Rating: 
Summary: Heinlein's best novel, which is saying a lot.
Review: This is a remarkable novel with some major things going for it. First, it is the most tightly plotted of Heinlein's novels. The plot is very powerful and exceedingly difficult to poke holes in; a supremely well-thought-out story. Second, it contains Heinlein's most fully developed, three dimensional characters. These are individuals who are so fully realized that you finish the book certain that you know them personally (and, in several cases, love them). And these are interesting and distinctive people; at least one character in this book is entirely unique in literature. Third, the book contains some truly arresting philosophy, always in digestible sized pieces. It has been called a "libertarian manifesto," which is both too strong and overly simplistic. Nonetheless, the book does force the reader to reflect on what's truly important and what isn't, regardless of whether one agrees with the expressed point of view. Amazingly, the philosophy never gets in the way of the story or the characters. Never. Not for one instant. This is the sort of effect Ayn Rand may have been striving for, but she was nowhere near the writer that Heinlein was. I have read every book Heinlein wrote, most of them numerous times. This is not only the best science fiction novel I have ever read, it is one of the best novels I have ever read, period. If you only read one science fiction book, this should be the one.
Rating:
Summary: Libertarianism run amok
Review: The moon is about as far as you're going to have to go to find a truly libertarian society, unfortunately. This book can accurately be described as a manifesto (as another review describes it) but it also happens to be a great read. This is my favorite Heinlein book.
Rating:
Summary: I gave a pint of blood to get the author to sign my copy.
Review: I went to the World Science Fiction Convention in 1978 and heard that Heinlein would autograph a novel if you gave a pint of blood to the Red Cross. That seemed like a fair trade. Generous in fact. After browsing the used book sellers I found a copy of tMiaHM. While Heinlein was too sick to attend,his wife Ginny was kind enough to use her power of attorney and signed his name. This novel ismuch more than a libertarian manifesto. It reassures us that there are values worth the risk our lives, fortune and sacred honor.
Itreminds we that read it, that the moon's colonization must first be attained if humanity is to free itself for the great adventures that will come. TANSAAFL!
Rating:
Summary: One of Heinlein's Best!
Review: It is refreshing to find so much accolade for one of Heinlein's novels. I find this novel to be one of my favorites of all time, including possibly my favorite Heinlein novel of all time. It was a delight to read, and had many good commentaries about today's political ideas throughout. I also found the idea of a computer that "wakes up" to be utterly fascinating, and the detailed description of how Mike grows and what he can and cannot do to be quite interesting - as compared to some where computers work magic. Anyone remember the magical speaking computer in WarGames? Without wires yet! I am also fascinated by Mannie's perceptions of privacy and personal responsibility. This is a very fascinating read.
I still imagine that one day, I'll be able to punch MYCROFTXXX and hear "Mannie, my best friend,..."
If you liked this book, read The Cat Who Walks Through Walls. Characters aren't as much fun, but the Cat Who Walks Through Walls is still a novel not to be missed.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful fantastic extraordinary
Review: When I started this book it seemed a bit tedious, but I found myself getting very involved in the characters and even caring about them, which is amazing for me. I highly reccommend this book to anyone. TANSTAAFL!
Rating:
Summary: Definately one of Heinlein's best!
Review: I have just recently discovered this book, having been a fan of Mr. Heinlein's other masterpieces (Stranger in a Strange Land and Starship Troopers) and this is definately one of his best. It was nearly impossible to put down. The characters are are well-developed, as is the background of Lunar society. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a fast-paced, highly enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Mike lives!
Review: In the night sometimes I think I hear Mike saying, "Mannie, my only friend"... I wrote to Robert A. Heinlein about that unresolved part of the novel. Is Mike really dead? Or only in hiding? I believe he's hiding. In the letter, I cited evidence from various parts of the novel to support that conclusion - e.g., Prof's speech to Mike about how Mike himself would be the biggest danger to the society after the revolution. I got RAH's form letter in response, which said that he never discusses his novels. But down at the bottom, was a handwritten notation: "You may be right - RAH". Read the book yourself. Decide whether Mike is truly dead.
Rating:
Summary: I read this book at least twice a year
Review: I have six copies of this in various states of use and abuse. I read and re-read it when I : want inspiration; need a laugh; need a sense of perspective; have insomnia; want insomnia; breathe, etc. The ideas that have inspired change through the centuries breathe a sense of purpose into the lovable characters that drive this hard-hitting classic. Not just inspired idealism, but an incredible sense of bizarre perspective grip ya' from cover to cover. RAH romanticizes awkward circumstances; the believability of the incidentals in this book stands the world as we know it on its ear. Buy several copies: if you like a good read, you'll need 'em.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent piece by one of Sci-Fi's most important writers
Review: When I began reading _Moon_, I was a bit unused to the made-up slang of the future, and found it annoying and too far-out. But as I moved on, it grew on me--became an endearing part of the novel, an integral part of the futuristic tale. It serves to make it so much more *real,* a thing that is hard to find. In addition, this is one of the few stories that actually kept me reading and wanting more, a non put-down book. Also very hard to find! Mike is the most loveable character--if you thought it was impossible to love a computer, read this and be amazed!
Rating:
Summary: One of Robert Heinlein's two finest novels.
Review: Heinlein, while nowhere near as prolific as his contemporary Asimov, was nonetheless the author of quite a number of novels. Of these, two could properly be considered "great". _The Moon is a Harsh Mistress_ is one of these two great novels. The four major characters of the novel, including one of the most detailed "AI" characters ever made, are the architects of a revolution against an oppressive Lunar Authority. _tMiaHM_ anticipated by quite some time the awesome power a master hacker (in the form of an intelligent computer, in this case) would have in a society reliant on electronic records for its money and essential services and businesses. While RAH's major points dealt with the libertarian/"Rational Anarchist" ideas of freedom and self-responsibility, the lessons about the control and distribution of information are just as critical as the ones the book ostensibly focuses on. Like his other masterwork, Starship Troopers, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is often attacked because of misperceptions of what Heinlein attempted to say in these works. All in all, however, the thing that makes _Moon_ work is that it has equal parts action and world-building that draw you into a possible future and make you LIVE there for a short time; Heinlein was at his best writing action stories with thoughtful twists, and this is one of the culminations of that approach.
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