Rating: 
Summary: A stunning tour-de-crap
Review: The book's contrast between human and Motie society is little more than an excuse in sexism (Motie society is female dominated - and so doomed to fail) and racism (the whites rule Motie society and the brownies are slaves). Oh, but of course that's just white and brown fur, and so has nothing to do with our lives. Please, the book's racism and sexism are the only things to distract from pitifully wooden characterization and insipidly limp plotting. I've read Choose Your Own Adventure stories that were more engaging and intelligent. Do yourself a favor and read something by Philip K Dick instead of this pathetic drivel.
Rating: 
Summary: Doesn't really grab you.
Review: I won't lie to you. "The Mote in Gods Eye" is very well written and thought through. It deals with the first contact between human beings and an alien intelligence. The authors were very thorough in presenting the physical and psychological barriers that may come about with alien contact. Despite the hard work, the book just isn't that exciting.
Rating:
Summary: Good Book, but not one of the "Greatest"
Review: This was a well written and entertaining book, but it didn't grasp me like some others I have read. I am a tad concerned about reading the sequel since other commentors have said it was not nearly as good as the original.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Read
Review: I thought this book very accurately portrayed what a first contact could be like. It's definately a classic
Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking possibilities
Review: I'm the 41st review so really most of what I might say has already been said above. The only thing I'd like to add is that this particular storyline invoked some really drawn out ideas in my head. The concept of the Moties could easily be applied to the humans in our own potential future. The potential is boggling. :)
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, wonderful book
Review: This is a wonderful book. It has the right mix of hard science and character, with an extraordinarily vivid depiction of a thoroughly alien culture.I wish they'd done more books like this. Niven is way out in left field (witness Ringworld), Pournelle is firmly rooted, and when you put them together you get something in between. "Mote" got the two of them in just the right spot. The book is fascinating all the way through. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing!
Review: Here is another of the so called "brilliant classics" of science fiction that everyone raves about. The book started out very well and was fairly gripping, then (as usual) it fizzled out. I think that the authors had to produce a book of a certain length to appease their publishers, but couldn't run with the original good ideas to the end. Heinlein rated it as the best SF book he has ever read - one wonders what he has been reading!
Rating: 
Summary: Deeply Troubling Book
Review: Mote is a deeply troubling book on many levels. On the surface, it seems fairly straightforward - go find the Aliens, find out who they are, and get back home. And most people see it as such. But a step back reveals a deep questioning by the authors of God, the way the Universe is constructed, and how human society is laid out. The Motie world is an anarchic free-for all. Humans are manipulated almost into destruction. Hope abandons the innocent everywhere. Paranoia and loyalty save the day. Success depends on everyone working together - there is no one hero. This book stands apart in questioning many of the basic tenets of society today and is a dark warning about depletion of our natural capital and the dangers of overpopulation and specialization. Its off hand remarks about Old Earth should give everyone pause. The book begins with a quote that every reader should take to heart - about seeing your neighbors faults but ignoring your fatal flaws. Its a book of ideas that examines today's society, but set against the Theme of the first contact.
Rating:
Summary: What is this story REALLY about ?
Review: Hey - hold the phone!! THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC!! It's NOT about First Contact; It's not about the evolution of mankinds political and social structures or whether or not all engineers are Scotsmen in 3000ad. It's not even about technology or astronomy. This book is about us, mankind, now, today. It's about how an "advanced" alien species may see US!!! The story is only the vehicle to portray the weaknesses in humanity! That's why the Moties have a similar social and political structure. The only reason that some of you have found "imperfections" in this novel is becasue you are only focusing on the entertainment value. When I read this book 20 yrs ago, I -LEARNED- something. -HOW- I learned, was entertaining!!! Reading it again 20 yrs later hasn't changed my view. THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC!!!
Rating: 
Summary: What a let-down
Review: I chose to read this book to appease all my friends who kept raving about it. I didn't make it the first time due to boredom - too much dragging, no flow. I finished it the second time, and I'm still not impressed. The characters are completely flat, serving as a pitiful frame for fleshing out an alien race. It reads like an episode of the original Star Trek with an overdose of social and technical jargon. I'll give it 2 stars only because the cover looked nice.
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