Rating: 
Summary: Number of the Beast
Review: Having read many of the reviews of this book, I am baffled at the number of negative ones. If you don't like it, fair enough, but many seem directed at Heinlein himself or seem disappointed that the book wasn't what they had expected.It is long and rambling and there isn't a great deal in the way of plot. However, the book is driven by the charecters and the inclusion of many old favourites was mostwelcome. Having read most of the Heinlein stories referred to, the references made sense but, although I can appreciate that they may leave novice Heinlein readers wondering, so do a number of his books. The only answer is to seek the stories out. I am a great fan of Heinlein's work and I consider this to be one of the best examples of his novel-writing. It requires some patience at times but is well worth it. I only wish he had had time to give us more.
Rating:
Summary: My second favorite RAH book...
Review: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is my favorite Heinlein book - but this one is clearly second. I admit to being a huge Lazarus Long fan - and that alone would endear me to this book. I read it when I was a teenager, and now that i'm a 30-something, I still love it. It is one of the very few books I can read repeatedly and not get bored. The reasons that so many negative reviewers have given this book negative reviews are among the reasons I love this book. The conversations, the switching of POVs, the frank sexuality, the switching of captains (that is one of the best parts!), the foray into his other story line. Excellent book!
Rating:
Summary: 666
Review: Just looking at it made me get this feeling it was going to be good. It WAS a little slow at first, but something told me to stick with it, and I am soo glad I did. It is just amazing all the concepts he introduces in this book. It ties up tons of the 'loose ends' from other related books too. I'm sure I'll be reading this again many times throughout my lifetime.
Rating:
Summary: One of the BEST books EVER!
Review: This book was so good, I've read it over 5 times! Everything good about Heinlein and his writings is all put into this book. I'm not a prude or anything close, and the sex and other adult themes in this book don't bother me the slightest. Heinleins ideas have almost become my very own, and his thoughts on adultery (OK if prudent) I support utterly. If I had a ship like Gay Deceiver, I would get in and go to THAT universe, to meet Zeb, Lazarus, Hilda, Deety, and the rest of them. The end was one of the most interesting things I've read. The book also helped tie up many of the loose ends in Heinlein's other books. It also explained how they rescued Maureen. I've read as many Heinlein books as I've been able to get my hands on, and this one stands at the TOP!
Rating:
Summary: for heinlien buffs this is the culmination
Review: having read nearly everything by heinlien that exists, i can honestly say this book is not only the best but that it manages to bring in all the best of all the previous works. the first 2/3s of the book are nearlt independant of the end- a cosmic get together heinlien fans dream of! everybody shows up- characters and historical figures and even the auther himself. :) let me also state how much i love the actual story itself- zeb and deety will always be my favorite heinlien characters. this book represents the pinaacle of so called heinlienian space opera- and i love it!
Rating: 
Summary: The Number of the Beast...or the great tie together
Review: I can't remember any author who did such a great job of tying all their work together with one book. All things become possible and like London, if you don't like the weather (or universe)just wait a moment.
Rating:
Summary: Heinlein at his most provocative-amazing!
Review: After reading the reviews already posted, I'm not sure if I should laugh or shoot people! Admittedly, 'Number of the Beast' is not a story for children. However, everyone seems to either hate it or love it-Every time I come across that phenomenon in a book, I do my best to find it and read it. So far, I have not been disappointed. As I love everything I have ever read by Heinlein, (and I've made a concerted effort to read them all)I came to this book expecting to like it-and it amazed me! I love the characters, and the switch in narration thrilled me-what better way to gain insight into the way the characters think? I hope Heinlein fans will not be turned off by the negative reviews, and give this book a try. However, this book does NOT do 'politically correct'-for that matter, neither do I!
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Summary: The Best Heinlein
Review: Warning! Number of the Beast cannot be fully appreciated until one has read much of Heinlein's prior works. It takes a rare skill to bring together many previous story lines into one comprehensive finale, but Heinlein does so with style and exceptional competence. As an added bonus, he mentions people I actually know and brings the experience home in an amazing way. Although I learned a lot from Stranger in a Strange Land, Number of the Beast has become my all-time favorite Heinlein work.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite Heinlein Book!
Review: At first, I was unsure of the book. Usually, I am immediately into Heinlein's books, but this one took a few pages to understand what was going on (which is also half of the fun). But, after that, I just kept oohing and aahing. Heinlein combines his plot with other non-Heinlein books (ie Wizard of Oz) and additionally, he incorporates other Heinlein characters from other books (ie the Long family and more..). Its just amazing. I definitely recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Don¿t let the title mislead you!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Number of the Beast'. The visitation of 'fictional' places and 'world as myth' is, to me, what reading books is all about and Mr. Heinlein ranks first in my book for his story telling abilities. I look forward to reading those of his works I haven't yet read.
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