Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Coming of Age for the Ages, December 17, 2000
As someone who has always been, and always will be, a child at heart, I find that reading this book is like going home and then coming back again. I re-read it at least once every two years, and no, you can't have my falling-apart copy. You can't even borrow it. I'd sooner loan you one of my arms or legs.In the beginning, the story may remind you of Heinlein's novella, Universe. But where in that work the punchline is the science, in this one it's the humanity. A young girl works up to, and then works through, her rite of passage to adulthood, and in the process gains much and loses even more, as always happens when we grow up. Be warned: it's not a "kids' book" though. This is for adults who remember, or who want to remember, what it was like to make the transition-- all the joys and all the sorrows. It's also great for young teens who are going through the process right now. Reviewers who think the politics and the moral issues are oversimplified have missed the point. When you're that age, politics and morals ARE that simple. Would they could always be. One of my 'top six best science fiction works of all time' picks.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful light sci-fi story, excellent for kids, March 24, 2002
I read a lot of science fiction as a teenager and young adult...the best way to describe this book is 'charming'. It is definitely science fiction, but the focus on the lead female adolescent character and how she changes as she explores her environment, makes the book very accessible for younger readers.While the book provides typical thought-provoking content in the plot and situations, the real beauty is watching the lead character change mentally and emotionally from a teenager to a young adult. This is my favorite coming-of-age story...I can't believe it is out of print. Get a paper copy if you can (I've seen it in some used book stores)
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting, but unsatisfying, July 3, 2000
Clearly I disagree with the majority of reviewers that have posted their views on this book. There are a number of good things about it, and a number of bad.First the good things. It is easy to read and entertaining. There are some interesting ideas (some interesting ethical questions that are bandied about by the characters). The adventure part of the story is fun. And the main character is well written and you sympathise with her. Now the bad points. While the adventure is fun, it's too cartoony. This book would make a good movie, but doesn't work if you think about it. More importantly, Panshin seems to shy away from the real ethical questions, trying to portray everything in black and white terms. Without giving away the last half of the book, it's difficult to clarify. Simply put, the debates are too short and the people too polarised into one camp or another. It rings hollow. And the points they debate are not the most important ones, in my opinion. At any rate, it's a little disappointing because of the well-written main character and the interesting setup. If the book had been twice as long, it might have been able to work out its ethical dilemmas. As it is, everything is rammed through without deep thought. A pity.
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