Hal Clement (1922–2003)

It's a shame when the aliens are more understandable than the humans.

Written in the 50's, I guess it's proof the past is more alien than we realize.

I might be overselling it, but it is dated. The only non male characters are bit parts, who are "just as smart" as the rest, but never actually participate in the plot, really... The rest of the family is very typical Heinlein-ish capable man, jack of all trades, master of the household stuff. I suspect I would have really enjoyed this as a teen several decades ago.

I wish I knew more chemistry, I suspect that's the best part of the novel.

The opening chapter has a sting in the tail I won't ruin, but I'm not sure it gets a whole lot better than that.

Interesting concept, and science, but just not enough there to make we want to pick it up again now that I finished it once.… (mehr)

An odd little novel, with a wonderful backdrop and a foreground best viewed a little out of focus.

It's Hal Clement, the science is awesome, and the big picture completely captivating. Unfortunately most of the characters just didn't make me care.

The best character is a precocious little girl, but she's pretty much window dressing.

The rest of them are so much just one thing.

It's kinda like Asimov's psycho history, it works wonderfully with societies, and fails looking at a single small group of people.
… (mehr)