My sci-fi reading tends toward the classics of the genre and the odd decades-old anthologies I find in used bookstores. This book covers the obvious and sometimes surprising inspiration and research behind Dune.
The Smiling Madame Beudet (1923). Considered an early feminist film, with some great surreal images, like Cocteau making a marriage drama. Madame B is unhappy in her relationship and considers a way out. Reminds me of Victorian-era books with unhappy marriages or works like The Awakening mixed with the bizarre qualities of “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Probably difficult for some contemporary audience members to understand how these works depict the limited options for women at the time–Ibsen also comes to mind!
Wonderfully weird and disturbing alien encounter story. It predates Starman, but feels like a mix of that with Alien, ET, and a heavy dose of Inseminoid.
Stephen McClurg 