All You Zombies

I’d characterize the title story of this book as having Animal Farm energy—a huge idea in a short story—and a prime example of why Heinlein’s era is called the “Golden Age” of science fiction. I listened to multiple sections of this story twice after realizing my bearings had been off, slowed the audio to normal speed (I typically listen at 1.25x), and even looked up diagrams online outlining the order of plot events, which exist because this story pushes time travel to its limits.

Completing the story wasn’t the end, either. I wanted to read the analysis, discussions, and the… show more.

I was off sick last autumn and binging on sci-fi films, one of which was ‘Predestination’.

A few minutes in, I realised this had to be either Philip K. Dick or Robert A. Heinlein, and as soon as it was over, I ordered a copy of the book. Of course the book was way better! I probably read it three times over (it’s a short story), trying to map the Unmarried Mother’s life in my head.

This is such a clever plot, and considering it was written 65 years ago (okay, so it’s a bit sexist), I think it’s absolutely… show more.

If there's one book that sums up the mind-bending and downright contradictory notions of travelling through time then this is it. Heinlein – the king of science fiction – wickedly and expertly messes with everything you consider to be possible. What's more, he only needs a short story to do it. It's utter genius at work. You'll still be thinking about it long after finishing the last page.