I think the core of the book might be the emotional element of war. The stirring of Nationalism on the moon, and of uncertainty on earth. Almost a "moralization" of a country to get it to stand up for itself. It's also suggested that things like Identitarianisim and cults of personality are effective tools of war and can be used for good. Probably not terribly controversial here, but might have caused a ruckus with other crowds.
Then there is the traditional "Art of War" stuff. Appear strong when you are weak, know your enemy and yourself, men who have no escape will fight to the death. Real big picture stuff about the philosophy of war. Focusing on that rather than the intricacies of battle.
The characters sort of blended together other than Man, Mike and Prof. Why started alright, but then did the typical Heinlein thing where shes likable, but fades into the background a bit. I did like Mimi, but she didn't make a whole lot of appearances.
Ending left a lot to be desired. Kind of an anticlimax with a lot of unsatisfying questions.
Overall I liked it, but felt as with many of Heinlein's works its age hurts it. I'm sure a sentient computer would have been a much bigger plot hook 50 years ago. It's political philosophy isn't exactly challenging to me either, I feel like it would have affected me different if I hadn't already grappled with most of the Ideas. I mean, the Federated Nations basically exist in a slightly different form in real life. Globalized Societies of nationless "citizens of the world" are the norm in some places, and most of the ""sci-fi"" tech that is antiquated by today's standards.
Good book, still prefer "Door to Summer" as my favorite Heinlein work I've red so far, then "Red Planet", then probably this. (Note the glaring omission of "Starship Troopers" from the list of Heinlein books I've read.)
I think the core of the book might be the emotional element of war. The stirring of Nationalism on the moon, and of uncertainty on earth. Almost a "moralization" of a country to get it to stand up for itself. It's also suggested that things like Identitarianisim and cults of personality are effective tools of war and can be used for good. Probably not terribly controversial here, but might have caused a ruckus with other crowds.
Then there is the traditional "Art of War" stuff. Appear strong when you are weak, know your enemy and yourself, men who have no escape will fight to the death. Real big picture stuff about the philosophy of war. Focusing on that rather than the intricacies of battle.
The characters sort of blended together other than Man, Mike and Prof. Why started alright, but then did the typical Heinlein thing where shes likable, but fades into the background a bit. I did like Mimi, but she didn't make a whole lot of appearances.
Ending left a lot to be desired. Kind of an anticlimax with a lot of unsatisfying questions.
Overall I liked it, but felt as with many of Heinlein's works its age hurts it. I'm sure a sentient computer would have been a much bigger plot hook 50 years ago. It's political philosophy isn't exactly challenging to me either, I feel like it would have affected me different if I hadn't already grappled with most of the Ideas. I mean, the Federated Nations basically exist in a slightly different form in real life. Globalized Societies of nationless "citizens of the world" are the norm in some places, and most of the ""sci-fi"" tech that is antiquated by today's standards.
Good book, still prefer "Door to Summer" as my favorite Heinlein work I've red so far, then "Red Planet", then probably this. (Note the glaring omission of "Starship Troopers" from the list of Heinlein books I've read.)
Yes.
When will this book club do the "infamous anti-human story" "27 Ounces" by Chatoyance?
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/1868/27-Ounces