What was the most overrated or disappointing book you've ever read? Someone just asked about the most influential, so I'm curious about the other end.
For me, "The Dune" was an absolute bore. I wanted to like it because of all the great reviews I've read. Just not my cup of tea.
"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". I couldn't stand the insistence on the strong distinction between romantic and classical attitudes.
I think the best way to understand "Dune" is in historical context. Few SF books before then considered the ecology, or used Middle Eastern influences. These fresh ideas bowled over a lot of people at the time.
I re-read Dune when I was about 30, and thought it was nothing special, and a bit simplistic. Thing is, its existence helped change SF to expect more complex stories.
I think the best way to understand "Dune" is in historical context. Few SF books before then considered the ecology, or used Middle Eastern influences. These fresh ideas bowled over a lot of people at the time.
I re-read Dune when I was about 30, and thought it was nothing special, and a bit simplistic. Thing is, its existence helped change SF to expect more complex stories.