# Help in identifying novel
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-in-identifying-novel/403527
**Category:** Cafe Society
**Created:** [May 10, 2007, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-in-identifying-novel/403527 "2007-05-10T12:48:31Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@RedDawgEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedDawgEsq)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2007, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-in-identifying-novel/403527/1 "2007-05-10T12:48:31Z")
I am trying to recall, without success, the name of a novel I read as part of a high school English Lit assignment. The only details I can remember are that it was basically a sci-fi story and that periodically a “muster rollcall” would be taken. As names were called out, those present would speak up. A tradition had been established whereby the names of several (4?) deceased people who had been pioneers in the activity were also read and someone would say “I speak for him” or something similar to indicate that person was still present in spirit with them. TIA for any help in identifying this novel.
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### Author:  [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2007, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-in-identifying-novel/403527/2 "2007-05-10T12:58:12Z")
I’m afraid I can’t help, but you’ll probably get a better (swifter, more accurate) response in **Cafe Society**.
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### Author:  [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2007, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-in-identifying-novel/403527/3 "2007-05-10T13:01:29Z")
Robert Heinlein’s **Space Cadet**.
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### Author:  [@Reno\_Nevada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reno_Nevada)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2007, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-in-identifying-novel/403527/4 "2007-05-10T14:25:04Z")
So much for “swifter” reply in Cafe Society! It took **3 minutes** for us to answer this question. I weep for the SDMB.
BTW, Heinlein also wrote at least one short story that gives the history for at least one of the names–Johnny Dalquist. I don’t remember if he gave the background for the others.
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### Author:  [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2007, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-in-identifying-novel/403527/5 "2007-05-10T15:16:27Z")
> [@](#):
>
> So much for “swifter” reply in Cafe Society! It took 3 minutes for us to answer this question. I weep for the SDMB.
???
It was sitting for **ten** minutes in **GQ**. It got answered in **three** in **Cafe Society**. That’s “swifter” in my book.
I’d have answered it sooner if I’d seen it sooner.
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### Author:  [@RedDawgEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedDawgEsq)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2007, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-in-identifying-novel/403527/6 "2007-05-10T15:54:17Z")
I think I see Reno’s tongue planted firmly in his/her cheek. I now know where to bring this type question in the future.