Rating: 
Summary: Classic coming of age story
Review: I read this in my late teens and recently went back and re-read it after buying it used through Amazon. It is a science fiction story complete with the Haldeman brothers exacting science (I think I read somewhere that one is a biologist and the other a physicist) but told through the eyes of a 'farm boy' type going off to college (in the form of a starship based university). This naïve farm boy happens to exist in the form of a fairly large bio-engineered colonist bred to survive on a harsh backwater planet. His experiences are played out brilliantly as he explores the people and planets of this not to distant future with his fellow students among whom he develops both friends and enemies.My favorite section is when the school stops on the planet Hell, which rents itself out to other worlds who wish to wage war in a controlled environment. The vision the Haldemans paint of a future earth is brilliant, frightening, and altogether real. This is a character study similar in style to a book like "Ender's Game" or in some respects "Starship Troopers" though on a smaller scale (no major planet threatening wars here). I think people who enjoyed those books would enjoy this one. It is well worth the extra effort to find a used copy.
Rating:
Summary: This book rules
Review: It's been almost twenty years since I read this book and it still sticks with me. I finally decided to track it down and read it again. This is more than just a work of fiction, it more than a good sci-fi yard, this is the story of how a farm boy became a man while remaining true to his soul. And because it's fiction and a good sci-fi yarn, he is a genetically engineered giant on a university spaceship. Yes, this book truly rules.
Rating:
Summary: This book rules
Review: It's been almost twenty years since I read this book and it still sticks with me. I finally decided to track it down and read it again. This is more than just a work of fiction, it more than a good sci-fi yard, this is the story of how a farm boy became a man while remaining true to his soul. And because it's fiction and a good sci-fi yarn, he is a genetically engineered giant on a university spaceship. Yes, this book truly rules.
Rating:
Summary: Classic coming of age story
Review: This is a minor adventure novel best appreciated by young adults although there is probably more violence then parents would prefer. Basically the book is three novellas describing the adventures of Carl, a tennager genetically engineered for "giantism" to survive the dangerous environment of his home world. He's getting an education aboard Starschool as it travels between planets. The first two novellas are strictly action adventure with the barest hint of science fiction. There's lots of animal wrestling, fights, and battle scenes, but very little learning or smarts on Carl's part. The last novella has Carl and his friends exploring a Contruct that contains the many different alien species and their home environments. Although Joe Haldeman does briefly revisit his favorite topic of a conscript soldier this books is nothing like his award winning novels "Forever War" or "Forever Peace". This is for young action adventure fans; Thought provoking SF this is not.
Rating: 
Summary: Young Adult Action Adventure
Review: This is a minor adventure novel best appreciated by young adults although there is probably more violence then parents would prefer. Basically the book is three novellas describing the adventures of Carl, a tennager genetically engineered for "giantism" to survive the dangerous environment of his home world. He's getting an education aboard Starschool as it travels between planets. The first two novellas are strictly action adventure with the barest hint of science fiction. There's lots of animal wrestling, fights, and battle scenes, but very little learning or smarts on Carl's part. The last novella has Carl and his friends exploring a Contruct that contains the many different alien species and their home environments. Although Joe Haldeman does briefly revisit his favorite topic of a conscript soldier this books is nothing like his award winning novels "Forever War" or "Forever Peace". This is for young action adventure fans; Thought provoking SF this is not.
Rating:
Summary: Haldeman x2
Review: This is perhaps my favorite Haldeman book. It distills the best talents of both brothers into a very enjoyable piece of Sci-fi. Both are scientist so are spared some of the more difficult to stomach abuse of science we must often endure in this genre. Most importantly the story is well written and pretty hard to put down. I also suggest trying the classics "Forever War" and "Worlds" by Joe Haldeman along with (the late) Jack Haldeman's brilliant sci-fi/disease/political/thriller/satire "Vector Analysis" a book that's a lot more fun than the title sounds (I once read where Joe Haldeman referred to it as "All The President's Parasites" which I think would have made a much better title). Still I think if you read nothing else by either, don't miss this one. This is the best of both.
Rating:
Summary: Haldeman x2
Review: This is perhaps my favorite Haldeman book. It distills the best talents of both brothers into a very enjoyable piece of Sci-fi. Both are scientist so are spared some of the more difficult to stomach abuse of science we must often endure in this genre. Most importantly the story is well written and pretty hard to put down. I also suggest trying the classics "Forever War" and "Worlds" by Joe Haldeman along with (the late) Jack Haldeman's brilliant sci-fi/disease/political/thriller/satire "Vector Analysis" a book that's a lot more fun than the title sounds (I once read where Joe Haldeman referred to it as "All The President's Parasites" which I think would have made a much better title). Still I think if you read nothing else by either, don't miss this one. This is the best of both.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun, light reading.
Review: While this is not one of Haldeman's better, more thought-provoking novels, it is enjoyable - somewhat akin to juvinile action adventure SF, but with stronger writing. In feel it comes closest to some of the Heinlein Juviniles (Space Cadet, Citizen of the Galaxy, etc.), but with more violence. If you've read some of his other stuff and liked it, get this; if not, start with "The Forever War" or "All My Sins Remembered."
Rating:
Summary: The best Haldeman book, and one of my all time favorites
Review: Written by brothers Joe and Jack, both great writers by themselves, this novel surpases anything either have done by themselves (though Joe's FOREVER WAR comes close and my husband likes Jack's VECTOR ANALYSIS better). The story is about a student on a University/Space Ship who happens to be bio-engineered (strong and tall) to live on a hostile world. His mind is the tool that develops on this journey in ways I can not explain adequately. Let me just say his journey opens his mind and spirit. A wonderful book, you should track it down and read it! What a classic!
Rating:
Summary: It's a Hard-to-find classic
Review: You won't find this in most bookstores, or even used SF bookstores, because the people with copies keep them! Seriously, this is a SF classic. If you liked "The Forever War" do yourself a favor and get a copy.
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