Interesting read on Heinlein, I didn't know he was Navy Academy grad. I read everything I could find by him when I was 10-14 years old. His early "youth" sci-fi novels had a way of enveloping you in the characters and situation, becoming part of the world he envisioned to a degree I have found in few other writers since.
Isaac Asimov did a number of "kid" sci-fi books also under the pen name Paul French that were great too, called the "Lucky Star, Space Ranger" series. Anybody remember them?
I hear so much admiration for Heinlein, and I can remember approaching Stranger In A Strange Land with such expectation...unfortunately it turned out to be the worst novel I have ever read, and that's no exaggeration. I don't think I've ever hated a central character (and we're clearly intended to like him) as much as Jubal Harshaw.
Originally posted by AmauroteSorry you thought it sucked, I stopped reading Heinlein when he went to adult sci-fi.
I hear so much admiration for Heinlein, and I can remember approaching Stranger In A Strange Land with such expectation...unfortunately it turned out to be the worst novel I have ever read, and that's no exaggeration. I don't think I've ever hated a central character (and we're clearly intended to like him) as much as Jubal Harshaw.
If you want to turn back the clock and be 10 years old again, try Red Planet, Space Cadet, or Time for The Stars. I just rediscovered them in the public library, and they're jolly good reads, even if you're pushing 60 as I am.
Originally posted by General PutzerAnd also read "The Past Through Tomorrow" if you can find a copy.
Sorry you thought it sucked, I stopped reading Heinlein when he went to adult sci-fi.
If you want to turn back the clock and be 10 years old again, try Red Planet, Space Cadet, or Time for The Stars. I just rediscovered them in the public library, and they're jolly good reads, even if you're pushing 60 as I am.
Originally posted by AmauroteI like Heinlein but I never liked Stranger. It just became sort of a cult classic when it came out for reasons I never understood. Try reading him in chronological order and you'll enjoy him if you enjoy science fiction.
Yes, I do think I may be seeing the worst side of him. Starship Troopers has tempted me before, but it's very difficult to judge Heinlein because so many of his fans seem to adore Stranger, and if that's the
gauge of his brilliance, I'm not sure how keen I am to give the rest of his work a try.
Originally posted by DelmerThanks, Del, I'm still uncertain about him, but I'll take another look.
I like Heinlein but I never liked Stranger. It just became sort of a cult classic when it came out for reasons I never understood. Try reading him in chronological order and you'll enjoy him if you enjoy science fiction.
Originally posted by General Putzeryeah, i remember those ... they weren't pseudonymed by the time i got to them, tho ...
Interesting read on Heinlein, I didn't know he was Navy Academy grad. I read everything I could find by him when I was 10-14 years old. His early "youth" sci-fi novels had a way of enveloping you in the characters and situation, becoming part of the world he envisioned to a degree I have found in few other writers since.
Isaac Asimov did a n ...[text shortened]... that were great too, called the "Lucky Star, Space Ranger" series. Anybody remember them?