the tablet’s highlight feature, far easier than juggling a dictionary) definitely enhances the reading experience and provides richer background context.
So, is dedicating the time worth it? Absolutely. I found War and Peace surprisingly readable. It wasn’t the overly complicated text I had feared – perhaps I’ve just become more accustomed to reading such books now. While the first 100 pages or so are quite dense, the narrative smooths out considerably afterwards. The main challenge truly is its length, not its complexity.
Once you reach the final page, there’s an immense sense of gratification that comes with having completed such a masterpiece. For me, it echoed the feeling I had after finishing The Stand – another classic, famously long novel.
Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!
Lopaka
Interesting Notes
While reading War and Peace, I initially assumed Tolstoy’s primary goal was to write about the French occupation of Moscow in 1812, creating the surrounding narrative simply to support that event. However, I learned the reality was quite different.
Tolstoy originally intended to write about the Decembrists returning from exile (an event occurring much later than the novel’s timeline). But he realized he couldn’t adequately portray their return without first explaining the Decembrist revolt of 1825. To explain 1825, he felt it necessary to narrate the pivotal events of 1812, including the French invasion. Going back further, he determined he couldn’t properly set the stage for 1812 without exploring the precursor events around 1805, such as the Battle of Austerlitz.
And that is where War and Peace actually begins. By the time Tolstoy finished, he had crafted a 1,300-page epic that covered the years leading up to and including 1812, but he never reached the Decembrist events he had originally set out to chronicle. So, while the novel was conceived to eventually narrate specific historical moments, it grew into a monumental work that laid the groundwork but stopped before reaching that initial destination.
Furthermore, reading about Tolstoy’s own life, I realized how closely the character of Pierre Bezukhov mirrors aspects of Tolstoy’s own experiences and philosophical searching.
nyghteulen 