In this episode of Analog Sci-Fi Book Reviews, I discuss with you my reading of Robert A. Heinlein's Tunnel In The Sky. In this 214 page novel, we follow Rob Walker, a 'competent man' in all of Heinlein's juvenile era glory.  

In this story, Rob yearns to become frontiersmen on the front lines of humanity's expansion onto uncolonized planets. Rob decides to embark on an adventure by enrolling in Advanced Survival. A course where brave young people elect to enter through a Stargate, or in this world a "Ramsbotham jump" that travels Rob onto an undisclosed and in-hospital jungle planet.  

This test for learned survival skills goes wrong when Rob and his feel jumpers are left behind for ages. This is a story in reverse of Lord Of The Flies, where the goal of the narrative is to show how the individual and the group as a whole can overcome obstacles while also showcasing Heinlein's blatant basis of masculinity, individualism, and leadership.  

Score: Thumbs Down.  Not a fun read, not a guilty read, but a short read. A slow read that's pure Heinlein. Clearly written for young boys. The Stargates and Advanced Survival are awesome! Where it doesn't... is less awesome. 

Where To Find 

Thriftbooks: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/tunnel-... 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tunnel-Sky-Rob...

To Watch This Episode On Youtube.com:

https://youtu.be/fcOYvBPfrb0