Storyline: 3/5 
 Characters: 3/5 
 Writing Style: 3/5 
 World: 4/5 
 --Below information added approximately one year after original reading-- 
 There is no doubt that this was a better novel when it was written than it is today. There had been few attempts to so fully envision civilization in space or to experiment with artificial intelligence so realistically; there had been even fewer (if any) that had put them together so vividly. Over the next fifty years, though, many others would equally (if not better) portray space life, and artificial intelligence stories have made advances that Heinlein couldn't have begun to envision. 
 Right after the first reading, I was fairly unimpressed with the book. It was fine, I had supposed, it had fun elements - the political plot and drama, Mike, a great battle scene, and Luna generally. Somewhere, afterward, I read a review that really altered my perceptions of the story. In brief, the review said that one of Heinlein's main contributions to science fiction was to picture the working class in space. That prompt was all I needed; my impression of The Moon is a Harsh Mistress swung to favorable immediately. It is so true, the working class was largely neglected in the early science fiction stories where it was scientists or space police that had the adventures. What makes Heinlein's Luna (and this whole story) so good is that it is a very recognizable future. I can imagine a Luna that looks like this. The workers there would have to be tough, independent minded, and resilient. Further, Heinlein reminds us that society will also find new lines by which to sort the in-group from the out-group. Even if we someday move beyond racism, sexism, or monogamy, people will find a way to sneer at some other perceived or actual social group. 
 Even at the time of its publication, this didn't have the best or most engaging plot. It didn't feature luscious writing or truly deep characters. The battle scenes weren't even the most exciting to have come to 1966 readers. Heinlein gave us something better, though. He gave us a real society with its own culture, every-day problems, and prejudices. The remaining science fiction bits are more than sprinklings as well; there was some good and fun technological development and hard science to complete the picture. I don't know if it was ever an amazing book. I don't think it is by today's standards. I do, however, think that even today it is a very good science fiction work.