Robert Heinlein?

Question

I have never read a Heinlein book but I do enjoy sci/fi. Is he worth reading or should I look for someone else?

Any positive responses are appriciated!

Answer 1

Heinlein, often called the father of Sci Fi, is definitely worth reading. Whether you end up loving his work or not may depend on whether you can appreciate his philosophy, which has a heavy pro-individual, Libertarian focus. Stranger in a Strange Land is a good place to start, though I've always though that book kind of drifts off course toward the end, becoming a kind of free-love '70s rant. If you like strong female heroines, Friday is another strong Heinlein work that may resonate with you.

Answer 2

If you are only going to pick up one, get "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress." I like most of his early work, and below is a list of my favorite Heinlein books. You can find a list of all his books at http://www.answers.com/topic/robert-a-heinlein-bibliography

Also, a really well written article about him is at http://www.answers.com/heinlein

Here's the list:

Rocket Ship Galileo
Space Cadet
Farmer in the Sky
Between Planets
The Rolling Stones aka Space Family Stone
Starman Jones
The Star Beast
Tunnel in the Sky
Revolt in 2100
Double Star
Time for the Stars
Citizen of the Galaxy
The Door into Summer
Have Space Suit—Will Travel
Starship Troopers
Podkayne of Mars
Glory Road
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

His short story collections include 4 books that I think are great:

The Green Hills of Earth
Orphans of the Sky
The Menace From Earth
The Past Through Tomorrow

Enjoy yourself!

Answer 3

He's unquestionably brilliant. "Stranger in a Strange Land." "Starship Trooper." He's one of the best that's ever been. But, beware; he's also one of the most ideological writers as well. Heinlein held rather fixed, ultra-conservative views; and he displayed them in his books regularly. Still, he's well worth the time.

I don't know if you've read it yet, (forgive me for mentioning if you have), but the highest recommendation I can give goes to Issac Asimov's masterpiece -- "The Foundation Trilogy." It won the Hugo Award for Best Series of All Time, and is simply the best thing I've ever read.

Answer 4

Stranger in a Strange Land.

It is mindbending.