I get the Randian hatred but, really, name a better choice - and better by a lot ;)
For what it's worth, I'd pick Starman Jones as his best YA book (giving it the edge over Tunnel in the Sky because it's got too much political theory discussion and over Space Cadet because it has his usual structure problem) unless you count Citizen of the Galaxy as a YA book and then all bets are off.
I'd pick Revolt in 2100 as his best novella.
I can't pick Glory Road as Heinlein's preeminent novel because it's really a fantasy and he's such the SF master so ... Moon is a Harsh Mistress would get my imaginary vote.
TMIAHM is a nice experiment in narrative voice, but Heinlein skips over and summarizes every conflict and obstacle. There's also a sourness when it comes to anyone too stupid to get with the author's program. I think there's more generosity of spirit in his earlier stuff.
I kind of liked Between Planets and Have Spacesuit Will Travel for the YAs.
But Revolt in 2100 does have Zeb's terrific monologue on Freedom of Conscience: "...I believe very strongly in freedom of religion-but I think that that freedom is best expressed as freedom to keep quiet..."
I get the Randian hatred but, really, name a better choice - and better by a lot ;)
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I'd pick Starman Jones as his best YA book (giving it the edge over Tunnel in the Sky because it's got too much political theory discussion and over Space Cadet because it has his usual structure problem) unless you count Citizen of the Galaxy as a YA book and then all bets are off.
I'd pick Revolt in 2100 as his best novella.
I can't pick Glory Road as Heinlein's preeminent novel because it's really a fantasy and he's such the SF master so ... Moon is a Harsh Mistress would get my imaginary vote.
TMIAHM is a nice experiment in narrative voice, but Heinlein skips over and summarizes every conflict and obstacle. There's also a sourness when it comes to anyone too stupid to get with the author's program. I think there's more generosity of spirit in his earlier stuff.
ReplyDeleteI kind of liked Between Planets and Have Spacesuit Will Travel for the YAs.
But Revolt in 2100 does have Zeb's terrific monologue on Freedom of Conscience: "...I believe very strongly in freedom of religion-but I think that that freedom is best expressed as freedom to keep quiet..."