The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag by Robert A. Heinlein
an audiobook review by Dale Darlage
Multiple Hugo Award-winning author Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) changes his tone with the
novella The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag. This audiobook seems much more like a Philip K. Dick
story than a Heinlein story since it features none of the themes for which Heinlein is well-known, like space
travel, alien contact or time travel. Instead, we get an extra helping of creepy with a surprise ending that truly
demonstrates his ability to master a variety of styles.
Farnham's Freehold by Robert A. Heinlein
an audiobook review by Dale Darlage
Hugh Farnham is prepared for nuclear war. As a contractor, he has designed, built
and stocked a fallout shelter. Nuclear war begins while the entire Farnham clan (and a visitor) are home, so Hugh
quickly moves his wife, college-aged daughter, her sorority sister, his lawyer son and their house servant Joseph
into the shelter. They all survive the attack and
emerge in a world that is not destroyed, but is actually a lush forest with wildlife and no radiation and no sign
of the nuclear war that occurred.
Time for the Stars by Robert A. Heinlein
an audiobook review by Dale Darlage
The Earth is too crowded and a research corporation called the
Long Range Foundation has invested in several ships to seek out new planets that humans can inhabit. There
are already colonies throughout the solar system but they are too expensive and can only hold a limited
number of colonists. The trick with all of these ships will be communication. The Foundation has found that some very
few people, especially twins, are actually telepathic and can be trained to speak to one another with their minds.
Time for the Stars by Robert A. Heinlein
reviewed by Greg L. Johnson
This is not the most famous of Robert A. Heinlein's juvenile novels, that honor goes to Starship Troopers
or possibly Citizen of the Galaxy. But it is a good example of just how Heinlein took the artistry that made him the most
influential writer of science fiction in the twentieth century and stripped it down to meet the needs of its intended
audience -- teenage boys.
Close To My Heart: Red Planet by Robert A. Heinlein
a review by Rodger Turner
All Jim Marlowe wants is to leave for school. As a colonist on Mars, that can be a bit of trial. He has to travel to the
other side of the planet via the ice canal schooners. He is packed, his Martian "bouncer" Willis is frolicking about
and mimicking those conversations around him. His Mom is weepy, his dad is proud to see him off. Jim is
glad to be getting a chance to further his studies while his family is planning their annual migration to another sector.
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Glory Road by Robert A. Heinlein
reviewed by Peter D. Tillman
This novel has long been one of Peter's two favorite Robert A. Heinlein novels. He cheerfully volunteered to review this new edition.
Well, there's always a risk in revisiting an old favorite, especially for a critical reading....
For Us, the Living by Robert A. Heinlein
reviewed by Cindy Lynn Speer
Naval Airman Perry Nelson, trying to avoid an oncoming car, crashes through a guardrail in 1939. He hits
his head, and when he really wakes up he's no longer laying on the beach, but naked in a soft bed. The young woman who helped him
takes off her parka and she is naked, as well. It's only when he explains to her what happened, and her
confusion over the idea of a tire blowing out that the two realize the truth. Somehow Perry's be transported to the year 2086.
The Door Into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein
reviewed by Rich Horton
The book opens in 1970, a few years after a nuclear war. Dan
Davis is a successful inventor. His main product is an automated "cleaning lady" called Hired Girl. He's got
a booming new company, run by his good friend Miles Gentry, and the company secretary, the
beautiful Belle Darkin, is engaged to marry him. He is owned by a nice cat called Petronius Arbiter, and he has
another great friend in Miles' 11-year-old stepdaughter Frederica. He has just finished designing an even
better machine: an all-purpose automaton called Flexible Frank. Could life be any better?
Orphans of the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein
reviewed by Greg L. Johnson
This is the prototypical multi-generation starship story. Most inhabitants of the Ship have forgotten that
it is a ship; to them it is the world. They live the simple lives of farmers, and worry only about the occasional radiation problems and the
ever-threatening muties. Their only history is a mostly mythic oral tradition of a past fall from grace, when the Ship moved. Then Hugh Hoyland
is kidnapped by Joe-Jim Gregory and begins to learn the truth.
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