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Stranger in a Strange Land

By: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Christopher Hurt
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Publisher's summary

Stranger in a Strange Land is the epic saga of an earthling, Valentine Michael Smith, born and educated on Mars, who arrives on our planet with “psi” powers—telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, telekinesis, teleportation, pyrolysis, and the ability to take control of the minds of others—and complete innocence regarding the mores of man.

After his tutelage under a surrogate father figure, Valentine begins his transformation into a kind of messiah. His exceptional abilities lead him to become many things to many people: freak, scam artist, media commodity, searcher, free love pioneer, neon evangelist, and martyr.

Heinlein won his second Hugo Award for this novel, sometimes called his “divine comedy” and often called his masterpiece. This Blackstone audiobook is the “as published” version, read from an Ace paperback published in 1987. The full, uncut text was not made available until 1991.

©1961 by Robert A. Heinlein (P)1996 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

  • Hugo Award, 1962

Featured Article: The Most Stellar Sci-Fi Authors of All Time


Science fiction is a genre as diverse as you can imagine. There are stories that take place in deep space, often depicting teams exploring or running away from something; stories that focus on life at the most cellular level, such as a pandemic tale; and stories that take place in times that feel similar to our own. Depicting themes of existentialism, philosophy, hubris, and personal and historical trauma, sci-fi has a cadre of topics and moods.

What listeners say about Stranger in a Strange Land

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Seekers inquire within

A marvelous allegory that reflected many of my spiritual struggles, and maybe some of yours, too. Humorous, dramatic, and well-paced, this story is perfect for anyone willing to take another look at their own cherished assumptions.

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Timeless classic look at our culture

Read it again after many years (with new insights). Still a relevant comment on modern culture, ethics, and religion as seen through the eyes of a visitor from Mars.

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    5 out of 5 stars

A classic.

I have been rereading this book for fifty years and though this was cutting edge when first published it still stands the test of time. Hearing it read out loud for the first time adds an extra dimension.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Pretentious classic. A must read, sadly.

Stranger in a Strange Land is thought-provoking, but annoying because it constantly reminds you that it's being thought-provoking.

Read it. Love it. Hate it. On the cusp of being an oldie but goldie, or just being an oldie, I lean towards the latter.

That being said, you don't really have a choice. Anyone surveying the genre of sci-fi has to just suck it up and read this pretentious classic. Everyone else in the genre knows it, talks about it, uses it as a point of reference. Just do it. Read it. And then complain about it.

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Jubal

I think Jubal was the most fascinating character. He had so much charisma that it felt like it would take a whole book on just him to understand him. Overall the book was good, but it did get a bit dry and repetitive once you got 75 percent done with the book. The narration was excellent

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I can't get over the sexual aspects of the book

Would have been a great Heinlein book if he had only stuck to the characters and relegated sex to innuendo like he did in his juveniles. Instead it's a huge damn topic in this book and makes me uncomfortable when listening to it. If you don't mind that of course this is a fantastic classic listen. #Politics #NaiveHero #PluckySidekick #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

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A classic gets a great make over

Almost perfect narration drives this science fiction classic that both entertains and provokes in equal measure.

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It was ok

I honestly found this book kinda boring. the reader is good, but not great. But, I like more action in my books.

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Classic

written by a genius.
a narrative on the human condition and human potential
and the potential of each person who is willing to learn the vocabulary

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A Must Read

What about Christopher Hurt’s performance did you like?

He brought life to the man from Mars. His tone was very fitting and really highlighted the humor in the text.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I made me laugh in several parts. It was surprisingly funny despite the drama and serious subjects that were challenged and mocked.

Any additional comments?

Religious people could be offended. They may not grok this book. I think it is a fine parable of how we all add our own flavors and colors to what really is. A must read- even if it may offend.

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