“The most thrilling and tingling kind of science fiction story.”─ Kirkus Reviews“Heinlein found his true direction…. The Martian setting is logically constructed and rich in convincing detail [while] the characters are engaging and the action develops naturally.” ─Jack WilliamsonMarking the first appearance of the Martian elder race that plays such a prominent role in Stranger in a Strange Land, … race that plays such a prominent role in Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein’s iconic Red Planet tells the story of Jim Marlowe and Frank Sutton’s journey to the Lowe Academy boarding school on Mars, and the discoveries they make there that impact the future of their entire colony.
While on their way, along with Jim’s volleyball-sized native pet, Willis the Bouncer, the boys wander into the ‘forbidden’ territory where they meet a native Martian, Gekko. The Martian, who is oddly protective of Willis, becomes a “water friend” to the young boys and exposes them to the true wonders of the planet.
Once enrolled at the school, Jim and Frank rescue Willis from the authoritarian headmaster who had confiscated the “pet”, Willis, and discover the colonial administrator’s plans for Mars, which threatens the very survival of the colony in its present form. Jim and Frank run away from the school. Can they warn the colony in time to save it from the administrator’s nefarious plans?
Red Planet is Robert A. Heinlein at his best, with an exciting adventure story, colorful characters and exquisite aliens. The original ending had been changed by the first publishers of this book. This edition contains the true ending of the story, as Heinlein had intended it.
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Sixty-four years ago, this was the second sci-fi book I ever read, and I went on to read everything Heinlein wrote, by the age of 22.
This “juvenile” novel entranced a young boy at the beginning of his adolescence, and is no less relevant today, even if Mars has been eclipsed by the thousands of world’s and galaxies that now inhabit our imaginations … and our children’s, we hope.
This is one of Heinlein’ juveniles and his juveniles were better that 90% of what everyone else wrote.
entertaining
I was in 7th grade, and this book turned me into a sci-fi geek. Hooray Heinlein!
Classic Heinlein for younger readers. Somewhat dated due to when it was written but overall still valid character development for one of his earlier works.
One of the best of Heinlein’s juveniles, I have always suspected the dr is Lazarus Long, there us an argument to be made anyway.
Sci Fi I read as a kid. It is also political satire – warning of what evil big government or corporations can do to people they control. A warning to watch out for gun control as it is a way to people control. Heinlein has a similar theme in many of his books both for teens or adults.
A great read, and entertaining on several levels. Written for the teenage reader but enjoyable for all ages.
Holds up well in our 21st century, though the blatant sexism knocks it down a point, ditto for the “guns solve every problem” mentality, which the problems that causes w. the native Martians is glossed over.
Typical Heinlein read for the third time
An unappreciated classic
Not one of Mr. Heinlein’s better books. The allegory is very transparent and occupies too much of the story. The story line itself and the characters suffer because of this.
This is one of Heinlein’s adolescent males as protagonist stories- or rather hovering on the edge of adolescence males who think girls still have cooties. Problems arise, are addressed, and solved, all with minimal adult help. The descriptions of Mars sound as if they actually exist (which, after the Mars Rover, we now know they are fantasy, but coherent fantasy).
If you can still read with a child’s appreciation of stories (your English teacher has yet to make you write what the author “meant”), you will enjoy the book.
A quick read from a great story teller. A little dated but not overly so. Good story, evocative world building from that era when we still suspected the “canals” on Mars had been built. Be interesting to meet these Martians.
Every bit as good as I remembered from when I first read it.
Classic Heinlein – entertaining, insightful, inventive, engrossing.
Best author, grest book.
I liked it
Cover is totally contrary to the book. Why?
I read this a long time ago and it is still a good and fun read – Red Planet by Heilnlein