Have Space Suit, Will Travel

Ages 8 and 10, my kids and I are very attached (as well as critical) of audiobooks since we commute almost 2 hours a day. This book had the right mix of length, suspense and mystery, sci-fi plot complication, and good manners to please each of us. Really a fun one for comparing what the "future" seemed like it would be in 1958, and where we are now. Although the kids didn't really notice some of this detail (like sliderules and moon-scapes), I found it hilarious.

This full-cast audio recording is just a bit short of audio-dramatization. The voice selections and reading made the story easier to follow and more enjoyable. The voices, intonation and accents added much to the atmosphere of this early science-fiction story. Heinlein's early work had a wide-eyed innocence to it that is refreshing. In addition, the technical asides on the details of space travel, spacesuit design, and other topics are almost never seen in modern science fiction. I did laugh a bit at the references to slide-rule calculations, though.

This is one of Heinlein's books for young adults and it reads like a Hardy Boy's Novel. It's absolutely delightful for youth and adults of any age. It invokes nostalgic images of classic 50's concept rocketry and moon bases. Simple, easy to follow storyline with clearly defined good guys and bad guys. The audio's "full cast" is absolutely a treat. Each character has it's own actor behind it with very clear, unique voices. I did however find the flutely, musical voice of "the mother thing" to be a bit trying at times, but it's not a big concern.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice, clean, fun adventure.

Oh, did I mention that I love this performance?
The narrator is very fitting and doesn't become boring or dull, and the supporting cast adds just the right flavor to the story.
Without giving too much away, I was most pleased when Pee Wee appeared on the scene. Her character is cast PERFECTLY! Pee Wee springs to life as you listen to her, and her successful casting helps make the story heartwarming and engrossing. I want to say more, but I'll let you be surprised.
I've spent many fun hours doing things around the house while enjoying this book, and while I usually never read (or listen to) books twice, I actually look forward to enjoying this one again.

The addition of sound effects, music, different voices, et al, to the story was like adding a second, third and fourth dimension to the reading. I knew I would enjoy HSSWT regardless because I am such a fan of SF in general and Heinlein in particular, but when I got it home, dropped it into the boom box, the magic began. The story is enchanting, the production imaginative and captivating. If you like your meat and potatoes well boiled, then this book will seem too lively for you; otherwise belly up to the banquet table and be prepared for a feast!

My sons who are 12 and 15 really liked this one. Made for nice car rides!

This is what Heinlein considered one of his "juveniles", that is a book written for adolescent boys ages 9-14.

As a book this is still one of my favorites. Fun story, neat plot twists, and standard Heinlein characters. I have reread it dozens of times, even as a middles aged adult.

But I don't like this recording. The book was not written as a "play", but this production treats it like one. Several voices, lots of "sound effects", and some musical interludes are included. For me, the results were terrible. I would have preferred to hear what someone from Blackstone Audio could have done with this book.

But do listen to the other offerings from this interesting author that Audible has to offer.

This is one of Heinlein's classic young adult novels, but fun for all ages. It has a nice mix of humor, adventure and hard sci-fi. The recording does a great job of bringing the story to life.

I loved this book. It's a great story, and though for "young adults" it speaks to both adults and younger people. It's a lovely story, with great narration. Hard to believe it was written when it was. Heinlein shows a great understanding for the universe as always.

This book was great it had the sounds of an great radio production. All the characters had their own voices and they made each one sound "right". This allowed your imagination built the pictures and events.

Heinlien was a great writer and this was a favorite book of mine to read. You won't go wrong spending your money on this one book. I am even going to buy a "slip stick" and learn how to use it, just because of this book.