What is your favorite book? (Robert A Heinlein)

[HardScienceFan]

Can anyone tell me why so few of his juveniles are mentioned here?

[j. d. worthington]

Originally Posted by HardScienceFan

Can anyone tell me why so few of his juveniles are mentioned here?

Just a thought: it might well be because they are his juveniles... they were intended for younger audiences originally, and are often set aside because of that. Though, frankly, his juveniles often leave other books of the type far behind, as Heinlein always had a healthy respect for younger readers, feeling they could handle much more complex issues than they were given credit for; and the best of his juveniles certainly are very good books.

Perhaps it's because there is a certain callowness to the characters, as befits a juvenile character, and therefore a certain lack of sophistication in some of the lead characters, a lack of strong complexity and a tendency toward more "black-and-white" thinking.

That said, several of his juveniles remain among my personal favorites: Red Planet, Between Planets, Farmer in the Sky, Tunnel in the Sky, Citizen of the Galaxy, Starman Jones, The Rolling Stones... and even Starship Troopers, though much of it goes against the grain with me philosophically.

[TTBRAHWTMG]

Every Heinlein is a great read. My sentimental favourite is Moon Is A Harsh Mistress...definately one of his stronger works, but my favourite only because it was my first.
I was backpacking Europe in 1993, staying in hostels. I had just visited Stonehenge and had found a hostel in Salisbury to crash for the night. The hostel had a little library, just a couple of book shelves. I started milling through the books and noticed that one looked pretty darn old, and had names and dates filling the inside covers. The dates spanned from 67 all the way through to 90 and there were LOTS of them. I figured there must be something special about this book.
If you haven't read Heinlein, I suggest you think hard before picking one up. Make sure your prepared to sacrifice most of your spare time for several years. You might read one and avoid the trap I fell into...depends which one you pick up...but don't count on it.
I read that book in one sitting. I had to have more. Within a couple of years I had read most of his popular books. Within a couple more I had found them all. Then I found myself craving still more. I read Grumbles, Interview, For Us the Living, etc. I was finally done!
Then you find yourself rereading. Then you find yourself chasing side tracks..."What did he just say about Lot? That can't be right." and your reading the Bible. "What the hell is Barsoom?" and your reading Edgar Burroughs. "What is Gray Lensman?" and your reading EE Smith. "What was he saying about epistemology?" and your reading Korzybski. "Who is Methuselah?" and your back to the Bible again. It's endless.
It's been 14 yrs. I travel alot for work, and comb every city's used book stores for Heinlein. I now have them all, have reread most, and will keep rereading them...but Moon Is A Harsh Mistress took my virginity, and will always be special to me.
I travelled Europe for almost a year back in 1993. I saw amazing things, met some life long friends, and have so many memories. Finding Heinlein, though, was the single biggest life changing event that happened to me on that trip!

[TTBRAHWTMG]

Woops...I double posted and don't know how to delete. Rookies!

[Urlik]

Originally Posted by j. d. worthington

Orphans of the Sky, comprised of "Universe" and "Common Sense"....

thanks
some great concepts in there.

one of the things that interest me about it is the treatment of future legends and religions.

[j. d. worthington]

You're welcome.

Yes, Heinlein took after his mentor, Mark Twain, with his tall tales and social commentary, and I think that's why his work continues to do so well... the science may be off now, but (save for incidentals) the societal things really haven't changed that much at base....