Stranger in a Strange Land

Rating:
Summary: Not for everyone
Review: I have read very few books more than once. This is one of the few. If you're easily offended (especially when it comes to religion, chauvinism, and/or sexuality) look elsewhere. If you prefer comic-book style Sci-fi, full of galactic space battles, futuristic gadgets, space aliens, etc., this book is also not for you. However, if you like a good thought-provoking story, this is one of the best. Orson Scott Card, Isaac Asimov, and maybe a few others are the only Sci-fi authors who compare. Heinlein uses the plot, setting, etc. as a vehicle for examining humanity. He challenges what we do, what we think, and how we act. This is not a cookbook for creating a hippie commune, or a forum for suggesting there is intelligent life on Mars. Anyone who thinks this is the case doesn't grok this book in fullness.

Rating:
Summary: What?
Review: Okay, the obviously untrue comment R.A.H. makes about rape is inexcusable. But, aside from that I don't see what's so sexist about this book. Sure, one of the main characters has a trio of sexy bathing secretaries. I'm sure if Heinlein had reversed the genders it would have played out just the same with a wealthy, aged female author with three hot stud secretaries on hand, all tallented and capable and sexy to boot. If you read other Heinlein novels you'll see he isn't sexist at all. Many of his smartest and strongest characters have been women. He most often portrays men as waek willed children with neanderthal brains who can only make sensible decisions when fed ideas by a women and allowed to think he's the one being resonable. I think Heinlein believed the sexes were truly equal, but he saw no sense in pretending that they weren't different. He seemed to be saying that if everyone just accepted that the sexes were equal but different we would all get along much better. But, then again, maybe he was just an old-fashioned, sexist coot.

Rating:
Summary: Do you grok it, my aquafraternal comrade?
Review: Though far from perfect, Stranger in a Strange Land is a great read. The novel starts off somewhat strongly. It grabbed me from the beginning. Despite sagging a bit towards the end, the story wraps up with quite a punch.

Some parts of the novel seem extremely dated and may be difficult to get through, but in the end this book is worth reading--if only for the ideas presented in it. Recommended (though not for all).

Rating:
Summary: What are you people smoking?
Review: This was one of the great books of our time.

Hundreds of people refer to it....

In one word. I grok!

Rating:
Summary: One of the best classic science fiction novels ever written
Review: Originally published in 1961, this book garnered Heinlein his third Hugo award. Thought provoking, humorous and controversial, this book can still create a stir when it comes up in discussion.

In its simplest terms, this story is about Michael Valentine Smith, a true "Man from Mars." The first manned mission to Mars was never heard from and presumed to be a failure. Years later, the second expedition is amazed and surprised to find that although none of the original explorers remain, they have left an heir. This heir, Michael Valentine Smith, has been raised by the true Martians and is now being returned to Earth. Although biologically human, Smith is more alien than many can understand. His thought processes and beliefs reflect his upbringing in an alien culture. He is physically capable of things that no human would believe possible, solely because he has never been told he was incapable of such feats. Heinlein could have had an entertaining story just by exploring these differences, but he didn't stop there.

As with most of Heinlein's works, he uses Smith's own alienness to examine our values, mores and political processes through fresh eyes. In doing so, Smith's character becomes a lightning rod for controversy. Unable to understand our ways, yet eager to share his knowledge with his "water brothers," Smith's journey towards understanding leads him towards a prophet-like existence. Heinlein describes cults, communes, free love and other ideas considered radical at that time before they became popular in the later 60's. In fact, many members of that generation referred to this novel for guidance as they set up their own havens for peace and love.

While some of Heinlein's ideas may now seem dated, and some are just downright politically incorrect, I still think this book ranks as one of the best classic science fiction novels ever written. Heinlein has always been able to look at our traditions and punch holes in them with his reasonable logic. If nothing else, his works have always taught me the importance of thinking for myself and questioning the status quo. I may not always agree with what Heinlein has to say, but he's always interesting!

Rating:
Summary: Do Not Waste Your Mind or Money
Review: After years of hearing praise for Mr. Heinlen, I attempted to read this book. Cynicism, misogynism, nihilism and an advocacy to either anarchism and/or a brain-dead form of Hippy-Libertarianism is offered.

This is not a good book. The main characters are flat, truly one-dimensional and the ideologies expressed are incoherent at best, morally relative at worst.

For those who have never read Anthem, or the Foundation series, this may seem quite interesting. It isn't. There are lots of things said is this book that are right - but others, like Ayn Rand, stated them with far more clarity & no contradictions.

Like the Libertarian movement itself, this book is counterfeit. If you care about the ideas of freedom in this world and want to see them made real, read something by those authors who understand the word "freedom" and all it presupposes - Ayn Rand, George Orwell, George Martin, Issac Asimov and James Clavell. Stay away from this trash.