Farmer in the Sky

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Farmer In The Sky is a 1953 science fiction novel by Robert A. Heinlein about a teenage boy who emigrates with his family to Jupiter's moon Ganymede, which is in the process of being terraformed. A condensed version of the novel was published in serial form in 1950 in Boys' Life magazine (August, September, October, November), under the title "Satellite Scout".

©1955 Robert A. Heinlein (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Classic Heinlein all the way.

If you like Heinlein, you'll enjoy this. I'm glad that the estate is releasing more and more of his stories on audio!

Classic Scfi by Heinlein, the Master

This is one of my all time favorite science fiction stories. It’s a story of hope, perseverance and the power of family. Enjoy.

great book from RAH

great book but the performance version may be better for early listeners. This was one of RAH stories that were run as a serial in Boys Life in the 40s and 50s so is quite appropriate for young listeners. great listen!

Great listen.

It is an outdated sci-fi book all right, but a great one. It was made in 1950 and despite the gloomy outlook of his time, Heinlein dared to imagine a future where humanity was pioneering again, but this time on the outer reaches of our solar system.
It's a great listen through and through.

Classic Juvenile Heinlein at maybe its best

This hits all the highlights except possibly dialogue and truly innovative thinking although maybe it inspires it. A classic and solid piece of the curious phase of Heinlein legacy.

good classic sy fy

i got this cause i thought it might do with farming but not really but very interesting to see how tera forming could work . not sure if there is another book to this classic but ended like there could be

Good story, and great performance!

If you could sum up Farmer in the Sky in three words, what would they be?

It's a typical Heinlein Juvenille work.

What other book might you compare Farmer in the Sky to and why?

Space Cadet also by Heinlein

What does Nick Podehl bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nick is a master of accents and voices. At one point, I was asking myself---is that the same guy?

The worst of Heinlein's "juveniles" is still A+

Would you consider the audio edition of Farmer in the Sky to be better than the print version?

Well no, I would not; it is equal to the print version but has the bonus of a great voice reading it to you.

What did you like best about this story?

The protagonist's adherence to TANSTAAFL and working himself to his limits to make something for and of himself.

What does Nick Podehl bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice makes you want to listen to every word and not skip the "boring" parts....which are rare in this book anyhow.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, but decidedly kept me entertained going across the Atlantic by air (ATL-CDG & return) for when I was not asleep.

Any additional comments?

This is, imho, the worst of RAH's "juveniles", but is still a fantastic read that should not be missed as it is better than 90% of the other sci-fi out there today. Also, this is probably the only format you will be able to "read" this book in for awhile unless you stumble across a copy in a used bookstore or want to pay a wad of cash on-line for a print edition.

I just love Heinlein

I have a lifelong love of his books. Own every one in paperback! This one is close to my heart because Boy Scouts plays a big role . Great adventure in space.

Growing up on Ganymede

Where does Farmer in the Sky rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I am a great fan of Heinlein Juveniles so I rate this audio copy highly

What was one of the most memorable moments of Farmer in the Sky?

Probably the 'moon quake' and its aftermath.

Which character – as performed by Nick Podehl – was your favorite?

Bill, the lead. A typically competent (with guidance from convenient father figures, as usual, in H's juveniles) Heinlein YA character.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, though I didn't have the time to do so. It is a book I will listen to again and again, as well.

Any additional comments?

I love the Heinlein juveniles (except for Podkayne of Mars) and while this books has structural 'problems' with the final sequence kind of seemingly tacked on (but interesting in itself). I had forgotten how good this particular Heinlein Juvenile was -- it's not at the very top of my list of the best of these books -- until I listened to it this time.

Great stuff!