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danrue's review against another edition
2.0
This story was difficult for me to read, as it was hard to follow the story and understand the world. While reading these Science Fiction short stories, I have found that it is difficult to create the world in my head. I have previously read books set in different worlds, but the technology and it’s importance in the story create confusion. This story created the most confusion for me. I could not wrap my head around all the characters and the ranks. I think this is an interesting concept because it does make sense that there will come a day when there are too many cars and they can no longer be used. This will force a change in technology, and this almost seems like something that could happen, although it is hard to imagine that world. I think this shows the important idea of how the people who are the backbones of society don’t have the power to make decisions. The workers are the most important part of society, and they are stuck by oppression. This is present in today, similar to many other stories.
One scene I thought was powerful was on pg 77 where Gaines asked if anyone wanted “the chance to kill the louse”, and sent the people away that did. I found it strange that he took the time to make sure that everyone was coming in peacefully. This connects back to his statement on how he feels about emotions because he knows that some people are doing this for revenge and that they may kill or injure the people, or disobey Gaines’ orders.
One scene I thought was powerful was on pg 77 where Gaines asked if anyone wanted “the chance to kill the louse”, and sent the people away that did. I found it strange that he took the time to make sure that everyone was coming in peacefully. This connects back to his statement on how he feels about emotions because he knows that some people are doing this for revenge and that they may kill or injure the people, or disobey Gaines’ orders.
humanignorance's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. This novelette shows its age in its vision of the future and in its treatment of women. However, the exploration of this future was interesting and the plot was well-paced from beginning to end. The conflict was far too easily resolved in the conclusion.
clanhay's review
3.0
Published in 1940. Where would the world be if the workers didn’t keep the roads rolling?
It’s a labor Union story set in ‘60? (Not sure if it’s supposed to be 2960 or some other)
The roads move vehicles like interstate conveyor belts and all of transportation is dependent on the unionized guild of road engineers and laborers.
Quirky points of interest:
A man working at a computer terminal had a cigarette tucked in the corner of his mouth.
A portable telephone plugged into a jack to operate.
Sun power screens provide energy for the moving roadways.
From their humble beginnings automobiles were eventually over 100 horsepower and capable of 100mph.
Automobiles were eventually banned due to fossil fuel restrictions.
There are personal transport devices called tumble bugs, the seem strikingly similar to a Segway.
It’s a labor Union story set in ‘60? (Not sure if it’s supposed to be 2960 or some other)
The roads move vehicles like interstate conveyor belts and all of transportation is dependent on the unionized guild of road engineers and laborers.
Quirky points of interest:
A man working at a computer terminal had a cigarette tucked in the corner of his mouth.
A portable telephone plugged into a jack to operate.
Sun power screens provide energy for the moving roadways.
From their humble beginnings automobiles were eventually over 100 horsepower and capable of 100mph.
Automobiles were eventually banned due to fossil fuel restrictions.
There are personal transport devices called tumble bugs, the seem strikingly similar to a Segway.
lizabethstucker's review
4.0
(Future History 3) The United States had moved from automobiles to solar-powered people movers beginning when oil and gasoline were rationed during World War II. It led to less pollution, a spreading out of the population from the congestion of the cities, and a working class who were ripe for agitation by self-serving megalomaniacs with self-worth issues like Shorty Van Kleeck. It is up to Larry Gaines, the Chief Engineer, to stop the destruction and disruption of the roads.
Heinlein is remarkably prescient in this 1940 tale, predicting the congestion of the automobiles and their increasing dangers as well as the importance of solar energy. It’s a shame such people movers, whether this style or high-speed trains are kept from actually being implemented. It is also true that the disenfranchised can be easily manipulated. Just look at our current political environment, not just in the United States and Great Britain. A brilliant tale. I can see the workers being militarized considering how a minor disruption, much less a major one, could not only bring the nation to a halt, it could have serious and deadly ramifications. 4.5 out of 5.
Heinlein is remarkably prescient in this 1940 tale, predicting the congestion of the automobiles and their increasing dangers as well as the importance of solar energy. It’s a shame such people movers, whether this style or high-speed trains are kept from actually being implemented. It is also true that the disenfranchised can be easily manipulated. Just look at our current political environment, not just in the United States and Great Britain. A brilliant tale. I can see the workers being militarized considering how a minor disruption, much less a major one, could not only bring the nation to a halt, it could have serious and deadly ramifications. 4.5 out of 5.
cesarbustios's review
4.0
Hear them hum!
Watch them run!
Oh, our job is never done,
For our roadways go rolling along!
While you ride,
While you glide,
We are watching down inside,
So your roadways keep rolling along!
Roadways have become the main transportation method in United States. This roadways, powered with the Douglas-Martin solar panels (yeah, those from Let There Be Light, the previous story), can reach speeds up to 100 mph and are managed by the Transport Cadets. The roads are so big you can have a nice diner in your favorite restaurant while getting home to your wife. It's all pretty cool until a bunch of technicians start a revolution by sabotaging one of the roads.
Watch them run!
Oh, our job is never done,
For our roadways go rolling along!
While you ride,
While you glide,
We are watching down inside,
So your roadways keep rolling along!
Roadways have become the main transportation method in United States. This roadways, powered with the Douglas-Martin solar panels (yeah, those from Let There Be Light, the previous story), can reach speeds up to 100 mph and are managed by the Transport Cadets. The roads are so big you can have a nice diner in your favorite restaurant while getting home to your wife. It's all pretty cool until a bunch of technicians start a revolution by sabotaging one of the roads.
ddavis3739's review
5.0
I am currently reading Heinlen's future series and this is my favorite of the stories I have read so far. The story moved fast and incorporates ideas from socioeconomic struggles as well as the futuristic imagination. That Heinlen is known for. How the story plays out is eerie of today's political climate, which makes for an interesting read.
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