Strange Sex in a Strange Land

books:


	• Stranger in a Strange Land Robert A. Heinlein Ace Trade, 1991 - 528 pages average customer review:based on 536 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Strange Sex in a Strange Land

I was told this book would change my life. I read it several years ago- and it definitely didn't change my life. Maybe it would have if I had read it when I was only 16 or 18, but I was 25 at the time, so I would guess I was probably too old for this book. For one thing there was way too much sex- too much excessively cheesey sex. Parts of it were very memorable - but the sex was a little too Starman, and the message was oppressive and corny .

a modern classic of sorts

The storyline isn't very contemporary, nor big on "realism", but I loved this book anyway. This book seems to be polarizing since it touches on some hot button issues like religion and sex... In other words, some sensibilities may be offended here. In my opinion, the book is better enjoyed as a satire than as a literal narrative. I enjoyed the gentle ribbing on the institutions of religion, government, sexuality, among other things. The book is mostly light-hearted in tone and not a heavy-handed or mocking style of satire. Good memorable characters and well-written, often witty dialogue.

Critics may say this book is a outdated re-hash of 1960's-era "free love" and anti-authoritarian ideals. Even taking the criticism at face value, the story was an entertaining and insightful read, to me. Beyond the sixties idealism, many of the themes in this book still have appeal today --- the virtues of "togetherness" and a common bond between the many diverse members of the human race. It explores the potential power of a unifying belief system based on love and understanding... in contrast to the dogmatic religions prevalent in human history to date.

for more information click here

Overhyped

When I read some of the reviews here I was really looking forward to reading this book. I love science fiction. It was a great disappointment. One interesting sci-fi concept fades away into a long rant about the nature of human relationships. I suppose back in 1961 these concepts were "bold" and "controversial" but now they are just boring.

Took awhile to make his point

My dad suggested I read this book after complaining to him that I need to familarize myself with new authors rather than stick with the same genre of authors that influence me on a daily basis (Vonnegut, Robbins, Huxley). Nonetheless I went out and purchased this book, and my first impression stemmed from the insightful illustration as well as the title, that in itself sparked my interest in opening it up and reading it with anticipation. It took me two weeks to finish the book for no reasons whatsoever other than to say I didn't feel compelled or energized to read it on a daily basis, and that just speaks for itself. I must say it wasn't exactly a turn-pager until the final chapter of the book. Heinlein writes with creativity and ingeniousity, and I wish I could ask him where came up with this idea. However the idea is overblown with an overwhelming amount of dialogue that I find was irrelevant. Heinlein introduced us to a myriad of characters ranging from Jill (the woman the "Man from Mars" first lays his eyes on) Jubal (contemptuous fast-talking lawyer/physchologist) Ben (the investigative reporter that has a knack for Jill), and of course Michael Valentine Smith (The Man from Mars). The first quarter of the book explained why and how the man from mars made his way to this planet, as well as the introduction of all the major players of the book. The middle of the book fell into irrelevant babbling, particuarly Jubal's character. I was turned off by the witty, slap-stick pretentious attitude of Jubal for reasons I won't express in this review. I was more or less turned off by most of the book when it took place in the dwelling of Jubal's house. However during that part of the book we come to understand the concept of "grokking". Grokking is very important for the reader to understand/grasp due to the numerous if not incessant usage of the word throughout the entire book. The "Man from Mars" groks water as being his way of feeling at one with himself, and if people were to share water with him they would easily be welcomed as his "water brother" (Heinlen doesn't really go into detail on the element of water being so highly appreciated and understood by Martians).

Heinlien uses the terminology "grok" continuously throughout the novel to give the reader the opportunity to fully grasp the meaning and idea behind the concept. Grokking in my opinion is the feeling of oneness, a feeling or deep connection to the observed phenomenon in sight/examined. Once that feeling or connection is obtained a feeling of peace, serenity, wisdom, and sometimes bliss is obtained. The book FINALLY picks up when Michael groks humans. The ending is blissful, yet tragic at the same time. Michael realizes peace, love, and compassion is inherent in every human being, yet our egos overrun the empathy therefore it causes war, suffering, hate, intolerance, etc. Michael, using wisdom from the old ones represents peace, compassion, and love of the human "self". He not only groks humans, humans grok his level of understanding to the point of looking up to him as their leader, their messiah, their answer to the question of humanities existence. The ending is brilliant, powerful, and very unpredictable. The ending conveys the hypocrisy of humans and delivers a powerful message to humanity and the world we live in. "Thou art God"

for more information click here

reviews: 1, 2, page 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

hot

not?

What's your opinion?

Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

Books (and movies) from both sides of the political spectrum
My all time Favorite list of books
Science Fiction "Must Reads"
ABC's LOST Book Club 1
My Favorite Books

search for books
land, strange, stranger

Impressum / about us