Rating: 
Summary: I found this (kewl book) long before I even knew Heinlein.
Review: Never I have read Science Fiction like Robert A. Heinlein's ... So I thought when "Stranger in a Strange Land" fell into my hands. But yet, I remembered a long-lost dream, the vision of a novel I once read in German translation. It was strange, unusual, impressive though. It was this, the "Number of the Beast." I wonder, how long have I been calculating, a lad trying to play the game of the future without pocket calculator, just in his mind. In later times I realized RAH did this, more tham anyone else. It doesn't really matter where to begin exploring the Heinlein Multiverse, if it just happens to be unguided and complete. Always there are new, exciting twists and turns, glorious missions and hillarious ideas. I wonder whether to make some of them work in actual life, though .. However, I recommend taking this novel after reading "Time Enough For Love" and other parts of the Multiverse, the understanding of the plot(s) has to grow in time. Heinlein is by no means 'easy' literature, though written in a flowing, light-hearted and delighting way. Whoever thinks he is pornographic (is partly correct, in imagination) but should check out the Bible ( e.g. The Song of Solomon) and Koran first. Especially favoured: Redheads ...
Rating:
Summary: If you dont love a good paradox try L R Hubbard or Al Gore!
Review: I believe that this book demonstrates the culmination of RAH's talents as a science fiction writer In stranger in a strange land he transcended the science fiction mold of technology fantasizing and delivered a powerful in depth story. His rhetoric alone(described as ranting by some)upon reflection can provide insights in to ourselves as well as the characters, and RAH himself. The brain exercises required to follow the strange loop presented within the plot are worth the price of the book. The social interactions of the characters and their development demonstrate one of RAH's best characteristics. His ability to take you inside the thoughts of his characters not only unleashes a bond between reader and character but it creates a synergy of thought on behalf of the reader. Why do we read books? Sure the characters get naked and have morals that stray away from the bible belt code of conduct. So what! I read to be inspired, not to recieve a cheap thrill(that's just a bonus) RAH's explanation of the inner workings of the universe was terrific and only surpassed by his attempt to show us the inner workings of the ideal mind(Stranger in a Stange land) and then much later to show us the inner workings of the here after(Job) The best thing about these three stories is that they are the same but a million miles apart. If you don't love a good paradox, read L. Ron Hubbard or Al Gore.
Rating: 
Summary: A great novel from the Great
Review: This was the first work I read ( in an italian translation, then I read it in english and I think that from now on translators can put their work in trash bins ) from mr. Heinlein and, wow!, I found my writer!! Even if I think that this is not the most important work of the master, I really enjoied the reading of this novel.
His great capability to speak about everyday life using Sci-Fi ambient and people is great.
Finally I just want to say:
Stranger in a strange land must be studied in schools!!!! All across the world!!!
Rating:
Summary: A fabulous taste of heinlein with a disturbing undercurrent
Review: Heinlein has created a rich tapestry of ideas that continue to this day to push at the limits of science and literature. New ideas and twists in the story line were popping up every few pages throughout the book. Now about that disturbing undercurrent. Did anybody else get the feeling from the sexual dialogue that maybe Mr. Heinlein would have liked to have sex with his daughter. Even so, I think that this is a prime example of the work of one of the finest Sci-Fi authors to ever breath life into the printed page. I welcome comments.
Rating:
Summary: I found THE book I have been looking for after 10 years!
Review: I've read a Dutch translation about 10-12 years ago from the local library, and have been wanting to read it again ever since, however I couldn't find it again (library closed). After a long long time... I received Amazon's URL from a friend and after 1 search try, I FOUND IT!!! I am a great fan of this book (Despite the fact that I have read multiple books about inter-world-navigation - and much sh.t has been written on that issue, believe me!). Well, I'm a Dutchman (not flying) so I do not give away any 10's when rating something, but it definitely earns a 9! It's a consistent book that leaves just enough (or too much?) to the imagination of the reader. OK, a little bit of nude wandering in strange worlds seems a bit overdone, but hey - it's a strange world
Rating: 
Summary: Not the best
Review: Like most of the other reviewers, this book starts great, has some great moments, but has some of the most dullest, boring, RAH I have ever read.
While bad RAH is often better than good other authors, if you enjoyed The Number of the Beast, you have some great reading ahead of you with his other works.
Still would not mind having a "Gay Deceiver" myself,... even in its standard form
Rating: 
Summary: If you can do your taxes or read this book - taxes it is!
Review: There is no question that Mr. Heinlein has written some great books. This book, however, is not one of them. There are only three or four books that I could not finish, and this is one of them. It starts out promisingly enough, but then Mr. Heinlein gets so excited about the idea of the characters being naked all of the time that it becomes the focus of the book. I'm all for people being naked, and occasionally having sex and whatnot, but I don't prefer that as the subject of a book. The characters modify their car, they fly around, we spend hours reading about exactly how to program its computer in some incomprehensible variant of English and Logic, then everybody mentions how they are naked and would like to have sex, if possible. Later the car flys about, the computer attempts to flirt with various people and their fathers, and then we are reminded that everybody is naked and hey! it's time to get some. I flipped to the back to see what this was all about, but it was even harder to understand there. I gave up. This book might be a good movie, but it makes a horrible book. The car was pretty cool though, especially with the interdimensional transporter thingie
Rating:
Summary: A great book with fascinating ideas
Review: I can't believe that anyone could call this book porno! Anyone who can think and read at the same time can tell the difference! However, I digress...
This book is one of my all-time favorites. I love the idea of fictons and that there is no such thing as fiction--all powerful stories exist somewhere/when. Who wouldn't love to meet a favorite character?
I actually have this book memorized.
Rating:
Summary: Bizarro Heinlein?
Review: I have a new theory on why this book is so disappointing. What if it wasn't really written by the same R.A. Heinlein who wrote the truly impressive "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" and so many other classics? I think it was written by an imposter from another dimension.
Seriously, this novel exemplifies all the weaknesses that Heinlein's detractors love to point out. Without going into the gory details, I'd just suggest that anyone working his or her way through Heinlein's books leave this one for dead last, or skip it altogether.
Rating:
Summary: A distinctive, much maligned work.
Review: How do you define a Heinlein novel?
A lot of people seem to try, an awful lot. They also know what a Heinlein Novel "should be," and what it shouldn't be. "The Number of the Beast," they say, shows what it shouldn't be. Some people use it as an example of a failure of the Dean's mental facilities. Others use it as an example of bad storytelling.
All of which stuns me. "Number of the Beast" is a highly consistent, fast paced novel in three (clearly identified) parts. It is experimental, to be certain, but the experiment succeeds in so many ways.
The novel is broken into chapters, alternating between points of view between the four main characters and highlighting their differences as they undergo adventures through time and space. Along the way, truly fantastic concepts are revealed (not the least of which is the idea that All Stories Are Real, Somewhere -- a truly appealing notion). But through it all, we also see the evolution of a family through the pressures that come from marriage and love, in a situation where duty must intercede. The evolution of the characters and their perception of leadership, ability and their views of each other keep you reading throughout. Occasionally you want to throttle some of the characters for being boneheads -- in part because they remain likable while being boneheads.
The subject matter is mature -- the characters are very open and experessive about their sexuality (though there is only one "on screen" sex scene, which itself wouldn't interest a reader of any supermarket romance novel). One of my personal favorites, and a strong novel that deserves to be read.
But only pick it up if you have an open mind -- both about society's mores and about Robert Heinlein in general. If you do, you'll have a lot of fun
|
