"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein

[Lynn McGuire]

"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/

The second book in a very loose series of science fiction books. I read
the well printed and well bound MMPB for the third of fourth time
published by Ace in 1988 that I bought new in 1990. The book was first
published in 1973 by Putnam that I have a copy of, in very bad shape
(the spine is unglued and half of back cover is ripped off), that I may
have stolen from my father. I plan to reread the other four books in
the series eventually plus "The Pursuit Of The Pankera" for the first time.

It has been 25 years or more since I read this book and I could not
remember much so I read it again. The book is mainly a group of
novelettes tied together as a biography with huge sections missing. The
book starts out when Lazarus Long is over 2,000 years old and in a
Howard Rejuvenation clinic against his will. He wants to die and tried
to do so but was found by his great*something grandson and moved into
the rejuvenation clinic. BTW, the rejuvenation process is never
explained but it sounds like a compete body and brain replacement with a
clone.

If you are offended by sex, and I mean lots of sex, in a book then I
would advise you to stay away from this book and series. Except for the
first book in the series, "Methusalah's Children". All of the books,
except the first book, have group marriages in them which was first
expounded by Heinlein in "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" book.

The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children
2. Time Enough For Love
3. The Number Of The Beast
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset

Jo Walton says that "Time Enough For Love" is not Heinlein's worst novel
by far, but, it is too long.
https://reactormag.com/heinleins-worst-novel/

There is a very long Wikipedia entry at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love

There is a much better review by James Nicoll at:
https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/not-the-worst-heinlein-novel

My rating: 6 out of 5 stars
Amazon rating: 4.6 of out 5 stars (2,345 reviews)

Lynn

[Ted Nolan <tednolan>]

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/
The second book in a very loose series of science fiction books. I read
the well printed and well bound MMPB for the third of fourth time
published by Ace in 1988 that I bought new in 1990. The book was first
published in 1973 by Putnam that I have a copy of, in very bad shape
(the spine is unglued and half of back cover is ripped off), that I may
have stolen from my father. I plan to reread the other four books in
the series eventually plus "The Pursuit Of The Pankera" for the first time.
It has been 25 years or more since I read this book and I could not
remember much so I read it again. The book is mainly a group of
novelettes tied together as a biography with huge sections missing. The
book starts out when Lazarus Long is over 2,000 years old and in a
Howard Rejuvenation clinic against his will. He wants to die and tried
to do so but was found by his great*something grandson and moved into
the rejuvenation clinic. BTW, the rejuvenation process is never
explained but it sounds like a compete body and brain replacement with a
clone.
If you are offended by sex, and I mean lots of sex, in a book then I
would advise you to stay away from this book and series. Except for the
first book in the series, "Methusalah's Children". All of the books,
except the first book, have group marriages in them which was first
expounded by Heinlein in "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" book.
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children
2. Time Enough For Love
3. The Number Of The Beast
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset
Jo Walton says that "Time Enough For Love" is not Heinlein's worst novel
by far, but, it is too long.
https://reactormag.com/heinleins-worst-novel/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love
https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/not-the-worst-heinlein-novel
My rating: 6 out of 5 stars
Amazon rating: 4.6 of out 5 stars (2,345 reviews)
Lynn

My impression, having not read it since the late 70s, is that whether it
was intended that way or not, it is a "fix-up", so you can take the segments
that are excellent as they come, and not agonize that the parts you don't
like will taint the rest.

[Don]

Post by Ted Nolan <tednolan>

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/
The second book in a very loose series of science fiction books. I read
the well printed and well bound MMPB for the third of fourth time
published by Ace in 1988 that I bought new in 1990. The book was first
published in 1973 by Putnam that I have a copy of, in very bad shape
(the spine is unglued and half of back cover is ripped off), that I may
have stolen from my father. I plan to reread the other four books in
the series eventually plus "The Pursuit Of The Pankera" for the first time.
It has been 25 years or more since I read this book and I could not
remember much so I read it again. The book is mainly a group of
novelettes tied together as a biography with huge sections missing. The
book starts out when Lazarus Long is over 2,000 years old and in a
Howard Rejuvenation clinic against his will. He wants to die and tried
to do so but was found by his great*something grandson and moved into
the rejuvenation clinic. BTW, the rejuvenation process is never
explained but it sounds like a compete body and brain replacement with a
clone.
If you are offended by sex, and I mean lots of sex, in a book then I
would advise you to stay away from this book and series. Except for the
first book in the series, "Methusalah's Children". All of the books,
except the first book, have group marriages in them which was first
expounded by Heinlein in "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" book.
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children
2. Time Enough For Love
3. The Number Of The Beast
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset
Jo Walton says that "Time Enough For Love" is not Heinlein's worst novel
by far, but, it is too long.
https://reactormag.com/heinleins-worst-novel/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love
https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/not-the-worst-heinlein-novel
My rating: 6 out of 5 stars
Amazon rating: 4.6 of out 5 stars (2,345 reviews)

My impression, having not read it since the late 70s, is that whether it
was intended that way or not, it is a "fix-up", so you can take the segments
that are excellent as they come, and not agonize that the parts you don't
like will taint the rest.

"Chee," said Murgatroyd conversationally, in his shrill treble.

During this evening's dog walk Microsoft David started to narrate
"Ribbon in the Sky," the last story in Leinster's MedShip tetralogy.
The tetralogy's so enjoyable - filled with notions of potions of
dextrethyl vapor, polysulphate, magnesium sulphate and ether - it calls
for an immediate encore.
After the MedShip redux's done, there will be time enough to give
_Time Enough for Love_ a second chance. Only this time through it'll be
heard, not read.

Danke,

[Tony Nance]

Post by Don

Post by Ted Nolan <tednolan>

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/
The second book in a very loose series of science fiction books. I read
the well printed and well bound MMPB for the third of fourth time
published by Ace in 1988 that I bought new in 1990. The book was first
published in 1973 by Putnam that I have a copy of, in very bad shape
(the spine is unglued and half of back cover is ripped off), that I may
have stolen from my father. I plan to reread the other four books in
the series eventually plus "The Pursuit Of The Pankera" for the first time.
It has been 25 years or more since I read this book and I could not
remember much so I read it again. The book is mainly a group of
novelettes tied together as a biography with huge sections missing. The
book starts out when Lazarus Long is over 2,000 years old and in a
Howard Rejuvenation clinic against his will. He wants to die and tried
to do so but was found by his great*something grandson and moved into
the rejuvenation clinic. BTW, the rejuvenation process is never
explained but it sounds like a compete body and brain replacement with a
clone.
If you are offended by sex, and I mean lots of sex, in a book then I
would advise you to stay away from this book and series. Except for the
first book in the series, "Methusalah's Children". All of the books,
except the first book, have group marriages in them which was first
expounded by Heinlein in "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" book.
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children
2. Time Enough For Love
3. The Number Of The Beast
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset
Jo Walton says that "Time Enough For Love" is not Heinlein's worst novel
by far, but, it is too long.
https://reactormag.com/heinleins-worst-novel/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love
https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/not-the-worst-heinlein-novel
My rating: 6 out of 5 stars
Amazon rating: 4.6 of out 5 stars (2,345 reviews)

My impression, having not read it since the late 70s, is that whether it
was intended that way or not, it is a "fix-up", so you can take the segments
that are excellent as they come, and not agonize that the parts you don't
like will taint the rest.

"Chee," said Murgatroyd conversationally, in his shrill treble.
During this evening's dog walk Microsoft David started to narrate
"Ribbon in the Sky," the last story in Leinster's MedShip tetralogy.

Turns out Leinster wrote 8 MedShip stories - all 8 are collected in the
Baen volume Med Ship, and I'm pretty sure you could find the ones you
haven't read in other places as well.

Tony

Post by Don
The tetralogy's so enjoyable - filled with notions of potions of
dextrethyl vapor, polysulphate, magnesium sulphate and ether - it calls
for an immediate encore. > After the MedShip redux's done, there will be time enough to give
_Time Enough for Love_ a second chance. Only this time through it'll be
heard, not read.
Danke,

[Don]

<snip>

Post by Tony Nance

Post by Don
"Chee," said Murgatroyd conversationally, in his shrill treble.
During this evening's dog walk Microsoft David started to narrate
"Ribbon in the Sky," the last story in Leinster's MedShip tetralogy.

Turns out Leinster wrote 8 MedShip stories - all 8 are collected in the
Baen volume Med Ship, and I'm pretty sure you could find the ones you
haven't read in other places as well.

You are indeed correct. It's hard to say what gave me the idea it was a
mere tetralogy when it's actually two tetralogies tangled together, so
to speak, or an octology, as they say.

Danke,

[Tony Nance]

Post by Don
<snip>

Post by Tony Nance

Post by Don
"Chee," said Murgatroyd conversationally, in his shrill treble.
During this evening's dog walk Microsoft David started to narrate
"Ribbon in the Sky," the last story in Leinster's MedShip tetralogy.

Turns out Leinster wrote 8 MedShip stories - all 8 are collected in the
Baen volume Med Ship, and I'm pretty sure you could find the ones you
haven't read in other places as well.

You are indeed correct. It's hard to say what gave me the idea it was a
mere tetralogy when it's actually two tetralogies tangled together, so
to speak, or an octology, as they say.

..and is surely a better term than duo-tetralogy.
- Tony, and tetraduology is right out

[Scott Lurndal]

Post by Ted Nolan <tednolan>

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/

My impression, having not read it since the late 70s, is that whether it
was intended that way or not, it is a "fix-up", so you can take the segments
that are excellent as they come, and not agonize that the parts you don't
like will taint the rest.

Not sure 'bout the fixup part, but there are nuggets buried in the
dross that are worth a read. The twins that weren't, the man that
was too lazy to fail, and the tale of the adopted daughter, for example.

[Lynn McGuire]

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
   https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/
The second book in a very loose series of science fiction books.  I read
the well printed and well bound MMPB for the third of fourth time
published by Ace in 1988 that I bought new in 1990.  The book was first
published in 1973 by Putnam that I have a copy of, in very bad shape
(the spine is unglued and half of back cover is ripped off), that I may
have stolen from my father.  I plan to reread the other four books in
the series eventually plus "The Pursuit Of The Pankera" for the first time.
It has been 25 years or more since I read this book and I could not
remember much so I read it again.  The book is mainly a group of
novelettes tied together as a biography with huge sections missing.  The
book starts out when Lazarus Long is over 2,000 years old and in a
Howard Rejuvenation clinic against his will.  He wants to die and tried
to do so but was found by his great*something grandson and moved into
the rejuvenation clinic.  BTW, the rejuvenation process is never
explained but it sounds like a compete body and brain replacement with a
clone.
If you are offended by sex, and I mean lots of sex, in a book then I
would advise you to stay away from this book and series.  Except for the
first book in the series, "Methusalah's Children".  All of the books,
except the first book, have group marriages in them which was first
expounded by Heinlein in "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" book.
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children
2. Time Enough For Love
3. The Number Of The Beast
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset
Jo Walton says that "Time Enough For Love" is not Heinlein's worst novel
by far, but, it is too long.
   https://reactormag.com/heinleins-worst-novel/
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love
   https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/not-the-worst-heinlein-novel
My rating:  6 out of 5 stars
Amazon rating:  4.6 of out 5 stars (2,345 reviews)
Lynn

I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me.
Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet hits
a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new planet. By
that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new planets from Earth.

Lynn

[Dimensional Traveler]

Post by Lynn McGuire

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/
The second book in a very loose series of science fiction books.  I
read the well printed and well bound MMPB for the third of fourth time
published by Ace in 1988 that I bought new in 1990.  The book was
first published in 1973 by Putnam that I have a copy of, in very bad
shape (the spine is unglued and half of back cover is ripped off),
that I may have stolen from my father.  I plan to reread the other
four books in the series eventually plus "The Pursuit Of The Pankera"
for the first time.
It has been 25 years or more since I read this book and I could not
remember much so I read it again.  The book is mainly a group of
novelettes tied together as a biography with huge sections missing.
The book starts out when Lazarus Long is over 2,000 years old and in a
Howard Rejuvenation clinic against his will.  He wants to die and
tried to do so but was found by his great*something grandson and moved
into the rejuvenation clinic.  BTW, the rejuvenation process is never
explained but it sounds like a compete body and brain replacement with
a clone.
If you are offended by sex, and I mean lots of sex, in a book then I
would advise you to stay away from this book and series.  Except for
the first book in the series, "Methusalah's Children".  All of the
books, except the first book, have group marriages in them which was
first expounded by Heinlein in "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" book.
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children
2. Time Enough For Love
3. The Number Of The Beast
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset
Jo Walton says that "Time Enough For Love" is not Heinlein's worst
novel by far, but, it is too long.
    https://reactormag.com/heinleins-worst-novel/
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love
    https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/not-the-worst-heinlein-novel
My rating:  6 out of 5 stars
Amazon rating:  4.6 of out 5 stars (2,345 reviews)
Lynn

I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me.
Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet hits
a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new planet.  By
that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new planets from Earth.

And that bit of advice from Lazarus Long is based on out-dated
assumptions that weren't even accurate when those books were written.

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by Dimensional Traveler

Post by Lynn McGuire
I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me.
Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet hits
a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new planet.  By
that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new planets from Earth.

And that bit of advice from Lazarus Long is based on out-dated
assumptions that weren't even accurate when those books were written.

I am inclined to believe it's somewhere in the ballpark, though. We really
need to be exploring and moving to new planets.

I do think that limit would seem to be kind of dependent on the size of the
planet, though.
--scott

[Paul S Person]

Post by Scott Dorsey

Post by Dimensional Traveler

Post by Lynn McGuire
I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me.
Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet hits
a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new planet.  By
that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new planets from Earth.

And that bit of advice from Lazarus Long is based on out-dated
assumptions that weren't even accurate when those books were written.

I am inclined to believe it's somewhere in the ballpark, though. We really
need to be exploring and moving to new planets.
I do think that limit would seem to be kind of dependent on the size of the
planet, though.

Some of us reached that conclusion long ago.

[Dimensional Traveler]

Post by Scott Dorsey

Post by Dimensional Traveler

Post by Lynn McGuire
I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me.
Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet hits
a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new planet.  By
that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new planets from Earth.

And that bit of advice from Lazarus Long is based on out-dated
assumptions that weren't even accurate when those books were written.

I am inclined to believe it's somewhere in the ballpark, though. We really
need to be exploring and moving to new planets.
I do think that limit would seem to be kind of dependent on the size of the
planet, though.
--scott

"All your eggs in one basket" problem versus the size of the basket problem.

[William Hyde]

Post by Dimensional Traveler

Post by Lynn McGuire

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/
The second book in a very loose series of science fiction books.  I
read the well printed and well bound MMPB for the third of fourth
time published by Ace in 1988 that I bought new in 1990.  The book
was first published in 1973 by Putnam that I have a copy of, in very
bad shape (the spine is unglued and half of back cover is ripped
off), that I may have stolen from my father.  I plan to reread the
other four books in the series eventually plus "The Pursuit Of The
Pankera" for the first time.
It has been 25 years or more since I read this book and I could not
remember much so I read it again.  The book is mainly a group of
novelettes tied together as a biography with huge sections missing.
The book starts out when Lazarus Long is over 2,000 years old and in
a Howard Rejuvenation clinic against his will.  He wants to die and
tried to do so but was found by his great*something grandson and
moved into the rejuvenation clinic.  BTW, the rejuvenation process is
never explained but it sounds like a compete body and brain
replacement with a clone.
If you are offended by sex, and I mean lots of sex, in a book then I
would advise you to stay away from this book and series.  Except for
the first book in the series, "Methusalah's Children".  All of the
books, except the first book, have group marriages in them which was
first expounded by Heinlein in "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" book.
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children
2. Time Enough For Love
3. The Number Of The Beast
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset
Jo Walton says that "Time Enough For Love" is not Heinlein's worst
novel by far, but, it is too long.
    https://reactormag.com/heinleins-worst-novel/
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love
    https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/not-the-worst-heinlein-novel
My rating:  6 out of 5 stars
Amazon rating:  4.6 of out 5 stars (2,345 reviews)
Lynn

I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me.
Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet
hits a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new
planet.  By that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new
planets from Earth.

And that bit of advice from Lazarus Long is based on out-dated
assumptions that weren't even accurate when those books were written.

The sayings of LL were collected and sold as a separate book.

This may have been a financial boon to RAH but when read all atonce the
sayings did not impress. When read sparingly the better ones stick in
the mind. When read all at once it is the worst ones that get remembered.


William Hyde

[Michael F. Stemper]

I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me. Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet hits a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new planet.  By that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new planets from Earth.

And that bit of advice from Lazarus Long is based on out-dated assumptions that weren't even accurate when those books were written.

What were those assumptions? I had the impression that LL said that
because of his (or Heinlein's) belief that a planet would get too
organized/regimented with such a large population. That, of course,
is a matter of taste rather than any objective truth.

[Ted Nolan <tednolan>]

Post by Lynn McGuire

Post by Dimensional Traveler

Post by Lynn McGuire
I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me.

Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet hits
a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new planet.  By
that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new planets from Earth.

Post by Dimensional Traveler
And that bit of advice from Lazarus Long is based on out-dated

assumptions that weren't even accurate when those books were written.
What were those assumptions? I had the impression that LL said that
because of his (or Heinlein's) belief that a planet would get too
organized/regimented with such a large population. That, of course,
is a matter of taste rather than any objective truth.

That's my memory, and that it was tied to requiring ID cards.

It's a farily common sentiment. Supposedly Lincoln's father said
when you could see the smoke from your neighbor's chimney, the
neighboorhood was getting too crowded, and it was time to move.

[Paul S Person]

Post by Ted Nolan <tednolan>

Post by Lynn McGuire

Post by Dimensional Traveler

Post by Lynn McGuire
I forgot one thing out of the book that made an impression to me.

Lazarus Long tells his great*something grandson that when a planet hits
a population of a billion, it is time to move on to a new planet.  By
that measure, it is WAY past time to move on to new planets from Earth.

Post by Dimensional Traveler
And that bit of advice from Lazarus Long is based on out-dated

assumptions that weren't even accurate when those books were written.
What were those assumptions? I had the impression that LL said that
because of his (or Heinlein's) belief that a planet would get too
organized/regimented with such a large population. That, of course,
is a matter of taste rather than any objective truth.

That's my memory, and that it was tied to requiring ID cards.
It's a farily common sentiment. Supposedly Lincoln's father said
when you could see the smoke from your neighbor's chimney, the
neighboorhood was getting too crowded, and it was time to move.

Exactly.

It's just a manifestation of Pioneer Spirit. There's an entire song
("Wand'rin Star") about it in /Paint Your Wagon/.

[Paul S Person]

On Fri, 5 Apr 2024 18:51:37 -0500, Lynn McGuire

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Enough-Love-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441810764/
The second book in a very loose series of science fiction books. I read
the well printed and well bound MMPB for the third of fourth time
published by Ace in 1988 that I bought new in 1990. The book was first
published in 1973 by Putnam that I have a copy of, in very bad shape
(the spine is unglued and half of back cover is ripped off), that I may
have stolen from my father. I plan to reread the other four books in
the series eventually plus "The Pursuit Of The Pankera" for the first time.
It has been 25 years or more since I read this book and I could not
remember much so I read it again. The book is mainly a group of
novelettes tied together as a biography with huge sections missing. The
book starts out when Lazarus Long is over 2,000 years old and in a
Howard Rejuvenation clinic against his will. He wants to die and tried
to do so but was found by his great*something grandson and moved into
the rejuvenation clinic. BTW, the rejuvenation process is never
explained but it sounds like a compete body and brain replacement with a
clone.
If you are offended by sex, and I mean lots of sex, in a book then I
would advise you to stay away from this book and series. Except for the
first book in the series, "Methusalah's Children". All of the books,
except the first book, have group marriages in them which was first
expounded by Heinlein in "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" book.
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children
2. Time Enough For Love
3. The Number Of The Beast
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset

I would suggest that /The Pursuit of the Pankera/ renders /The Number
of the Beast/ wholly superfluous.

Post by Lynn McGuire
Jo Walton says that "Time Enough For Love" is not Heinlein's worst novel
by far, but, it is too long.
https://reactormag.com/heinleins-worst-novel/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love
https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/not-the-worst-heinlein-novel
My rating: 6 out of 5 stars
Amazon rating: 4.6 of out 5 stars (2,345 reviews)
Lynn

[William Hyde]

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
[...]
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children

An enjoyable read.

Post by Lynn McGuire
2. Time Enough For Love

I've read it twice and do not regret it. I do slightly regret the loss
of the fine novel (or set of short stories) that are embedded in TEFL
but I note that there are those, not all in the SF or Heinlein-fan
community, who consider this a great book. It is very far from his worst
novel, if perhaps a bit farther from his best.

Post by Lynn McGuire
3. The Number Of The Beast

Gharlane's excuse for this is that the book is an extended essay by
Heinlein on how not to write a novel. Even were this true - and while
Gharlane knew far more about RAH than I do, I find that hard to believe
- it would be no reason to inflict this mess on his readers.

I never bought another Heinlein after this (I had already given him a
pass for IWFNE - fool me twice ...), but I received the rest as gifts.

After TEFL I was really, really, looking forward to his next book. In my
disappointment I probably thought it worse than it was (I've done this
in other cases, with other writers) but I've never been able to make
myself give it a second try.

Post by Lynn McGuire
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera

This I've only just heard of. Is it TNOTB without the lessons Gharlane
is talking about? If so it might be worth a read.

Post by Lynn McGuire
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset

I finished both of these. I lack the words to say how much I disliked
them. I was not expecting them to be good, so there was no sense of
disappointment with the latter, and only a tiny amount with the former.


William Hyde

[Paul S Person]

Post by William Hyde

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein
[...]
The book series is
1. Methuselah's Children

An enjoyable read.

Post by Lynn McGuire
2. Time Enough For Love

I've read it twice and do not regret it. I do slightly regret the loss
of the fine novel (or set of short stories) that are embedded in TEFL
but I note that there are those, not all in the SF or Heinlein-fan
community, who consider this a great book. It is very far from his worst
novel, if perhaps a bit farther from his best.

Post by Lynn McGuire
3. The Number Of The Beast

Gharlane's excuse for this is that the book is an extended essay by
Heinlein on how not to write a novel. Even were this true - and while
Gharlane knew far more about RAH than I do, I find that hard to believe
- it would be no reason to inflict this mess on his readers.
I never bought another Heinlein after this (I had already given him a
pass for IWFNE - fool me twice ...), but I received the rest as gifts.
After TEFL I was really, really, looking forward to his next book. In my
disappointment I probably thought it worse than it was (I've done this
in other cases, with other writers) but I've never been able to make
myself give it a second try.

Post by Lynn McGuire
4. The Pursuit Of The Pankera

This I've only just heard of. Is it TNOTB without the lessons Gharlane
is talking about? If so it might be worth a read.

It starts out identical to TNOTB (the Kindle I read had a note
indicating the point of divergence) but the bulk of the story is quite
different and, to my mind, a much better read.

Having read your summary of Gharlane's excuse, I have no idea what it
means. But then, I am not an author, so I may simply have missed it.

Post by William Hyde

Post by Lynn McGuire
5. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
6. To Sail Beyond The Sunset

I finished both of these. I lack the words to say how much I disliked
them. I was not expecting them to be good, so there was no sense of
disappointment with the latter, and only a tiny amount with the former.

Those were two of several that were not on Kindle during my Great
Heinlein Re-read. I don't think I have ever read them.

[Mike Van Pelt]

Post by Lynn McGuire
"Time Enough for Love" by Robert A. Heinlein

I will say, though, that "The Tale of the Adopted Daughter"
may be the best thing Heinlein ever wrote. Marginally SF;
in most respects seems more like a Western than SF,and I
don't believe for a minute that a planet would actually be
colonized that way, but still... wonderful story.