A classic novel by one of Science Fiction's finest authors

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	• Space Cadet Robert A. Heinlein Orb Books, 2006 - 224 pages average customer review:based on 5 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Hitting his stride as a great SF Author

In this, the second of his so called "Juvenile" series of SF novels, published by Scribner's from the late 1940's through the late 1950's, Robert Heinlein really hit his stride as an SF Author. Although there are a couple of minor loose ends that never get satisfactorily tidied-up, the story as a whole is absorbing, fun to read, and - as always - exhibits Heinlein's renowned attention to scientific details.

The story is a "coming of age" story about Matt Dodson and his three friends - Tex, Oscar, and Pete, who meet as they start their training to become Cadets in a para-military organization known as "The Patrol" - which is dedicated to preserving peace throughout the Solar System. We follow them through the initial testing to qualify for the patrol, early education and misadventures in a Patrol "school" in orbit around earth, and then follow Matt, Tex and Oscar as they embark on a mission to explore the asteroid belt, and eventually end-up leading a rescue mission on Venus.

Throughout the story, Matt and his friends are challenged in ways that enable them to grow both personally and professionally: they gain confidence in themselves and each other; and learn to "eat pie with a fork" - a phrase Heinlein uses in two or three spots in the story, meaning that it is important to respect the customs and cultural values of the people you meet - no matter what human (or alien) culture they derive-from. - A theme repeated in many of his works.

It is interesting to contrast this story with the much more controversial Starship Troopers, written a decade later, as the same themes permeate both books: both books revolve around small military-like elites dedicated to preserving the peace for all humanity by being well prepared to wage war, if necessary. Both center on the experiences of a young man who comes into the organization with (at best) fuzzy ideas of why he is doing so, and then grows-up into the intelligent, altruistic, seasoned, and self-reliant individual that is front and center in nearly all of Heinlein's works. The main difference is that these themes are expressed in a much stronger and more militaristic fashion in Starship Troopers (and which is why Scribner's refused to publish the book, ending Heinlein's decade-long relationship with them).

All in all, Space Cadet is a fun, thought-provoking and engrossing book - and really shows Heinlein hitting his stride as a great SF Author. You'll enjoy it. Five Stars!

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A step back in time

Great book. Good read. Terribly dated by today's standards...it was written for kids to read and enjoy and maybe hoped to emulate at another time.

The book stands up pretty well against time...and is a safe read for kids today. I just reread it again for the 20th time...and still enjoy it.

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A classic novel by one of Science Fiction's finest authors

I have often been asked on what would be a good science fiction novel to introduce new readers to the genre, and "Space Cadet" is usually one of my top picks. Although it was written in 1948, it still holds up as one of Heinlein's best. It is was one the original "Heinlein juvenile" classics that became the 1950's TV show, "Tom Crobett, Space Cadet," and seems to have never gone out of print.

Many other authors, especially Orson Scott Card in "Enders Game" and practically all writers of 'military sci-fi,' have obviously used this book as a touchstone and starting point for their own writing. Fans of the novel or movie "Starship Troopers" will also find the basics of their training here. (A mild pun)

Highly recommended. A timeless classic for all readers of the genre.

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Matthew Dodson, Space Cadet!

My title does not have the ring that "Tom Corbett: Space Cadet" had, which was based on this Robert A. Heinlein book, but it is more accurate. Matthew Dodson sounds like a plain, ordinary person, and that was Heinlein's intent. Heinlein's belief always was that the backbone of America was the everyday person doing their job.

Matt Dodson has joined the elite Solar Patrol. Before Matt and his friends can be officers in the Patrol they must endure rigorous, multi-part training. They begin their training on Earth in a process that eliminates many would-be Space Patrol candidates. As their training continues, Matt and his friends become members of a small group of students that have passed one test after another. Finally, the remaining students leave Earth to continue their training on a school ship. The training on the school ship starts with the mundane and ends with the complexities of calculus and nuclear physics. At long last the students move on to an operational ship where their training will help them to overcome the challenges of an actual mission on Venus, where death awaits their first wrong step!

Many people call Heinlein preachy in his books. While there is probably some truth in that comment, if you think Heinlein's viewpoints had merit, you probably like the supposed preachiness. Regardless of which side you fall on, this book has little of Heinlein's explanations of the woes of the world is focuses primarily on the story.

The story in this book is excellent. There is practical science in this book, but Heinlein blended the science into the story so naturally that I hardly noticed it. Those who have been through basic training and technical school in the military will recognize features of both in this book. Robert A. Heinlein was a member of the U.S. Navy for a time, which I think must have helped him to create an extremely believable story regarding the training of the members of the Space Patrol.

It has been many years since I first read "Space Cadet." I wondered whether I would enjoy the story as much now as I did decades ago. The answer is yes. I must admit that some of my enjoyment is nostalgia, but part of my enjoyment was how much Heinlein got right. There are cell phone equivalents, flat screen monitors and more. The only thing Heinlein failed to predict was the increasing lack of enthusiasm for space exploration.

Heinlein wrote many good books. This one is one of his best. I recommend this book for every person who thinks of themselves as a fan of science fiction. This book is a winner from an author who won four Hugo awards during his life and the first Nebula Grand Master Award.

Enjoy!

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The master of sci-fi will never stop being reprinted!

Follow young Matt Dodson as he enters the academy in hopes of becoming a Space Cadet. Matt makes friends with Tex, who always has amusing tales about his Uncle Bodie, and a few others, as lessons are learned ... usually the hard way.

Space Cadets are the elite guard of the solar system. They accept missions others fear, take risks no others dare, and uphold the peace of the solar system for the benefit of all. (Much like the Jedi Order!) This novel will take you from Earth, to Mars, to Venus, and beyond. Matt and his friends are tested in the most severe and extraordinary ways that will change them forever, but still not prepare them for the alien treacheries that await.

**** If you have never read a novel by Robert A. Heinlein, then please keep in mind that this was written in the year 1948. The author renewed the copyright in 1975. I stress this because even though the story begins in July 2075, there are a few references to events that supposably happened in OUR past, such as the notation of the person who created the Patrol's Tradition who lived 1969 - 1996.

The fact that Robert A. Heinlein's novels are still being published today clearly expresses how outstanding readers find his science fiction novels. Once you read this, or any other novel by Heinlein, you will have no doubt as to how the man came about being crowned "The Master of Science Fiction". ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

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This is the seminal novel of a young man's education as a member of an elite, paternalistic non-military organization of leaders dedicated to preserving human civilization, the Solar Patrol, a provocative parallel to Heinlein's famous later novel, Starship Troopers (which is about the military).
Only the best and brightest--the strongest and the most courageous--ever manage to become Space Cadets, at the Space Academy. They are in training to be come part of the elite guard of the solar system, accepting missions others fear, taking risks no others dare, and upholding the peace of the solar system for the benefit of all.
But before Matt Dodson can earn his rightful place in the ranks, his mettle is to be tested in the most severe and extraordinary ways--ways that change him forever, from the midwestern American boy into a man of the Solar Patrol.

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