Apologies to the Heinlein estate

I do not like Jane Austen's writing.
A) Books based around a social scene I have no interest in
B) Books based around a type of plot I have no interest in
C) Books based about a period of history I have no interest in
D) Books written within a cultural period I majoritively disagree with
E) Books focusing on heroines I find annoying and useless.

A+B+C+D+E = X
X = I'd rather read Discworld.

• 98. I am now a Postgraduate student, studying my Honours in Sociology (with luck) specialising in the difference between normal social interaction and internet based social interaction.

I must beg some forgiveness here. Some of you (longer term readers then others) will know I recently read Starship Troopers. Some of you will also know I was highly critical about the book (I believe I stated the phrase "I prefer the movie. At least the movie is fun, and only takes 90 minutes of your life"), resigning it to somewhere between facist state propoganda and the worst example of Strawman politics since... well recent periods of political bickering, really, but still a pretty damn bad example. The book just seemed like the author was trying to convince us this would be an infinitely preferable society to live in.

However, I recently read up more about Heinlein's past, personality and writing style.

While you couldn't pay me to read another one of his books, he actually seems like a decent person, and nothing like someone who honestly believes criminal offenses should be punished with a public flogging. From what I've read, he genuinely seems like a nice guy.

According to TVtropes.org (tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RobertAHeinlein), he "loaned Philip K, Dick money when he was having trouble with the IRS, and phoned him to cheer him up when he was ill - despite never having met him in person before that point. Also, Heinlein and Dick had diametrically opposite views. On virtually everything." Not to mention other bits mentioned.

Reading through more of his catalogue, he doesn't seem like the type of person to buy into a millitary fantasy-world where everything is awesome because the army is great.

So, for my previous overly harsh sentiments to Robert Heinlein, I apologise.




You still couldn't pay me to fucking read Starship Troopers again.