Rating: 
Summary: Questions are not harmful, only assumed answers...
Review: For everyone who has compared ST to other works of literature, I say simply this: Books across genres can not be compared. It all seems to come down to one point: ST had a purpose (as all good novels) and it fulfilled that purpose better than most 20th century writing. In that respect, Heinlein was more "responsible" than most. We can argue the message, but not the voice. Heinlein's style was simplistic (though some call it childish). He was never really interested in teaching lessons, only about forcing us to think. The thing that strikes me the most about Heinlein's work is how he constantly questions our assumptions about social interaction, government, duty, morality, and all other aspects of life. Though we often disagree with him, his work makes sure that we have come to our conclusions through rigorous thought and with open minds. What can be better in the search for the truth? Heinlein was more than just a SF writer, he was a two-way mirror, that reflected our past and gave glimpses of our future. Starship Troopers was one of his best works. The movie could be a good one, but it won't be Heinlein.
Rating:
Summary: about duty to oneself and society
Review: I first read ST when I was about 11 in 1964. I still remember reading the final chapter in the hospital. I feel that the book is one on the reasons that I joined the US marine corps out of High School. I have read it several times in the last thirty years or so. I find some people that are angry about the book don't really understand that RAH was trying to get people to THINK about their duty to society and their selves. I could go on and on, but for people who condem it, READ IT FIRST. Semper Fi
Rating:
Summary: Robert Heinlein knows what's right!
Review: The General view point I achieved from this book is that we are all individuals with talents. That God created us in his own image, together all humans share this earth. Everyone in this book is seen in one condition "humans" fighting for their rights to live in peace together. And without racism, sexual bias,etc., they fighted for each other's freedom to live in peace and harmony. I want to thank Robert Heinlein for taking the time to write this book because it had all the thrill, adventure, and best of all human love for another!
Rating: 
Summary: Boy are some people going to be disappointed
Review: Occasionally Heinlein can be full of it. His female characters are either smart gorgeous redheads who only want sex, or men with breasts. His philosophies tend to be silly, but for the most part Heinlein is a great writer whose works are entertaining and an enjoyable way to pass the time. Of course, the people who are going to be seeing the movie who have been babbling on about how great his ideas of service (military or medical) for citizenship are, are going to be seriously pissed at Verhoeven using those ideas for a Robocop-like setting in which the society is a load of fascist crap, full of overblown propaganda commercials and the need to exterminate ALL the insects as political fodder. With Heinlein this is supposed to make you think. In Verhoeven, it also makes you think, but Doogy Hawser in an SS uniform is just too much.END
Rating:
Summary: Shaking things up
Review: RAH really stirred things up, didn't he? Reading these reviews, almost thirty years after the book was published, and I see we are STILL polarized over it's meaning and impact. Lot's of folks have compared it (both favorably and unfavorably) with Joe Haldeman's wonderful "Forever War". The funny thing is, Haldeman himself really liked "Starship Troopers." He was a little bemused about why he liked it, but like it he did. RAH challenges our sensibilities about cultural "correctness". We don't, for example, like the idea of flogging criminals. But it remains a possibility that flogging might be effective, whether we wish it to be so or not. As he says. "The universe doesn't care..." To close, try reading "Forever War" and "Starship Troopers" in rapid succession. Haldeman has the advantage of being in the reply mode, but he is strictly honest, and doesn't take unfair shots. You are almost certain to be engaged by one or the other, and quite likely both.
Rating:
Summary: RAH is still the "Father of Science Fiction"
Review: I'm 44-years-young and I have been reading Robert Heinlein for at least 30 years. His books in hard back have found a home in my library. I find with this book and all of his books, He's sitting back and challenging the reader to think,
feel and get angry. And another thing you are forgetting about dear credits, He was writing during a period of time that had sensors breatheing down his back. I find his insight into the forrays of the future surprisingly good. As far as techno-babble goes. Plus then it is Science Fiction, lay back and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Political commentary vs. adventure story
Review: Starship Troopers is one of my all time favorite novels. What I don't understand is that there are so many people saying that it is a bad story, and that it does not apply to modern society. Well, Surprise Guys. Juan Rico is the Lieutenant that I wish I had. I am in the Army, so I know what poor leadership can do. I have had the good fortune to have a Platoon Sergeant or two like SGT Jelal. The only thing that gets me is that everyone seems to think that Starship Troopers espouses Facism. It dos NOT!!!! There is no place in combat for voting. When someone decides to defend our freedoms in Military Service, they, of necessity, give up some of those freedoms. It is the nature of the beast. When you are being shot at, you don't have time to take a vote. Heinlein is a master of portraying the effects of leadership on the leader, and on the group being led. It can, and will, take its toll on both. I also agree with some of the social commentary that is brought forth. I have only one disagreement with the Constitution that I have sworn to "protect and defend against all enemies." That is, along with Heinlein, that the only punishments that work are cruel and unusual. other than that, we have a miracle of a socio-political system, and, surprisingly enough, it works well. My thanks to Amazon.COM for putting Armor and Ender's Game in the same category as Starship Troopers. I have felt that way for years. C-Ya GSF
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Summary: Don't Read Starship Troopers...
Review: ...if it takes you several days to get through a comic book (excuse me, they're called "graphic novels" these days) and you move your lips the whole way through. ...if you think "Star Trek" is the best science fiction ever created. ...if you think that "the best things in life are free." ...if you see nothing wrong with climbing a fence that says "DANGER KEEP OUT" in foot-high red letters then sueing the property owner over any injuries you might sustain. ...if you think that the customs of your society/religion/ethnic group are universal laws. ...if you fall asleep if there isn't an explosion every 3 pages. ...if you see no reason for thanking vetrans for putting their bodies between you and the unpleasantries of a dangerous world. ...if you don't realize that the purpose of SF (aside from entertaining) is to explore ideas--sometimes very radical or unpalitable ideas. ...if you can't understand why a story about the military should be militaristic. ...if you have no concept of what society was like in the 1950s. Then again, if you fit one of these categories maybe you NEED to read Starship Troopers. You probably won't like it, but maybe, just maybe it will get a few of those dormant synapses firing. Who knows, Maybe you'll get so pissed off you'll be inspired to write a book of your own that's as well written and thought provoking as Heinlein's as a rebuttle. I'm sure RAH would have wanted it that way.
Rating: 
Summary: Confusing, stupid and a bit good!
Review: Starship Troopers gives an interesting view into the philosophical and moral standings of a society in the future. Although I really found the book interesting in this regard, I also found it disconcerning in the same respect. Robert Heinlein drags out and repeats many of the moral and philosophical statements he presents. This made the book boring to me in some regards. As a Sci-Fi book, I think it failed almost utterly. As a statement of military/social philosophy and how it affects a person, it did quite well. For $6.50 it is not a bad yarn.
Rating:
Summary: The cost of Freedom...
Review: Many readers have already taken Amazon.com to task here for it's simplistic and thinly-disguised, liberal knee-jerk reaction to "Starship Troopers". The writer, from his/her position well behind a company logo, snivels and snipes at the very concept that has made the United States the greatest nation in the world. The writer certainly possesses no concept sacrifice... duty, honor, country. Do us all a favor - never enter a voting booth again. Gary Alexander, USMC 1968-73
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