Variable Star by Robert A. Heinlein, Spider Robinson (2007, Paperback, Reprint)

This book is based on extensive Heinlein personal notes c.1955. A book RAH never got around to writing. The Heinlein Foundation approved both the project and author. S.Robinson does a great job of writing in Heinlein's style while updating the scientific facts and social mores to our 21st century ideas and postulating cogently on future developments. The story is set in Heinlein's LaCroix time-line a few centuries after the overthrow of "The Prophet", Niamiah Scudder. Coventry is still used, but society has evolved past the religious dictatorship of Scudder. While there is some language Heinlein himself never used, I found the phrases an acceptable type of 21st century update. However, they did stand out. There is even a typical Heinlein type "editorial" on the Iraq war. Heinlein fans will certainly appreciate this "blast from the past" and enjoy the book immensely. I found it hard to put down! I was so impressed with this author, I plan to read his own sci-fi works. One can only hope that more Heinlein notes can be found and another book like this be composed...by the same author! I'd actually like to read a sequel. Be sure to read the afterword for some nifty information and chuckles!