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chrisjestes's review against another edition
4.0
The 2nd part is rather slow and drawn out, but it was otherwise stylistic and visionary. I particularly enjoyed the detailed political and economic strategies that were employed by the characters and the descriptions of how fantastically advanced "Mike" had become.
I said visionary earlier because I truly believe Heinlein describes things in this book that came to be, i.e. the video call, and others that we will see but have yet to at the time of this review.
That being said, I do see where Heinlein can be criticized as sexist. The female characters were rather flat and repeatedly appreciated for only distinctly "feminine" qualities. For his vision of the future to be so marvelous in many other ways, it's a pity that the same creativity and forward thinking we're not applied to seeing men and women as two sides of the same coin.
I said visionary earlier because I truly believe Heinlein describes things in this book that came to be, i.e. the video call, and others that we will see but have yet to at the time of this review.
That being said, I do see where Heinlein can be criticized as sexist. The female characters were rather flat and repeatedly appreciated for only distinctly "feminine" qualities. For his vision of the future to be so marvelous in many other ways, it's a pity that the same creativity and forward thinking we're not applied to seeing men and women as two sides of the same coin.
samaji's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Despite libertarian arguments, thoroughly enjoyable, some will find russian grammar confusing.
colleengeedrumm's review against another edition
3.0
A man can face known danger. But the unknown frightens him.
Mannie, that's a most self-centered evaluation.
I'm a most self-centered person.
Tries to live perfectly in an imperfect world.
Nothing uses up alcohol faster than political argument.
Easier to get people to hate than to get them to love.
Having first baby a girl is lucky. Every family needs a girl baby.
Kids will do anything mysterious and fun; look how many of their games are based on out-smarting.
History is watching you.
The future is waiting. Mark well what you do.
Ladies from Hades
If possible, leave room for your enemy to become your friend.
Yassuh, Massuh
When faced with a problem you do not understand, do any part of it you do understand, then look at it again.
Mannie, that's a most self-centered evaluation.
I'm a most self-centered person.
Tries to live perfectly in an imperfect world.
Nothing uses up alcohol faster than political argument.
Easier to get people to hate than to get them to love.
Having first baby a girl is lucky. Every family needs a girl baby.
Kids will do anything mysterious and fun; look how many of their games are based on out-smarting.
History is watching you.
The future is waiting. Mark well what you do.
Ladies from Hades
If possible, leave room for your enemy to become your friend.
Yassuh, Massuh
When faced with a problem you do not understand, do any part of it you do understand, then look at it again.
realmankirk's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
whatthesquids's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aberdeenwaters's review against another edition
4.0
A really cool novel that immerses you in the world it creates. Heinlein uses the nature of this novel to explore the nature of revolution, artificial intelligence, and liberation. It felt a tad bogged in the third act, but your mileage may vary. It's worth a read.
socialamoebaemily's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This book was amazing and I highly recommend it for any readers, not just sci-fi fans. It's obviously in a futuristic sci-fi setting but is really more of a philosophy text in a great location with an interesting and engaging plot, which I am finding is true of many Robert A. Heinlein novels. If you like to think, love sci-fi or even just good literature in general then you will definitely enjoy this book!!
djredhawk's review against another edition
4.0
Good book, typical Heinlein. Lots of adventure and women-folk who can hold their own with their men, but like the homemaking thing. (Typical of Heinlein's era, to be sure.)
rocketmonkeys's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite Heinlein books, the ideas always stick with me.