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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fords Make Tasty Meals, 3 Sep 2003
Lummox, The Star Beast, is the star of this book. A three-ton overgrown caterpillar who just loves to munch on the neighbor’s prize rose bushes, add a few pieces of tasty metal cars, and raise John Thomases. Of course, John Thomas doesn’t quite see things the same way as Lummox. When Lummox goes on a little trip through downtown, with the expectable result of absolute mayhem, John Thomas finds himself in trouble with his mother and the law with only his girlfriend to help him.How John’s problems are resolved is an exposition in a teenager’s maturation along with a very different (for Heinlein) portrayal of a truly competent and efficient government bureaucrat (for a completely opposed view of civil servants see his Friday or Stranger in a Strange Land). Along the way, Heinlein makes points about child rearing, the sometimes ridiculous workings of the law (along with some hilarious courtroom proceedings), prejudice, advertising/political campaigns, the shortcomings of making unfounded assumptions, self-blinded egotists, and the right of self-determination, all buried inside a fun and very good adventure story. Heinlein never wrote ‘down’ to his readers, one of the aspects that make his so-called juveniles so enjoyable for readers of all ages. Some younger readers may have a little trouble with the vocabulary he uses, though the meanings of his words choices are almost always inferable from the context. My 12 year old, who is currently reading this, runs into an unknown word about every two pages. While this is slowing him down a little, it is not detracting from his enjoyment of the story (and whether he knows it or not, he is learning a considerable amount from this book). Character development is a little sparse and the story line is comparatively simple. The conclusion has perhaps a bit of a dues-ex-machina feel to it, and perhaps a little bit too much of ‘happily-ever-after’. This is not the best of Heinlein’s young adult books, but is a very entertaining and enjoyable book, with a rather muted philosophical discourse that will fly under the radar of younger readers – but will help shape their outlook on life and the proper actions of a human. --- Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd (hyperpat)
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An adult book, cleverly disguised as a book for kids!, 24 Jun 1999
By A Customer
"The Star Beast" is the first science fiction book I read, when I was twelve years old...I even remember where I was sitting on a bench outside my building in New York while I was reading it. I recently bought it for my twelve-year old daughter, to "get her started," and on my way home from a business trip, I read it again myself. I am amazed to think I was able to read this book when I was a kid, and how much I must have missed. It is sophisticated, gently satirical, often very funny, and often wise; the usual warm characters and ear for speech that one expects from Heinlein, but with a no-nonsense intolerance for racial bigotry, and a feisty, competant teen-age girl who's got wit and courage. All told, to my considerable surprise, it's one of the better books I've read in the last few years! My highest recommendation.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Science Fiction of and for the Golden Age, 30 Oct 1998
By A Customer
I once attended a panel discussion on what was the Golden Age of science fiction (the 50s being one of the periods offered). One of the panelist came up with the best answer; "The Golden Age of science fiction is 12." I know this to be true, for that is when I first encountered THE STAR BEAST.I can't imagine a better book to introduce a young mind to science fiction. The characters have real motives and feelings. The plot hold up. The images engage the imagination without bogging it down. The humor makes it a delight to read. If you know a twelve year old who is ready to enter their Golden Age, give them this book. Neither of you will regret it.
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