have you ever read a book by Robert Heinlein?

Stranger  in a Strange Land - an awesome book by Robert Heinlein
United States
January 13, 2007 10:00am CST
I think he's a fantastic science fiction writer! I had to read one of his books in high school and have loved his writing ever since! He has such a unique way of writing that it really keeps your attention...the first book i ever read was Stranger in a Strange Land....an excellent book that will really make you stop and think about a lot of things..how about you?
3 responses
@swak1962 (129)
• United States
13 Jan 07
I remember my introduction to Heinlein. It was as a man's house when I was 16, and he was proudly showing me his library down in his basement. He asked if I liked science fiction, and I told him yes. He again asked if I've ever read Heinlein, to which I had to say no, and he responded "Then you've never read science fiction!", to which he gave me a falf dozen books. Some titles I remember him giving me are Starship Trooper, Starman Jones, Glory Road, and Have Spacesuit Will Travel. Since then, I think I've read all of Heinlein's books. I've even posted some quotes from some of his characters here on MyLot. One thing in particular that makes Heinlein such a unique writer, is that his stories are not necessarily about the new fancy fandangled ultra advanced technology of the time period. It is about the PEOPLE of the time period! Their personalities, the social/economics of the situation, and how they deal and live within the confines of their society. Many of his characters are very pragmatic and open-minded. Unfortunately, some people have lost this outlook in what Heinlein is writing about. When the movie Starship Trooper came out, one main critic I heard from Heinlein fans was that they did not include the 'battle armor' from the book. But the end of the movie again pointed out that the movie wasn't about the technology! "This is what people will remember. This is the time when the war turned to us winning. And it wasn't some new weapon or super-powered spacecraft...., but a drill sargeant named Zek." One man, who happened to be at the right place, at the right time, and took the initiative to do what needed to be done.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Jan 07
i agree...reading about the people and the lives they lived was wonderful..i think that's why i enjoyed S in a S Land so much, as it really wasn't even about Mars, but the life that Micheal lived and his philosophy and innocence. He saw things so clearly. I would have loved to meet R. Heinlein and I'm sure that he could have enlightened me even more! Thank you for the response
@swak1962 (129)
• United States
13 Jan 07
The story Stanger in a Strange Land has made a rather profound impact upon me. For one, I believe that IF Jesus or a Christ-like individual were to introduce himself or herself into society today, much like the character in the book has done, preaching the word of God, many would denounce him or her as a heretic. Radical groups would even go so far as to attempt to kill this person, even while that person is telling them how much he/she loves them and forgives them, begging God to forgive them for their ignorance. Christians are waiting for the Rapture, Muslims are seeking Paradise, and Hindis are achieving Oneness with God, but if such a christ, prophet, or avatar came to Earth, would we truely recognize him/her for what he/she is?
@oneelf (175)
• Russian Federation
13 Jan 07
as I understood it's something adventerous,yes? and does he write about magicians? sounds interesting
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Jan 07
you really ought to read some of his writings...yes, adventures, magical things and beings, space, science fiction to a tee!
@Elaeblue (144)
• United States
13 Jan 07
Oh yeah he sure is!!Or was rather. Read some of his later stuff he has an underlying story in many of his books. The story is about this guy who lived to be over 1000 years old and Heinleins books tell the stories of his lives. Very, very advanced sci-fi ideas for when the book was written. I guess I have read maybe 25 of his books and 2or 3 short story books by him. Check it out if you like sci-fi!! They are excellently written and have values and morals in them and very cool ideas!
• United States
13 Jan 07
yes, i have read them. he definitely was ahead of his time in the science fiction category!..thanks for your response