Rating: 
Summary: REFRSHING READING
Review: The SIXTH COLUMN is one of Robert Heinlein's earliest works and reflects the fears and concerns of the time period he wrote the book. I found it a refreshing change from the goose-stepping conformity mind-set that is so much part of science fiction today. The story is told with feeling and conviction and the plot is fast-paced and complex, but not hard to follow, much like the novel "The Falin Crisis."America is conquered by a limited nuclear attack and then invaded by Asian that Heinlein refers to as Panasaians, which is probably meant to refer to China. Considering the growing threat the China represents in the 21st century this book is actually far-sighted and revlevant to the times we live in today. Heinlein reveals a unique insight into the cultural divide that the world faces today, and threat of the "Clash of Civilizations" that we must deal with in the 21st century. In ways the SIXTH COLUMN is like the movie, "Red Dawn," and has the quality of a good old-fashion war movie. If you like your books politically correct - then stay away from it. But if you enjoy a good read, then Heinlein's SIXTH COLUMN is for you.
Rating: 
Summary: INSANELY RACIST
Review: This book has a good plot and decent characters, but it's racist! It was written during WWII, so the Japanese were not thought well of in the U.S., and that feeling is reflected throghout the story. Although Heinlein makes attempts at softening the blow (one of the characters is a well liked American who looks Pan-Asian)I was shocked after reading Heinlein's later books which preached tolerance. I wouldn't read this one, try Stranger in a Strange Land, The Door into Summer, or Double Star instead.
Rating: 
Summary: implausable and a bad read
Review: This book is one of the worst books I have ever read. It was my first heinlein book, and now i think it shall be my last as well. The idea of a weapon that eliminates people by race is laughable. that is only one of the bad concepts in this book. reading it is like a chore. THIS BOOK IS TERRIBLE.
Rating:
Summary: Racist and simplistic
Review: This is not one of Heinlein's better efforts.
First, there is the racism. It is extremely anti-Asian. Now, I'm not a PC police type who shuts down every racist note from more ignorant times, but there should be a limit, this is it. It's not as if the racism is irrelevant to the plot: it is one of the central plot elements. Gone with the Wind is also racist, but at least it's not about racism. This book is, and in a disgusting way.
Second, it's mediocre Heinlein. Simplistic in the extreme, it's full of goofy plots twists and impossible human behavior. Not much suspense. 'Gee, we have a super weapon, how will we destroy those foolish Asians?' Bah. Read the Moon is a Harsh Mistress or Space Cadet if you want better Heinlein. ... even the fairly fascistic Starship Troopers is a much better read, and no where near as offensive.
Rating: 
Summary: Not your normal Heinlein, but well worth the read....
Review: This is not your typical RAH book. It does not fit into the Long Family script. But it is a wonderful, although short, read. From the start of the book onwards, you are pulled into the occupation of the US. I've seen several movies done primarily in the 70s/80s that tried this scenario and flopped. This succeeds through the typical RAH flair for the unusual. Don't miss this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Early RAH
Review: This is one of Heinlein's earlier books, and it shows. It's entertaining, but I would not advise it to anyone but a Heinlein fan. Oh, and BTW, the book is not racist. However, it does say nasty things about Chinese culture and its rulers' traditional non-reverence for human rights and life. As events have tragically show this to be true (Tiannamen Square, anyone?), charges of racism are hardly warranted. For first time Heinlein readers, try something else.
Rating:
Summary: An Early, Unpolished, Unsophisticated Heinlein with Flaws
Review: This is one of Robert Heinlein's earliest works (1949) and the reader can tell in several ways. First, the writing is somewhat simplistic for Heinlein. Second, the science aspect is weak and has a quasi-magical feel to it. Third, there are cultual aspects (racism, sexism, militarism) that were part of the American mindset right after World War II and right at the onset of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. These aspects are now outdated, anachronistic, and unpleasant to read at times. The publication of the book also coincides with mainland China becoming Communist, which was perceived as a huge threat to America. Despite these weaknesses, the story is told with feeling, it moves rapidly, and it has some complexity to it. If you're already a Heinlein fan, I would definitely recommend "Sixth Column". If you've not yet read any Heinlein, I would not start with "Sixth Column". "Time Enough for Love" or "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" would be better introductions to Heinlein.
Rating:
Summary: An Early, Unpolished, Unsophisticated Heinlein with Flaws
Review: This is one of Robert Heinlein's earliest works (1949) and the reader can tell in several ways. First, the writing is somewhat simplistic for Heinlein. Second, the science aspect is weak and has a quasi-magical feel to it. Third, there are cultual aspects (racism, sexism, militarism) that were part of the American mindset right after World War II and right at the onset of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. These aspects are now outdated, anachronistic, and unpleasant to read at times. The publication of the book also coincides with mainland China becoming Communist, which was perceived as a huge threat to America. Despite these weaknesses, the story is told with feeling, it moves rapidly, and it has some complexity to it. If you're already a Heinlein fan, I would definitely recommend "Sixth Column". If you've not yet read any Heinlein, I would not start with "Sixth Column". "Time Enough for Love" or "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" would be better introductions to Heinlein.
Rating:
Summary: Classic story of people taking personal responsibility
Review: This story is food for the soul of those who accept personal responsibility for their lives and choices. It was one of the first books I ever read by Robert Heinlein, and helped to form the self-governor I am today. My copy has long crumbled to shreds and I will be overjoyed to get another.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting idea, but take with a grain of salt
Review: This was Heinlein's first offering, written in 1941 (according to the book jacket). Surprisingly, it's much better than some of his later works. The story involves the members of a top-secret military research installation that come across a new superweapon on the same day the United States (and all her allies?) capitulates to an invasion force from the "Panasians," a deliberately vague term for a supernation presumably consisting of present-day China, Korea, Mongolia, etc. The story involves the method of implementing the new weapon while minimising casualties amongst the civilian population. The chosen method will sound familiar to those who have read Heinlein's magnum opus, Stranger in a Strange Land. The scientists set up a new religion, recruit new soldiers from their flock, and organise a secret army that way. This is certainly an unorthodox method to raise an army, and it is this consistent sideways thinking that keeps Heinlein's books fresh and interesting after all these years. The aforementioned superweapon has the ability to pick victims by race, based on the belief at the time (now thankfully debunked) that different races have significantly different DNA. The book is certainly racist - all people of the "Asian" race are considered the enemy, with the exception of one (!) Sino-American who is the exception that verifies the rule. First Nations people and African Americans are never mentioned, as if they don't exist. But readers must remember that this was written at a very different time in a very different USA, so take it with a grain of salt. Thus, it's an interesting and enjoyable read, especially for a debut novel, if you can overcome the racist aspects.
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