Starship Troopers

Rating:
Summary: A Political Essay, Guised thinly as Science-Fiction
Review: I must admit I read the book only because I saw the film. I found the film to be very good (By my standards), however, in comparison to the book it was awful. I believe that the film and the novel should be rated on different standards. The only real similarities are the title ("Starship Troopers"), the character names (Although not genders!) and the vile alien foe, the Arachnids.

All said and done, I though the film was interesting, although totally devoid of plot.

My theory on Starship Troopers (Keeping in mind all the other reviews about it "Lacking action" Or "Having no Plot") Keep in mind that the book was indeed written in 1959, where the use of the word "Damn" was barely legal. The book didn't need action. The plot was acceptable. My theory is that SST was not a sci-fi novel at all. Perhaps R. A. Heinlein started writing it as a sci-fi novel, but discovered he had a veritable political phenomena on his hands. It was changed, and became the essay it is today. Heinlein's ideas are brilliant. (...). Heinlein suggests that by sacrificing a few freedoms (...) We can attain a level of peace, security and well-being never before attained. The novel did place emphasis on Militarism, allowing the ignorant to immediatly draw conclusions that R.A Heinlein was a Nazi, Fascist, Totalitarian. The society outlind in SST was a socialist democracy, with hints of Fascism, yes, but the vital elements of it. I believe that SST was simply a manner of getting a wonderful way of though out in the world: I have heard it be called "Civitas"; that is: Civitas, the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety and continuation of one's civil society. Is that a bad thing?

(...)There are many characters in this book that have facets that one would think unnaceptable in a "Fascist" society, as many have called it.
Johnny's name Juanito Rico, and Captain Frankel exhibits homosexual practices (True, check page 84. He asks Zim out to dance).

The world of SST, of the 'Terran Federation', is a wonderful one, one that I personnaly would love to inhabit. I have read this book more times than perhaps is healthy(!), and enjoyed it each time, discovering something new, a new debate or idea. It is the best "Science Fiction" Novel, ahem, Political Sciences essay, I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

Rating:
Summary: A timeless tale
Review: Starship Troopers is one of those really rare finds that is categorized as science fiction. This book takes you to the future, but instead of focusing on technological advances, we are shown the evolution of society. This is a voyage of one man, whose actions probably won't change the universe in any real way. We are taken through his mind, and through his life as a military man, the same life millions of others have chosen. Written decades ago, Starship Troopers still works incredibly well. As far as futuristic books are concerned, I believe this to be at the very top of the list.

P.S.- The movie is a completely different story, more of a soap opera than a work of art. Do not judge this book by the movie.

Rating:
Summary: Superb for any era
Review: What I found most enjoyable in this book was not the all-out action (which was excellent), but the thought-provoking political philosophy stitched throughout the narrative. Nostradamus -- meet Robert Heinlein, who in this 1959 novel has nailed the social scene of the United States (and many other decaying or soon-to-be decaying Western nations). The last planetary war resulted in prisoners of war being abandoned by their countries, and veterans worldwide had enough. Slowly, these vets gain hold of power, and over the course of many years (Heinlein never says how many) a sort of "military democracy" emerges. Not only that, but a whole "moral philosophy" has been developed to explain how this system functions, and functions well.

As others have stated, those on the Left may guffaw at the whole notion (I tend to agree that its origins, at least, are dubious), but I feel Heinlein nails it when he explains that his society, despite its authoritarian nature, maintains all the freedoms enjoyed by the democracies of the modern era. In particular, why would people care overly much who presides over the system? Not many. Sure, the right to vote is restricted to only those who have served in the armed forces. How come? Only they have the necessary obligation -- duty -- to the "whole" and not just the individual. Interesting, to say the least. Fascist? Hardly. Is not the franchise restricted in the democracies of today? Of course. A 40-year old moron can vote, but an 11-year old genius cannot. What kind of sense does *this* make?

I could go on and on w/the clever proposals, but you get the idea. Heinlein even makes a completely different alien species very interesting, the so-called Pseudo-Arachnids, lovingly dubbed "The Bugs." Just do yourself a favor -- avoid the wretched movie at all costs and just savor this novel.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Heinlein, without any raunchiness
Review: I typically enjoy anything that Heinlein wrote. However, the rampant sexuality in most of his books tends to detract from his otherwise fascinating studies of the various facets of humanity. This book proves that Heinlein can write a good story without any sexual inuendo. Instead, all of the author's focus is on the development of the story and his own ideas.

The story of a young man who enlists in the military to distance himself from his family has been told countless times. Heinlein, however, takes this classic story in a new direction, and asks some interesting questions along the way:
"What if the only way to vote was through military service?", "When is the use of force justifiable?", and "Is it possible for democracy in any form to co-exist with communism?", among others.

Although the political and philisophical discourses of the characters (which can go on for pages at a time) may turn off some casual readers to this book, it is a good read with lots of action and an interesting universe that will appeal to almost anyone. A word of caution though, although there is no "physical intimacy" in this book, the themes discussed are very adult and may make this book unsuitable for children.

Rating:
Summary: Great book, poor review
Review: Contrary to what the extremely biased review would have you believe, this book is not a reaction to communism, not an argument for war as a tool for moral development, and not a political manifesto. Heinlein wrote the book primarily as an exploration of the question "why do soldiers fight?", and as a reaction to the pervasive anti-military mood he observed in the US at the time. Starship Troopers also examines the nature of citizenship, and the duties and responsibilities embodied in the concept of a citizen. Troopers portrays war as necessary to species survival (not moral development). The politics of the society portrayed in Troopers are not Heinlein's politics (in other novels he has explored libertarian revolutions, centrally planned economies, world governments, theocracies, and monarchies), and not a manifesto, but are intended to be thought-provoking. Indeed, the entire novel is one that will make you think about all manner of political, moral, and social issues. A great read, and truly a classic.

Rating:
Summary: The book I read about once a year
Review: It is my personal opinion that every high school student and/or military recruit should be required to read this book. THE MOVIE WAS ONLY LOOSELY BASED ON THE BOOK, so if you hated the movie, do yourself a favor and still give the book a chance.

It is entertaining, thought-provoking, action-packed and a great story. This book is, essentially, the coming-of-age tale of an upper middle class boy who joins the miltary and becomes a man. It is also the tale of his father growing to realize what is truly important in life and what it means to be a "man". Lastly, it is a political essay on Politics, particularly the purposes of Government, Military and Citizens with a comparison of the duties, responsibilities, and priveledges of each. It is quite a lot for a small book that is easy to read and hard to put down.

This book will use an interesting science-fiction story to explain to you the "whys" of the military development process (i.e. why do drill sgts 'break-down' recruits in basic training?), why democratic countries must have a strong military and the definitions of 'citizen', 'patriot' and 'citizen soldier'. Anyone who reads this book and ever misses another election should seriously consider whether or not they deserve to live in a democratic society. This book impressed upon me the undeniable truth that a free, democratic republic is only possible as long as there are men and women who are willing to risk their lives to guard that freedom. It has also made me question what I seek in an elected representative and from the government as a whole.

Though this is a science-fiction book set in the future, it just as easily could have been set in WW2 or any other major historical war. The characters, lessons and ideas of the book are timeless and eternally relevant.

At least half the people who read this book will be angry after reading it. Good. Whether you agree with the political ideas presented in this book or not, it WILL make you THINK.

The world, and the United States in particular, is at a crossroads. Many of the issues before us, particularly the purpose of the military, are addressed in this book. Read it. Put it down. Look at the world around you (Who did the United States bomb today?) and think.

Then take what you learned from thinking about this book and go make a difference in the world. It is that kind of book.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting experiment (look up Rodger W. Young) on the net.
Review: As with any good sci-fi the story and descriptions of the latest gadget are important; however this is just the window dressing or vehicle to carry a message or concept to you with out sounding too preachy.

Basically this book is not fascist like the movie. It suggests that people should be responsible for their actions and have a stake in what they make decisions on. Never did it say that these people were smarter or better, just that when you have a vested interest your decisions tend to work or you will pay.

I was intrigued in the process that Johnny Rico was going through in the story. The movie does not phase me as it looks like cartoon hype. But the book was too close to home. I hope my memory is flawed as I remember every one of the people types that he described. Actually I think with the volunteer Army today it is closer to the book than was Vietnam where conscripts looked on it this as slightly preferable to prison. I know that this story is not about the military but it is too real to be ignored as just the story.

You could have floored me with I found out their were no naked women in the book. Dizzy Flores must have had a great Swedish doctor. This could have been a genuine attempt to update the story; however it distracted from the original purpose.

Basically after school Johnny Rico is whisked into the military by peer pressure and to finds out if he is more than just the factory owner's son. While going through boot camp he learns of different cultures and the intricacies of military life. Naturally he makes mistakes and learns from others mistakes. As he grows he learns what make the world the way it is. I will not contrast this book with the movie because I think you enjoy the story more if you find out what happens as it unfolds.

Rating:
Summary: A lesson in History and Political Science
Review: Heinlein is not just a great science fiction/fantasy writer he is simply one of the greatest modern writers. The reason that more of this works are not made into movies is probably due to the fact that part of what makes his books and stories so great is how he presents his take on life, politics and social issues through the characters he writes about and the condition of the societies they live in. That is why the movie made from this book is nothing more than a movie based on the shell of what this book is about and really has almost nothing whatsoever to do with the book itself.

While this book may seem to glorify (or perhaps even over simplify) war it really isn't a book about war at all. While a war provides the setting (and Heinlein does get a little technical) the story is really a coming of age story about a boy becoming a man in a future culture that has different standards/rules. It really doesn't matter if Heinlein is presenting this culture as having better or worse standards/rules than America, it is fiction after all, and part of the joy of reading Heinlein is the way he makes readers ponder whether or not an idea has merit or not.

Heinlein has a way of presenting arguments in his story that seem to flow effortlessly along with the action so that the reader may be getting a lesson (or a lecture) on history or politics and yet not mind at all, the work stays a work of fiction and the reader is compelled forward as in any good novel.

Some important thoughts I got from the book:

1. Women can serve many roles, some even better than men, but a society that puts women in the infantry as a front line solider is a society that has lost its moral compass. It is ironic that in the movie version there were women serving in combat units just the opposite of what happens in the book.

2. Forced "service" isn't service at all, it is slavery. Heinlein never wrote about conscription as being a good thing for a society. Men that don't want to fight for liberty, justice and to protect women and children have no honor.

3. Recruitment into the military should be difficult (at least into the combat branches). Contrast that with today's military recruiters that lie about the military to get young men and women to sign up. In the book Johnny is told how hard it will be, how terrible combat can be, he is given the chance to change his mind.

4. Once in the combat unit training part of the story Heinlein presents a very tough and strenuous boot camp. Also it is as realistic as possible (men can die in training). While I don't want to call my boot camp experience "easy" (Fort Knox 1991) I can say that the policy at the time seemed to be filled with waste and was still geared towards the "dumb conscript" mentality.

5. Voting should be more than just a generic right to everyone 18 and older. Some states currently have restrictions regarding the voting rights of felons, so the basic tenet that Heinlein presents here isn't all that shocking, he just presents a society that has a bigger expectation than "don't be a rapist or a murder".

6. Heinlein foresaw many developments in military science, but more importantly I think, he saw that the countries on this planet were going to become more dependent on each other as time goes by. As we become more "global" in nearly all aspects of life this theme of the book really rings true. While I don't foresee the earth being attacked by alien bugs any time soon, the fact that there can be global "wars" against terrorism, disease or natural and man made disasters that can have effects on many countries simultaneously is not something limited to the realm of science fiction.

I give this book a very strong recommendation. My only reservation is that to really enjoy and to fully understand any of Heinlein's books it really helps to have read a few of them already.

Rating:
Summary: Mix of Entertaining and Compelling
Review: Heinlein, in this age of passivism, provides a controversial pro-military book. Heinlein reminds us that there are great virtues to be had in the military life, that soldiers are indeed different in fundamental ways than civilians (or could be with the right training) and hints that our current fear-of-death is less noble than those who embrace the possibility of death and the virtue that can come with facing the unknown. This is a classic work of science-fiction that can be read as both an entertaining story and a thought provoking look at what we could have if we truly did aspire to become 'citizens.'

Rating:
Summary: Read the book, Don't see the movie
Review: Starship Troopers is a great science fiction novel and a wonderful book of political philosophy at the same time. Heinlein tells the story of a young recruit going through special forces training. It is gritty and suspensful without even needing to depict the actual war in the way that the movie did.

Plus Heinlein was an intelligent man who supports the military in a time when it was fashionable to protest the Vietnam War. It is truly refreshing to hear the opinions of such a free thinker.

Anyone reading this book will have a new opinion about the military and a more open mind. That is the sign of a great novel.