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.

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!

Great classic story.

When I grow up I'm colonizing the Jovian moons. in my dreams... here's to Heinlein!

Go west to Ganymede, young man

Farmer in the Sky, while classed with Robert A Heinlein's 'juvenile' tales, is more of a young adult, in this case a very sensible and grown-up young adult. Earth has degraded and is not a great place to live anymore with food rationing. Billy lives with his dad; his mother having died. The two of them emigrate to Ganymede which is largely a frontier outpost which does not live up to hype they were told before leaving Earth. Billy eventually learns the profession of farming and embarks on homesteading. They make the best of it, but a 'moonquake' due to satellite alignment knocks out power and nearly does in the colony due to loss of greenhouse layer that maintains livable temperatures.

This is the most grown-up of Heinlein's juvenile set and is less an adventure, rather a series of hard choices. While it evokes an earlier frontier spirit, the conditions on Earth and the cynical attitudes evinced by the nameless, faceless entities running colonization make for an overall depressing situation regardless of Billy's eventual outcome.

The narration is well done with excellent character distinction and smooth pacing throughout.

wish it was longer/had more sci., vry motivational

wish it was longer/had more sci., vry motivational. great for road trip w/ teens in the car

A great author combined with a great voice artist

Can't beat Nick P weaving his magic with the space pioneer that is Heinlein. Don't skip this one!

Gem

I love listening to this old gem.
The narrator was great.
How come Audible now makes you write a review? I only wanted to leave stars, But the app wouldn't let me.

A classic

Classic Heinlein, well narrated. I forgot how much I enjoyed this book when I read it as a teen.