Hey there, fellow listeners! Have I got a treat for you today! We're diving into the realm of science fiction with a hidden gem from the Grand Master himself, Robert A. Heinlein. Now, this ain't just any novel, my friends. We're taking it all the way back to 1939, to witness the birth of Heinlein's genius and the birth of a genre that has since become synonymous with his name. Trust me, you don't wanna miss this!
Our adventure kicks off on a fateful day, July 12, 1939. Picture it: Perry Nelson, just cruisin' along the palisades, when suddenly, outta nowhere, BAM! Another vehicle swerves into his lane, causing a tire to blow out. You know what that means – chaos ensues! Perry's car goes flying off the road and tumbles over a bluff. Ouch!
Now, get this, folks. Right before Perry's noggin collides with the boulders below, he catches a glimpse of a mysterious girl in a green bathing suit, frolicking along the shore. But wait, hold up! When Perry finally wakes up from his little tumble, that girl in green has transformed into a woman all decked out in furs. And if that ain't strange enough, the sunny shoreline Perry remembers has been replaced by a wintry wonderland of snowcapped mountains.
This woman, Diana, turns out to be Perry's savior, rescuing him from the bitter cold and bringing him to her humble abode to recover. As they spend time together, they start unraveling the mystery behind Perry's sudden time warp. Can you believe it? The date is now January 7, 2086! Cue the shock!
But Perry, being the curious cat that he is, decides to make the most of this incredible opportunity. He sets out on a quest to explore the evolution of the world over the past 150 years, soaking up knowledge like a sponge. And let me tell you, what he discovers is mind-blowing! A United Europe, a revamped military draft, public ownership of banks – the list goes on! Oh, and let's not forget the cherry on top: In 2003, two freakin' helicopters went and destroyed Manhattan in a crazy act of war. Can you even fathom that?
Now, here's where things get really interesting. Perry starts to realize that his old-school wisdom and insights from the past might just be the key to unlocking a brighter future. Sure, he's a fish outta water in this strange new world, with its wacky economic and legal systems, not to mention the whole dynamic between men and women being completely foreign to him. But our man Perry doesn't let that stop him. Nope, he's got a mission, and by golly, he's gonna lead his newfound peers towards a future they couldn't even dream of!
Look, folks, if you're into wild adventures, mind-bending time travel, and a whole heap of Heinlein's signature brilliance, then "For Us, the Living" is the audiobook for you. This is the one that kicked off the journey of a literary legend, and boy, does it pack a punch. Strap yourselves in, my friends, because this is just the beginning of an extraordinary ride through Robert A. Heinlein's legacy. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
And hey, before I go, let me give you a little heads up. Our trusty narrator for this audiobook is none other than Malcolm Hillgartner. Now, I gotta be real with ya, folks. The reviews on this one are a bit mixed. Some loved Malcolm's storytelling style, while others weren't quite feelin' it. So, I'll leave you with a solid 2.9 outta 5 for the audiobook rating. Hey, you know what they say, to each their own!
Alrighty then, folks! It's time for us to embark on this wild journey together. So grab those headphones, sit back, and let the astonishing saga of "For Us, the Living" transport you to a future that'll blow your mind. Trust me, you won't regret it. Happy listening!
