# Emilia Allison

# Books

### primarily those that I've read

I wouldn't say that I read a lot. This page exists because I am generally dissatisfied will Goodreads and its competitors. My commentary may or may not include spoilers (clearly marked). The contents are placed here in no particular order.

# the books

## Dune

Frank Herbert

1965

8

I read the first Dune book without having seen the Lynch film and before the new movie was released. Unfortunately, I found that, in addition to the typical suspension of disbelief required by this genre, it was necessary to look past many interesting opinions Frank had regarding women (see: Heretics of Dune).

## Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert

1969

8

Messiah is far more philosophical than Dune. Herbert's anti-theocracy and anti-autocracy messaging is far stronger here. One might say that Herbert's rejection of charismatically driven tyranny was prescient.

## Children of Dune

Frank Herbert

1976

7.5

In my mind, Children of Dune exists almost solely to set up its sequel. This book has some very uncomfortable moments (although by no means the worst this series has to offer) arising from Herbert's use of children characters with adult memories.

## God Emperor of Dune

Frank Herbert

1981

9

A common criticism of GEoD is heavy use of monologue; I quite enjoyed the Worm's lengthy expositions. Philosophy aside, I enjoy this book for the absurdity of its premise: a giant worm has near-complete control over the entirety of humanity.

## Heretics of Dune

Frank Herbert

1984

6.5

How I adore Herbert's writing of women. There are many interesting ideas in Heretics, but this is in large part overshadowed by the more objectionable content. As far as I can tell, Duncan is thirteen in this book. Fine, he reacquires his old memories, but the Bene Gesserit were planning to imprint him before that. The idea of imprinting is revolting on its own, but the pairing with an underage character is more so.

## Neuromancer

William Gibson

1984

7

Although I found it hard to follow at times, Neuromancer's numerous contributions (if not outright creation of) to the genre cannot be dismissed. I found Gibson's writing of women characters to be lackluster; I personally can do without unexpected smut. The sequel, Count Zero, leaned this direction so quickly as to prompt my abandonment of the trilogy.

## Be More Chill

Ned Vizzini

2004

3

I have little to say about this entry. YA is not typically my preference, and this book did little to change that.

## To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee

1960

10