Rocket Ship Galileo

Published in 1947, this classic science fiction has adventure, political intrigue and some hard science in it. Very little of it has been disproved even though it was 20 years ahead of its time. The future would be so different now if they'd opened up space then to commercial interests.

I grew up reading Heinlein, including such titles as Starman Jones, Citizen of the Galaxy, Time for the Stars and others. I really wish they would release Glory Road on audio. All of those I can still listen to again and again. I can't envision ever returning to this one. It's "let's build a spaceship" concept is so unbelievable that I almost stopped after an hour or so. And the device used to bring conflict into the story (I won't spoil it) I suspect seemed far fetched even in the late forties.

Even Heinlein had his bad days.

Hey I am the first to write a review I will make history. Ha ha. Anyways, I am so happy that someone with the talent as a reader (i.e. Spider Robinson), with the clout (again Spider Robinson), and hopefully the time and inclination to do so (once more Spider Robinson) has taken it upon himself to bring other Robert Heinlein books to the Audiobook format. I hope this is the just the start. I love listening to the Heinlein audiobooks, and Spider Robinson in my opinoin did a suitable enough job as a performer to justify more of them. Even if it is just another of the juvenile novels such as "Space Cadet" or "Tunnel in the Sky" or "Starman Jones" or "The Star Beast" or "Between Planets". Spider, please do this, you are our only hope, and people will buy these audiobooks. Gabrielle de Cure should do "Podykayne of Mars" or perhaps the guy who did "Friday" should do that one. But I vote for Spider Robinson to do the shorter ones with the lighter story lines. As for this book if you don't enjoy the light adventure story about some American heroes who inadvertently save the planet; well then what do you enjoy?

Having missed this book when I was younger, I am glad to have read it now. I recommend it to everyone, not just its intended young audience.

I love RAH, and cannot poke holes in his rich scientific mind, but you cannot fire an M1 Garand or any other rifle or pistol on the face of the moon. This is why SciFi always has laser guns. Other than that, it reminded me of the TV series "Salvage 1" from the 80's, a real pleasant read.