David Gerrold Message Board
Alobar posts on 8/17/2010 10:29:24 AM
Starship Troopers is the Heinlein book that is the most similar to the Chtorr books, but I would agree with the other entries about dipping your hand into some of his lighter reads first to get the "flavor" of Heinlein. Also remember to allow for the age of his works--classics, and should be read as such.
Oh, and as to which came first: Starship Troopers was written in 1959, just point of fact.
Terry posts on 8/16/2010 5:32:49 PM
IMHO, Heinlein's very best two books are Time Enough For Love and it's sequel To Sail Beyond the Sunset. They both feature his greatest character Lazarus Long.
Jim posts on 8/16/2010 2:13:11 PM
I agree with Brian on this one. Besides, the first 2 Chtoor books were written before Starship Troopers. I find it hard to see where DG pays homage to Heinlein in any of his works.
Brian S. Pauls posts on 8/16/2010 10:54:24 AM
It will be difficult for you to find many who will agree that Gerrold is a better writer than Heinlein--including Gerrold himself!
That being said, "Starship Troopers" is not the best book to start with, if you have never read Heinlein before. I would choose anything from his juveniles (which are just as interesting to read as an adult,) followed by "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress," "Friday," "Job," and "Stranger In a Strange Land." Only then would I tackle "Starship Troopers." If, after all of that, you still don't care for his writing style, then Heinlein just isn't for you... :)
Steve posts on 7/22/2010 2:58:29 AM
Thanks for the recommendation. About halfway done with Starship Troopers. I think the classroom scene in the first book of the Chtorr series bears a lot of similarities to what Heinlein wrote. In all honesty though, I think Gerrold is a much better writer. I felt like Heinlein was using the book as a way of preaching about certain social ills, while DG seems to be more subtle and entertaining in his approach. Maybe there is bias on my part, having read DG's works first (I found myself bored by Tolkien, having read so many similar books to his prior to reading the Lord of the Rings), but everyone I have shared DG's works with has devoured them while others who have read Starship Troopers do not recall it as a memorable read. I guess to each their own.
Alobar posts on 7/14/2010 3:08:38 PM
Starship Troopers. DG homages this book heavily in the Chtorr series.
Steve posts on 7/14/2010 4:48:12 AM
Just out of curiosity, I was wondering if anyone asked about the egg on his website and received a reply. I was hoping it meant that the book was about to hatch, so to speak, but the April date he mentioned has come and gone without a word from him. Or maybe he meant April of 3010. At this point, who knows. I also was curious if there were any Heinlein fans out there? I know there are some who compare DG's works to his, so I would like to read a book he has written to see for myself. Any recommendations?
Jim Blume posts on 6/15/2010 11:59:04 AM
I check here and his website pretty often, but it hasn't changed since late fall when he apparently paid his expired website fee and posted about a friend in need. Note that it said that he was busy until April... Maybe he was thinking 2011.
Anyway, there doesn't seem to be much new information out there, just the same old aging links. We are coming up on 17 years since the last book and 27 since the 1st. I stopped holding my breath a long time ago. I can appreciate the difficulties he's had, but almost 30 years is a long time to keep a fanbase hanging.
If the remaining books are ever published, I'll certainly buy them in hardcover as they are excellant. I'm still hopeful of course, but will believe they are coming when I see his publisher say the manuscript is being printed.
Terry posts on 6/2/2010 8:05:49 PM
The hardest parts of a book to write (IMHO) are the beginning and the end. It seems to me DG is stuck writing a decent ending to AMFM, which is not surprising given the complexity of the series' plots and characters. He has my sympathy and my hope he finishes all the books so I can read them before I die.
I figure I have about 10 good years left before I succumb to dementia or the grim reaper, so move it along, DG!
Steve posts on 5/27/2010 9:07:25 AM
Maybe we need to ask nicely: Mr. Gerrold will you please finish "the book"? Has anyone tried clicking their heels 3 times? A magic wand perhaps...
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