After a few “take it or leave it” encounters with Heinlein, I decided to give him another chance. This book was pointed to as written for teens and a good introduction to the universe. I’m glad I gave him another chance– the book was a very quick read and fun. Near the end, as the protagonist ages a bit beyond the intended readers it gets a little vague… but it’s hard to make business as exciting as exploring the universe.
Thorby’s primary interactions are great; we come to see his owner, Baslim, as a real father figure and intriguing mystery. The book really changes in the middle, kicking Thorby out of his pattern and thrusting him into a series of strange situations that he takes well– but struggles with appropriately.
The ending is the weakest part of the book; instead of a crisp or decisive point, Thorby is drawn into the tedium and unmapped horizons of professional adulthood. A good ending for this hero’s experience.