First Independent Reading Book

One the most interesting books I've read this year, Dune's an interesting mix of science fiction and religion. Of course it's not a real religion (Judaism, Christianity etc.). Dune concentrates on how most religions began, with a single person/idea. A boy named Paul (which I think is a really generic name) ends up becoming some sort of prophet for an entire universe. The Dune storyline doesn't end there, but this book is something like a prequel. What I really enjoy about this book is how it sucked me in. And that it's based off things that sound plausible (as long as you don't think too hard about them). But the story is a very powerful one. Although it does follow a commercial fiction story, there are surprises that break away from the trend. Most commercial fiction stories involve a person who has everything, loses everything, and then manages to get everything back with interest. And yes, that's what happens here, but even at the end, the main characters loses some things. For example, most endings have the hero living with their romantic partner (if they get one) for the rest of their lives. Dune? He has to marry a stranger in order to preserve order. Dune is just a book I would recommend for everyone. You might not like science fiction, or even plain fiction, but at least give this book a try.