Will I like other Heinlein books?

[Loredoctor]

Like them all about equally; found it impressive that the ideals Troopers espouses are nearly the antithesis of those in Stranger. Also: his characters are a bit too pulp comic to me, and he usually always has a "mouthpiece" character that represents his own views.

That's what I think, too.

[Avatar]

He read TCTC when he was 10 years old, so I never told him about The Gap cycle. I still haven’t read The Gap yet, and strongly suspect I never will. This doesn’t mean I won’t let Beorn read it. What do y’all think? Is it OK for a 13 year old, or should I give it a couple more years?

Uh. Too tough to call. TRS is pretty graphic, in terms of sex and violence. You should read it yourself first really, to have an idea of whether or not you should recommend it to him. Me, I'd probably wait a couple years...

--A

[Astavyastataa Kadna]

He read TCTC when he was 10 years old, so I never told him about The Gap cycle. I still haven’t read The Gap yet, and strongly suspect I never will. This doesn’t mean I won’t let Beorn read it. What do y’all think? Is it OK for a 13 year old, or should I give it a couple more years?

Uh. Too tough to call. TRS is pretty graphic, in terms of sex and violence. You should read it yourself first really, to have an idea of whether or not you should recommend it to him. Me, I'd probably wait a couple years...

--A

I agree wholeheartedly! VERY Graphic degrading sexual content. Read it yourself before you let even an older teenager read it.

[Avatar]

Depends on the kid too though.

--A

[Menolly]

Thanks for the input guys.

But I know most likely I will never read The Gap cycle. From what I've read about it here on the Watch it's pretty much enough for me to decide that. However, just because I'm a prude on some things doesn't mean I limit Beorn's choices because of it.

Hmm...maybe I'll see if Hyperception has the time and inclination to read the cycle first. I trust his judgement regarding what Beorn should read...

[Avatar]

*shrug* They're good books. You shouldn't be put off.

--A

[Menolly]

Yes, I know. But I really do self limit myself on what I choose to read. A sad fault, I know. Yet, I read so slowly, I'll always have a "to be read" list waiting, even with the self limitations, kwim?

...and I am beginning to think I should discuss this somehwere else, as it has nothing to do with Heinlein...

Is there a thread somewhere that discusses why Watchers choose to read what they read? With the potentiality of influencing others?

[Dawngreeter]

Is it OK for a 13 year old, or should I give it a couple more years?

I wouldn't recommend a 13 year old reading the Gap books. Like you mentioned, wait a couple more years. The Gap books are most excellent though and without a doubt you should read them. It's a toss up for me between the Chronicles vs. the Gap.

[taraswizard]

I'm just butting into your convo. For Beorn, Podkayne of Mars, might be a recommend, it's not usually classified with the Heinlein juveniles and many Heinlein fans detest, despise and abbhor the book. However, IIRC, I was most likely a little younger than Beorn is and it was the first book I ever picked out for myself from the local public library to read. When I read it I thought it was the coolest thing in the world and I discovered SF through it. It's not as epic as Citizen of the Galaxy.

[Menolly]

Thank you taraswizard. I will look for it.

:::btw, I keep debating if I'm ready to introduce him to Zelazny's Amber yet. I can just see the discussions forthcoming. They're all an easy read for him, that is not what concerns me...:::

[Fist and Faith]

Of the few Heinlein books I've read, SiaSL is definitely my favorite. It's one of my favorite books of all books, as a matter of fact. Time Enough for Love is my second favorite of Heinlein's. I suppose there's hope of liking other stuff of his if you don't like Stranger, and Av is certainly a better one to know about that, but... Wow.

Not that Stranger is perfect. I think lots of people don't like the whole second half. After the trial, it goes downhill for me. But the first half is worth anything.