The Puppet Masters
A novel by Robert A. Heinlein

I must apologize up front if at any time during this review, I revert to sounding as if I'm brainwashed, for the slug attached to my back is rather controlling (it's not its fault... that's just its nature), and it likes to take control and make me write what it wants to write (as controlling slugs have a tendency to do.) However, I should be fine at the moment, for my slug is busy watching Dawson's Creek (it has a thing for Katie Holmes), thus giving me control over myself (understandably, all of its concentration is directed toward the TV).

On to the book, while I still can. Heinlein's The Puppet Masters is a classic science-fiction novel (how do I know it's a classic? Why, because they made a movie of it, of course... are there any other criteria? Granted that the movie, like many based on books, isn't the best adaptation, but that's a review for another time) about the Earth being invaded by parasitic, mind-controlling slugs.

... the masters are good.... welcome the masters...

Sorry about that.... there was a commercial. Anyway, the story revolves around an agent in a secret intelligence agency, Sam, who is thrown into the middle of the above mentioned invasion. Sam, his boss, and Mary, another agent, must fight the invasion while trying to convince the general population (along with Congress and other people in power -- though, as one might expect, convincing Congress of anything isn't the easiest thing to accomplish) that the invasion exists at all (of course, I'm sure that many people wish that Congress would be controlled by an army of slugs, for then they might be more productive than they are now... but that's besides the point).

... send money to the 11th Hour.... sends lots of money...

(Hmmmm... another commercial... oh well... though the slug has a point with that last comment... you should all pay attention to that one.) The Puppet Masters holds up surprisingly well today, considering it was written 50 years ago. The "science fiction" aspects of the book are still quite science fiction-y (assuming that's a word...and if it's not, well, I've sent a letter to the fine people at Webster's, so that oversight will hopefully soon be fixed), though there are still a few times when the age of the book has to be taken into consideration (I hope you all have practiced your "nod and smile" routines.)

... Order some donuts... you have a craving for donuts...

(sigh... My slug likes to have donuts and gather around the water cooler to discuss the latest episode... lucky for me that I don't have a water cooler.) The book is well-written, fast-paced, and offers some good twists and turns to keep the reader interested throughout. There are a few problems with the book (which shall be addressed below), but overall, if you like Classic Sci-Fi, read this book, and if you don't, then read this book anyway -- perhaps it will change your mind. Besides, you should read this book, if only to understand the basis for the Brain Slugs found on Futurama... and what better reason could there be?

RE-READ FACTOR: The book is rather short (around 200 pages), and is an easy read, so if you liked it the first time, it's great for a quick re-read. And if you didn't like it the first time, you should re-read it, and keep re-reading it until you do... (I'm sure there is logic in there somewhere).

SEQUEL FACTOR: The door is open for a sequel, but one isn't necessary, and considering the fact that the author died 12 years ago, a sequel isn't likely to happen. If someone took on the task of writing one, however, I would read it (though, with skepticism).

STRONG CHICK FACTOR: This is where the book has it's biggest problem. Mary is really the only female character in the book (with the exception of a rather feisty nurse.) It's hard to characterize Mary: half of the time, she is a strong, capable female agent, one you wouldn't want to cross... but the other half of the time she is rather submissive and meek, just the opposite of a strong chick. Weird.

-- K. Burtt

The Puppet Masters, published by Del Rey -- among others -- is currently available in paperback.

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