Paperback, 240 pages
English language
Published July 29, 2003 by Del Rey.
A science fiction novel for young readers by American writer Robert A. Heinlein, originally serialized in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction (August, September, October 1958) and published by Scribner's in hardcover in 1958. It is the last of the Heinlein juveniles.
Plot summary: Clifford "Kip" Russell, enters an advertising jingle writing contest, hoping to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Moon. He instead gets a used space suit. Kip puts the suit (which he dubs "Oscar") back into working condition. Kip reluctantly decides to return his space suit for a cash prize to help pay for college, but puts it on for one last walk. As he idly broadcasts on his shortwave radio, someone identifying herself as "Peewee" answers and requests a homing signal. He is shocked when a flying saucer lands practically on top of him. A young girl (Peewee) and an alien being (the "Mother Thing") …
A science fiction novel for young readers by American writer Robert A. Heinlein, originally serialized in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction (August, September, October 1958) and published by Scribner's in hardcover in 1958. It is the last of the Heinlein juveniles.
Plot summary: Clifford "Kip" Russell, enters an advertising jingle writing contest, hoping to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Moon. He instead gets a used space suit. Kip puts the suit (which he dubs "Oscar") back into working condition. Kip reluctantly decides to return his space suit for a cash prize to help pay for college, but puts it on for one last walk. As he idly broadcasts on his shortwave radio, someone identifying herself as "Peewee" answers and requests a homing signal. He is shocked when a flying saucer lands practically on top of him. A young girl (Peewee) and an alien being (the "Mother Thing") flee from it, but all three are quickly captured and taken to the Moon.
Just how did I miss this book? Would have loved to have read this about 35-40 years ago.
Though still enjoyed it, well worth a read
Friends said this was among the first sci-fi they read as kids. I was expecting dated 50s space booster meets Hardy Boys, and not too far off, but also much more considered and expansive than that, with practical realism and moral and empathetic choices with consequential acts and a scope that somewhat plausibly keeps ratcheting this to a memorable quality sci-fi.
Thank goodness I finally finished this book. It's about time. While I can't say I agree with everything the protagonist says, what he does contrary to his words send like a much better judge of his character.
I listened to the audio book, and must say the production quality is much better than the majority of books I have listened to. I'd rate it up there with Ender's Game, and American Gods. Some of the effects were a little cheesy, but since it was written in the fifties, I'm not sure I can complain much.
Any way, definitely recommended.
Heinlein does a great job of capturing the wonder of space travel - then the story tapes some strange turns and feels more like pulp adventure. Still a great story.
One of my least favorite Heinlein works, but still pretty good, this book is an enjoyable escape.
