Paul:
So, did you actually finish it?
Heinlein's morality is pretty situational, so in in his prime he probably would have approved of lying about finishing the book to win the bet.
@1: Sorry. Yes I did finish it.
...and I modified the post to reflect that. Apologies.
"Heinlein was probably dying when he wrote it "
.. but he was 18 years from death in 1970
never mind.. peritonitis, got it.
What's the twist?
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Seems fairly obvious.
Congratulations on completing a genuine slog, Paul. I thought this one sucked when I was a stupid teenager and I had already enjoyed STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND, MOON IS A HARSH MISTRESS, ETC. Luckily, I found Robert Silverberg's TOWER OF GLASS in the same school library and it at least delivered much more on the sex front.
@9
Tower of Glass is a hoot. Have you read Silverberg's Dying Inside? That book should have won a fucking Pulitzer. In 50 years people will look back on Silverberg as genius of modern prose, sf or otherwise.
1) No, he would probably want to shoot himself for writing it.
2)I doubt it.
3)Seems King James got it.
4) godwilling and godspeed my friend! I suggest Sun Liquor on Summit. They make the best Gin and Tonic.
PS. You are a stronger man then most. Purification by fire seems the only choice for a book like that.
What's more horrible about this book is I think they actuall made a movie about it and Emilio Estavez starred as the 'nubile' young brain recipient. Ack!
You should read Nightwatch, it's a way better read.
Heinlein ruled during the 70's ... seriously. Hard to believe now, but all the kids needed major escape around then.
That first writing sample is a crime against humanity. He should have had his pecker chopped off with hedge trimmers for writing that.
Paul--While it isn't the best thing Heinlein has written, I think 'Evil' is at least interesting in theory, if flawed inexecution. Heinlein was trying to put a story to his theory that people have a possibility of 6 different genders that include all permutations of human sexuality and behavioral preferences. It's not really a science fiction book, but more of a metaphysical examination of gender identity, but in the most low brow way possible, because that's just Heinlein's style. Think of it as Heinlein's Gravity's Rainbow: a literary experiment that's not necessarily relevatory or fun to read. Also, keep in mind he had just written Time Enough For Love, which is so damn good it erases any bad taste you may have from Fear. All I'm saying is don't judge Heinlein too harshly for this one.
@10
Hey sf nerd, I've not read DYING INSIDE but I'll put it on the list. Thanks for the recommendation.
A far better book would be The Door Into Summer ...
At least he didn't start a religion...
Probably too late, but...
As I understand it, Heinlein was very ill when he wrote it (hence the 'Rare Blood Club' or whatever), and his wife, Virginia, did most all the cutting and editing for IWFNE.
@18 Heinlein was present when L. Ron Hubbard made the wager (in 1947, IIRC) that he could make $1,000,000 starting a religion.
Go figure.
Congrats on finishing! That was fun. I hope you do another book club of the damned sometime again. You know, after you recover & all.
@20 Agreed. Good feature. Very cathartic, and pain is easier to handle when it's vicarious.
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