My first taste of Heinlein was Stranger in a Strange Land a few years back. It was, in a word, bad. So I gave up on Heinlein all together, figuring if his most famous and critically acclaimed book was no good, what chance did the others have? This conviction was met with protests from Heinlein fans, saying I need to read some "good" Heinlein before making the call. So I did, though it took me an unusually long time to finish. I just couldn't get into it. The characters were two-dimensional and shared too many qualities with those in SiaSL: the brilliant innocent (here, a self-aware computer named Mike), the levelheaded and elderly teacher/father-figure (Prof the anarchist philosopher), and the beautiful, "smart" woman whose most highly praised attribute is her ability to keep her mouth shut when the men are talking about important things (Wyoh, a revolutionary with a thing for older men - another SiaSL staple). Another recycled idea (though I don't know which book came first) was the group/line marriages, where the women are said to be in charge but actually spend most of their time at home worrying about their men. These characters weren't that great the first time around; the second time was just tedious.The idea behind the story is fine: the moon is more or less a penal colony under totalitarian rule. With the help of Mike the computer, Mannie (a computer tech who talks - and narrates the story - in an obnoxious dialect that sounds like someone faking a Russian accent very poorly), Prof, and Wyoh engineer a revolution. There is some interesting discussion of political ideals and governmental structure, but without sympathetic characters to bring it to life the story is about as gripping as your average high school civics class. I simply could not bring myself to care one way or the other. Now I wonder, how many more of his books do I need to read before I can officially say I don't like Heinlein? ( )

Quite entertaining if taken as a period piece, although hopelessly naive, especially about women! ( )

The moon is inhabited by criminals & their descendants. After some time, they decide to break free of the chains that bind them. We get a first hand account of a revolution by one of its founders, the most unwilling revolutionary of the bunch, but a pretty good computer tech. Alternative life styles, living arrangements & plenty of action. It's funny, interesting & somewhat thought provoking. It made me more interested in the American Revolution. ( )

Overall I was a little disappointed with this book. I really like Heinlein, but this story had too many infallible points to make the story work. A supercomputer that controls everything and works for the "good guys" because he thinks the warden is stupid. (However, I did find the analysis and gaming very interesting, but that is because it appeals to my love of statistics and prediction.)I really loved Stranger in a Strange Land and Starship Troopers (don't watch the movie though.) ( )

I don't know that I have anything new to say in praise of this novel. So instead, I will say, I would never have imagined myself so heartsick over the loss of a computer until now. Goodbye, dear Mike. I shall miss you, too.

Heinlein is able to explore a world of politics, revolution, love, family, and dedication in an intricate and enjoyable way. Life is complex, and so is his story, weaving multiple aspects of what it means to be a sentient creature into the tale. From humor to love, the good parts of life must be explored fully. From rebellion to war, fighting for you and yours, the sticky parts must be waded through.

His ideas about never allowing yourself to get trampled by the standard way of life was refreshing, and I wish that more politicians could embrace this philosophy. ( )