Book Review: Space Cadet by Robert A Heinlein

Title: Space Cadet
Author: Robert A. Heinlein
Pages: 223
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates (New York, 1948)

Review:

Robert Heinlein's third published book and second work of juvenile science fiction is Space Cadet. Set roughly one hundred and thirty years in the future from 1948, this book is a classic among science fiction. Space travel is not only common place but planetary colonization has taken place on many worlds in the solar system. it is against this backdrop, the Heinlein spins a simple tale of a young man Matt Dodson who joins the Space Patrol, the organization charged with keeping the peace in the solar system.

The central plot centers around Dodson and his friends as they navigate space patrol training, their first assignments and ultimately their first real adventure. Their travels take them from earth orbit, to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and to Venus. Along the way, the Grandmaster of science fiction teaches valuable lessons about space travel, living in space aboard ship, dealing with extraterrestrials and above all else paints the picture of an ideal space going peacekeeping body -- The Patrol.

As a work of juvenile fiction, Heinlein's desire to inspire and young generation into space is highly evident. In this he urges them to dream big and reach for the stars. You can bet his calculations about space travel as far as astrogation are concerned are probably dead on even though he does not bore his audience with them. Technologically, many things he speaks of; cell phones, computers, etc. are not real in his day have become science fact in ours. Socially, you see the development of his first 'military' ideas in many senses as the Patrol is a group of volunteer professionals who strive as men to be the best men they can be. Politically, he shows both and understanding of politics and how long term peace would lead to apathy.

Stylistically, the language is simple and real. Heinlein's characters are not larger than life. They have flaws and conflicts just like today, but they achieve great things because they are men that have embraced being the best they can be as men. The plot is not completely predictable because Heinlein see space as unpredictable, but men as supremely flexible and adaptable.

Rating: 4 stars. This is one of my favorites of Heinlein's juvenile fiction. I have read it many times and it never ceases to entertain. It is probably in the best three of Heinlein's juvenile fiction