Stranger in a Strange Land

Rating:
Summary: Heinlein's best novel
Review: When I first picked up _Stranger in a Strange Land_ I wasn't expecting much. I had read _Starship Troopers_ and _The Puppet Masters_ and thought they were O.K. But this book just blew me away. Not so much because of its science fiction extrapolations, but rather for how funny, intelligent and true the book rang. _Stranger..._ shows human beings through the eyes of one Valentine Michael Smith, a Martian with human origins. He is so child-like, so innocent, so funny and calm in every situation even though he has such awesome powers--it's amazing to read about him. Along with Gully Foyle, in _The Stars My Destination_ I think he is one of the best SF protagonists ever written. And the way he learns and evolves from the strange cast of human characters--I also really liked Patty and Jubal Harshaw--is wonderful to read. The ending is so unforgettable. And how Heinlein came up with such a cool word like grok I'll never know. Also, he brings the interesting concept of water brothers into the story, and shows how humanity should love each other without resorting to meaningless violence. Sometimes Heinlein gets a bit too wordy and some of his views about God and woman I find hard to swallow--I can see why this book is so controversial. But aside from those minor flaws, _Strange..._ is a great book to read not only because it is enjoyable by itself as literature, but also because it has the intelligence and audacity to pose such difficult questions and firm beliefs about humanity, God and our place in the universe when now such concerns are ignored by most current SF.

Rating:
Summary: Best Book in the History of Literature
Review: It's not science fiction, it's an awakening! Written over 30 years ago, this timeless tale of prejudice of the human perspective will be as enlightening in 2030 as it is today, and was in 1957! On top of all that, it's pretty darn good story. Read it. You won't be sorry.

Rating:
Summary: great i love it
Review: best book ever i think it is wonderfu

Rating:
Summary: I finally grokked it!
Review: Years ago (about 5) I tried to read Stranger. I found it boring and unexciting. Since then, I have matured. Heinlein is a genius and he seems to look at societal values with X-RAY vision! I decided to read "Friday", "Cat who walks through walls", "I will fear no evil" and other Heinlein books to prepare myself for Stranger. It worked, I got past the "boring" stuff and saw into it. I have grokked Stranger and it's a pleasure. As for those who didn't enjoy this book, lighten up, open your mind a little, stop and smell the flowers, enjoy the small things that life has to offer. STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND is FICTION, it is not a political agenda, cult church or philisophical powerhouse (although it should be). Take the blinders off, enjoy Heinlein, he tells it like it is (or should be thats up to you the reader to decide, lol). Overall, I enjoyed the book quite a bit, an easy task with an open mind.

Rating:
Summary: the most fabulous book ever
Review: it is better than anything

Rating:
Summary: Best ever Sci-Phi novel
Review: Written in 1957, it covered many very controversial subjects that most authors won't tackle even today. Robert covers international law, attacks several major religions, and gives the reader hope in mankind. He created a new word "grok", and said that what makes man unique was laughter. What more can you ask for?

Rating:
Summary: an incredible book
Review: Stranger... is a great book which teaches one the importance of "groking," a fictional term which means to truly understand a subject.

Rating:
Summary: Still fabulous, after all these years.
Review: I first read this in 1978 andalthough I am older and not quite the idealistic youth I was once, I still found, upon rereading it, that my heart could still be touched, warmed, and lightened by Mike's special innocence. What a fabulous treadure this book is.

Rating:
Summary: The best book i've ever read
Review: This book should be read by all the students, and by all people who would like to think different.

Rating:
Summary: This book is almost TOO good
Review: This book is so good, I didn't want it to end. It really made me look at things in a different way. Honestly a moving piece of work