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kappydoodles's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Interesting and fun short story! Beyond amazing that it was first published in 1939. I would absolutely believe that it’s been published in 1989 instead. Would definitely read more with Libby’s character.
gengelcox's review
3.0
An engineering story featuring a mathematical savant. The pleasure in this is the confidence that Heinlein exudes that turning an asteroid into a space station could be accomplished, as if all the information to do it is already available. Of course, there’s a bunch of McGuffins that enable this, like the durite and other materials yet to be discovered. But the ease of the prose, in combination with the competence of the characters, just breathes the fire of exploration into your veins. As a story, it’s not really that much—the drama, etc., is almost background to the purpose of engendering belief in the power of science and engineering to accomplish such feats. This is the kind of thing that inspired people to join NASA. Interesting, but…
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