I'm writing this on September 19, 1999. Last reading: 1 day ago

I forget where I got this one: it must have been sitting in my room a long time, and it was in really bad shape. I was going to throw it away, but then I saw that it was by Heinlein, I hadn't read it, and I had some time to read. I'm glad I did, though it's not one I feel I must recommend.

The beginning concept was very interesting: a very well-engineered ship begins a planned two-generation trip to "Far Centaurus," but troubles lead to the manning of the ship for countless generations. The direction he takes that society is an interesting and reasonably believable one. And there are a few really wonderful characters. But there were problems. The main one: the main character was only so-so. He was repeatedly "upstaged" by the far more interesting "muties." Some plot points were far too predictable. And even though the author blatantly admits that some of the events were nigh impossible (which, by the way, I like for its boldness) (i.e. "Hugh's luck was a ridiculous improbability."), it's still rather annoying to see such a stretch take place.

Pretty darned good for an author early in his career.

Other Heinlein I've read: _The Moon is a Harsh Mistress_ (which I loved), and _Stranger in a Strange Land_ (which I thoroughly disliked).