Rating: 
Summary: WAY better then the movie
Review: I watched Paul Veerhooven's Starship Troopers at least 4 times, I loved it. Then I read the book. The first thing that comes to mind is how complete this world is, Heinlein has created a whole political organization and reorganized the Army. A lot of the book is spent in dialogue about what makes a Citizen, the moral responsability of it. The book isn't about the war, that's just the setting for Rico and his journey from "unspanked young cub" to a soldier, officer and citizen. In the book, Rico's is the only story, it stays with him the whole time, Carmem just shows up once in a while. This allows for a lot of development for Rico, we go deeper into his mind. The ending is more fun also, because you never see it coming that Zim is "the Sargent", he guides Rico in his first mission in command, but there isn't a single hint before he says "His name was Zim". This book introduced me to Robert A. Heinlein, and now he is among my favorite authors. If you liked the movie, this will blow your mind.
Rating: 
Summary: On the front...
Review: I just recently finished reading "Starship Troopers." I had seen the film several times - once in the theater and two or three times on cable - thought it was stupid. Sure, it had plenty of action and such, but the story was basically Beverly Hills 90210 Goes To War. My brother, he had read the book prior to the film and told me about one or two things that were different. This was several years ago. I always thought about reading the book but never got around to it. I finally did about a week or so ago and I can say it was a finely told tale and very, very different from the garbage told on the silver screen. Similar to the movie, the story follows the adventures of Juan Rico, a South American teen who joins the Terran Mobile Infantry. The book takes place far into the future - I don't recall the year ever being stated. While the movie does borrow some names and plot elements from the book, the novel is much more intelligent and interesting. The soldiers operate in armored suits and the Bugs are much smarter. Women do NOT serve in the MI, but do serve as pilots in the Navy. While there are a few action scenes, the book delves heavily into the philosophy of the time. Military service is not mandatory, but required to be considered a citizen of the Federation - which awards a person the right to vote in governmental matters. Children are disciplined harshly through the use of floggings in the town square and poverty, hunger and unrest has seemingly been eliminated. The novel was written in 1959, but its description of the "failure of the democratic system" with some eerie similarities to things happening today. Mainly, the increase of juvenile violence in American society. Much of what he describes is occurring today - although not on such a grand as described in the book. But I find it unlikely we would accept the governmental system Heinlein created. Overall, I enjoyed the book. While at times the political and philosophical descriptions become long-winded, they don't slow the story down too much. Much better than the movie, I recommend this to anyone looking for a quick read.
Rating:
Summary: Best Book I've ever read!
Review: This is the best book I'v ever read of any category. It is nothing like the movie, to the extent that i wouldn't even consider them the same story. This book, which was written decades before the movie, leans away from the science fiction aspect of space alien insects to the training of a young man and his journey in which he learns about morals, politics, and philosophy including what it takes to be a part of the mobile infantry. The best part of the book being his intense lessons in class. This is a definite "must read"!
Rating:
Summary: Political novel with a cool sci-fi setting...
Review: I must admit, I saw the movie first. "Okay action movie" I thought. Then I heard about the book, how people considered it a classic and such. So I went out and gave it a read. As a sci-fi novel, it's very good but there are better (such as Ender's Game). As a political novel, it's excellent. It does seem 'lecturish' at times, but certainly lectures I could read through with ease - nay, enthusiasm. Heinlein is a genius, showing great understanding of values and morals in society. What impresses me the most is how universal his ideas are. Our society today faces many of the problems the late-20th century 'past' discussed in ST had, yet the book was written about 40 years ago! I agree with RAH on many issues, including discipline and the value of rights. All in all, Starship Troopers is great read on the nature of mankind, with an interesting Sci-fi plot. Definitly one of the books I will force my kids to read. (high praise there)
Rating:
Summary: Designed To Make You Face The World
Review: When people describes legitimate spanking as "beating children in order to make them into good citizens" then Heinlein saw our future and is warning us within this book. This book should be used as a political manifesto of what it means to be a citizen, what it means to properly raise your children, and what it means to see beyond yourself. A great book even if it was written in the late fifties. Ignore the movie, that was a piece of trash that had NO relationship to the book except its name and some of the other character's names.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I've Read Yet!
Review: Absolutely nothing like the movie, much better. I highly reccommend this book. I've read this book numerous times, and I still enjoy it every time I read it. Check it out!
Rating:
Summary: DON'T Let the Movie Fool You!
Review: For those readers who may dismiss this book as a mere novelization of the action movie, please read on. This book was written in 1959 and is NOTHING like the movie. For me, it is one of the best novels that I have ever read in any genre. Starship Troopers tells the tale of a young man who decides to join earth's marine fighting force against a variety of alien enemies. However, the book spends little time actually in action scenes describing the various conflicts. Much of the book is all about the boot-camp of the future, the rigorous training that the men go through and the psychological state of not just the recruits but also of their commanders. This is a beautiful book, rooted in the American military traditions of World War II. It exudes the concepts of honor and courage in a poetic, easy-to-read manner. It discusses military and societal theory in such a way that the reader does not get bored, and much of the political commentary is interesting and insightful. The book is sophisticated in its critiques of modern society and of its view of the military and its place in society. It truly is infinitely more than the movie made it out to be. Heinlein has written a masterpiece that can live through the ages. Definately an great and entertaining read and a must for any sci-fi fan or military history buff. Check it out, and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ for Political Theory Students!
Review: Dispense with the great sci-fi action and plot, and you still have one of the most unique perspectives on human history and government ever written. This book is an absolute must-read for any student of government. Read it, and see if you aren't compelled to agree with Heinlein's conclusions.
Rating:
Summary: everyone should read it
Review: i will not start babling about this book (though i have what to say) because i think someone else has already wrote anything i might think of saying. so, i'll just say, read it! i agree with whoever said this: "they should force kids in school to read it! ". it's a fun book to read, and it has a big message. it does have some kind of a fascist taste, but i still think it is more or less correct (if you don't exaggerate with it). anyway, just read it, then you'll know what i meen!
Rating: 
Summary: My Reintroduction to Sci-Fi
Review: I hadn't read sci-fi for a long time, and because I was one of the few who actually liked the movie, I thought I'd give the book a try (I'm usually a hard core Fantasy fan). Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! I couldn't put this book down! It reintroduced me to the amazing world of sci-fi that I had foolishly put aside. It also gave me a glimpse of a side of military life/death which I hadn't encountered before (because I thought that it wouldn't hold my interest - but I was wrong!). I'm glad I read this book - it's WAY better then the movie, which is VERY loosely based on the story. Now I'm scrambling to see what other Heinlein books are out there!
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