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A Word on Mr. Herbert If some of you haven't noticed, I've been reading a lot of Sci Fi lately. This is due to an interal challenge to read Dan's entire library before we trash some of the lesser used volumes. Through my wanderings, I've been reading a lot of Herbert, so I'd like to discuss his works as a whole. Frank Herbert is a very good SF writer because he manages to balance description with action. Unlike Asimov, who revels in perfect theory that explains every important future development, Herbert relies more on the reader to understand his work. He does answer some questions outright in the text, but he also leaves most of the interpretation up to the reader. The ending from The Santaroga Barrier is a good example of this. The narrator ends up caving to the influence of Jaspers, and living with his new wife. You're never quite sure if he chooses it, however, or the drugs. There's also still the hint that he might end up mentally challenged because of this "decision", but Herbert doesn't give any clear answers beyond his agreement to marry Jenny. The Jesus Incident and The Lazarus Effect also exemplify this ambiguity. Both novels show the growth of man as he learns how to worship and cooperate. Both have very compelling characters that carry the plot well. Both also have references to mystical Christian experiences that never get fully explained. Their importance is alluded to many times, but it is left up the reader to interpret how they relate to novels' main character: the ship who becomes Ship, a god-like consciousness in its own right. Confusing symbols certainly, as they bring many religious issues into play, but fortunately no set is completely defined for you. Even if you can't understand the symbolism, Herbert does a wonderful job keeping the action going. Unlike Burroughs, who relies too much on fast plot to the detriment of his characters, Herbert balances his theory with plot very nicely. You always get the feeling of tension, time, and forward progress, even when the characters are lying back and questioning themselves. Everything seems to be growing and changing constantly, and most of his work relies on the tensions of how the characters will relate to their environment. Some manage better than others, but because of his ability to bring unique voices to his work the reader engages with them easily. Burroughs stereotypes, on the other hand, can leave you cold and distant despite the exciting plot. For the record, I have not read Dune or the Dune series yet. I've been wanting to do so, but I don't want to start them and not finish the entire set. I also hate reading a series out of order. As I haven't wanted to commit to this endevor yet, despite the fact that my dad has the entire series, I await the reading of that series with anticipation. What's next in my reading list? Probably a lot of Anne McCaffery. Dan's a big fan of hers, me not so much, but the books make for decently engaging reading. Hopefully, I can clean all that out in a few months. As a slight sidebar, I have even better news about my job. Apparently, despite my requesting a promotion, I was already in line to be made permanent staff. My direct boss, during an after work conversation on my attempt to get a sales job, confessed to me that she's also been trying to get me promoted to salary. She wants me to stay in her office, though she's going to have to find some projects for me to do. (Why I am ALWAYS the project girl in every office? Not secretary, just jane of all trades with several abilities spread out across weird projects nobody wants to handle. Odd.) She's okay with my trying full time sales, but I can see she also wants me to herself, if possible. I'm just happy knowing that either way I'll get a raise in pay and health care. Ooooo Health Care. I'll finally be one of those people that might be able to go to a doctor when I'm sick instead of one of the unwashed masses that sweats it out at home. Lol, will be odd though as I've never had health care, but its something to strive for. I think we get dental too, yay! Good to know I'll get out of this hole eventually, eh? Daphne |