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ResidentSadist -> RE: Book suggestions (9/23/2008 8:52:01 PM)
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If there were only 2 books my partner could ever read, they would both be by Heinlein.
Robert A. Heinlein’s books usually look at humanity, our emotional make up, relationships, our purpose and function as humans with an unbiased view that is outside the social norm. I do not think of my favorite works by him as fiction but, rather as examples in philosophy told through fictional tales. His philosophy is sublimely hidden in the layers of great stories.
My parents taught me about love but Heinlein also helped teach me how to apply love constructively and create a positive growth environment. Lazarus Long, one of Heinlein’s characters is my favorite. His emotional construct is amazing and he is sort of a survivalist and poly role model. The book Time Enough for Love is required reading in my house and is as important and educational as The Ethical Slut. I am told that Heinlein’s book is more fun to read and the lessons learn are better.
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Stranger in a Strange Land
“Stranger in a Strange Land, winner of the 1962 Hugo Award, is the story of Valentine Michael Smith… he arrives on Earth as a true innocent: he has never seen a woman and has no knowledge of Earth's cultures or religions. … Michael explores human morality and the meanings of love. He founds his own church, preaching free love and disseminating the psychic talents taught him by the Martians. Ultimately, he confronts the fate reserved for all messiahs.”
“The impact of Stranger in a Strange Land was considerable, leading many children of the 60's to set up households based on Michael's water-brother nests…”
Time Enough For Love
“…this lengthy work is a future history of Lazarus Long, the Senior of the Howard Families and the oldest human being alive is over two thousand years old. Lazarus is one of Heinlein's best realized characters.”
“…And I'd immediately put my hand over my wallet. Lazarus is an unsavory character -- a raconteur, swindler, adventurer, sybarite, pragmatist . . . and, above all, survivor. He exemplifies everything Heinlein thought it would take for humanity to spread to the stars, and his amoral self-interested practicality is what's kept him from getting killed…”
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