Which Order to read?

[Nicole]

I have a bunch of Heinlein novels and I'm excited to delve in, but I haven't a clue as to what order they should be read.
Any suggestions would be great!
- Nicole

[Jonathan]

I haven't read his whole library yet but can make some suggestions. First are individual stories which can be read in any order:

1. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
2. The Puppet Masters
3. Starship Troopers
4. Friday
5. I Will Fear No Evil
6. Stranger in a Strange Land (recommend the original uncut edition)

Next, the Lazarus Long series. I haven't read them all yet, but this is the order in which they were published.

1. Time Enough for Love
2. The Number of the Beast
3. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls
4. To Sail Beyond the Sunset

[Clyde]

Nicole wrote: "I have a bunch of Heinlein novels and I'm excited to delve in, but I haven't a clue as to what order they should be read.
Any suggestions would be great!
- Nicole"

I would suggest starting with one of Heinlein's Juveniles. I particularly like the following books:
- Citizen of the Galaxy
- Have Space Suit—Will Travel
- Starman Jones
- Between Planets
(Note that Juvenile doesn't mean childish, just no explicit sex.)

Then perhaps you could read some of his most famous and controversial books:
- The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
- Starship Troopers
- Stranger in a Strange Land

That would give you a good start.

As for Lazarus Long, start with Methuselah's Children. That is where you get the first good introduction to him. Lazarus is a central character in many of Heinlein's later books.

Happy reading.