Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
An intriguing story - a far-ranging critique of 20th century culture, values, and religion. Like Brave New World and Gulliver's Travels, this story uses the device of showing a society through the eyes of a protagonist from elsewhere to illustrate the weirdness of things that are so familiar we don't notice them, the dangers posed by some trends, and some alternatives we may not have considered. Excellent and more clearly relevant now than when I read it in high school over 30 years ago.
I "grok" that you should read this, brings up intriguing theological notions in a rather peculiar prediction of future life with a riveting plot and an irascible and delightful Dr. Jubal Harshaw, Esq.
[1.5]
Giving up at 74%. I thought I could get through this book whilst compartmentalising the misogyny, but I literally cannot care a lick after Jill (the one female main character that actually talks, plays a part in the story, albeit a rather flimsy one) said to Mike "Nine times out of ten, if a girl gets raped, it's at least partly her fault." JFC. That was the straw that broke this camel's back. I literally just can't continue after reading that in the context of this sexist pile of crap. There isn't anything worthy in the novel that isn't built upon or entwined with the misogynistic foundations. It had potential in the beginning and I was interested to see how he fit into society but the original premise of the novel seemed to fail under the weight of itself. I will not be convinced that the novel redeems itself in the last quarter. It starting failing after the first third and kept getting progressively worse, even when I tried to discount the horrendous misogyny. I literally can't understand how this novel has lasted. It is boring and not well written. What a waste of time. I may give Heinlein another chance in the future but not any time soon. Jeez.
Giving up at 74%. I thought I could get through this book whilst compartmentalising the misogyny, but I literally cannot care a lick after Jill (the one female main character that actually talks, plays a part in the story, albeit a rather flimsy one) said to Mike "Nine times out of ten, if a girl gets raped, it's at least partly her fault." JFC. That was the straw that broke this camel's back. I literally just can't continue after reading that in the context of this sexist pile of crap. There isn't anything worthy in the novel that isn't built upon or entwined with the misogynistic foundations. It had potential in the beginning and I was interested to see how he fit into society but the original premise of the novel seemed to fail under the weight of itself. I will not be convinced that the novel redeems itself in the last quarter. It starting failing after the first third and kept getting progressively worse, even when I tried to discount the horrendous misogyny. I literally can't understand how this novel has lasted. It is boring and not well written. What a waste of time. I may give Heinlein another chance in the future but not any time soon. Jeez.
This is supposed to be a classic but I couldn't get over the sexism and I found the second half really annoying. The first half was pretty interesting.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Unfortunately I could just not get into this book, despite it being praised as a "classic". The biggest hurdle that I couldn't get past was the language in which the book was written. The prose and the social interactions of the characters all feel like they are straight out of the 1950's. Unfortunately, having gown up in the 1980's and 90's all of the mannerisms just felt completely out of date. Nothing felt very realistic to me. For example, when Michael Smith Valentine first arrived on Earth there were several minor characters that seemed astonished that he didn't have or act with Earth mannerisms. I just find it implausible that the characters in this world would be so uneducated and stereotypical in this way.
On top of that I felt the book just dragged on for too long. We are left dealing with Valentine's adjustment to the new world for just too long of a time and our new female main character just felt weak, in a very much 1950's "women are tweak, poor thinking" creatures sort of way.
Ultimately I just don't feel it holds up under modern relevance.
On top of that I felt the book just dragged on for too long. We are left dealing with Valentine's adjustment to the new world for just too long of a time and our new female main character just felt weak, in a very much 1950's "women are tweak, poor thinking" creatures sort of way.
Ultimately I just don't feel it holds up under modern relevance.
this book is me. jubal harshaw is me and Mike Smith is me and Gillian Boardman is me and the cynicism is me and so is the hippie free love fest. to understand me read this book.
Enjoyable read, although the gender roles are definitely dated at this point.
If you’ve ever wondered why so many hippies became conservatives, read this
Well, the 3 stars should really be 3 1/2. I feel bad that I can't give half stars.
I loved the first half of the book. The setting and characters were all great. I could probably give the first half by itself 5 stars. The second half was ok but not great. I felt it took to long to get to the point in many parts with lots of long speeches from Heinlein through his characters. The main plot I felt was good but it took its time moving forward. The last few chapters were good, back on par with the first half I think. Perhaps the real problem was with the 60,000 extra words in this un-edited format.
I loved the first half of the book. The setting and characters were all great. I could probably give the first half by itself 5 stars. The second half was ok but not great. I felt it took to long to get to the point in many parts with lots of long speeches from Heinlein through his characters. The main plot I felt was good but it took its time moving forward. The last few chapters were good, back on par with the first half I think. Perhaps the real problem was with the 60,000 extra words in this un-edited format.