The Puppet Masters

Heinlein is always an interesting read with some wacky ideas mixed in. Most of his books seem to revolve around finding some way to turn societal norms upside down, in this case by necessity. His main character's love interest is a typical Heinlein woman, at once impressively capable and submissive, complying with anything her man wants after some brief resistance. I took a long break in the middle of this book before coming back to finish it, so it wasn't as attention grabbing as other Heinlein books I've read.

Hard to rate this. The science is good, once past the premise, and a darn sight better than the other alien invasion and body snatcher plots of the seventies. The female main character, though, brings the rating down. I cringe while reading lines like "Oh, I am being weak and womanish." Yes, attitudes were different 60 years ago, but I've read plenty of pulp where the female characters were either differently shaped men or completely ignored - either is preferable to the Heinlein approach.

Note to self - time to re-read Friday. Written 33 years later, and I think I remember a much better female lead.