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Summary: Let's be realistic here. . . .
Review: This is not one of the classics of English or Americanliterature. This is not a book for the ages. It isn't even the bestbook Heinlein even wrote, fergoshsakes! However. . . . it isn't absolute dreck. It isn't fascistic. It won't cause you to beat your children. Robert A. Heinlein graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy during the years between the World Wars, and served for a number of years as a naval officer. He probably would have had a fairly distinguished career, and retired at least a Rear Admiral, except for the unfortunate fact that he contracted tuberculosis, and was forced to accept a medical retirement from the Navy. The Navy's loss was science fiction's gain. I mention RAH's military career deliberately; indeed, I think it's impossible to understand _Starship Troopers_ without knowing that Heinlein was a professional military man long before he became a writer. Read the book reflecting on this background. _Starship Troopers_ is the extended meditation of a professional military officer on the meaning of citizenship, and of what obligations should be required of citizens in return for the benefits of citizenship. Once one realizes this, this novel can be appreciated properly, in all its depth and richness.
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Summary: On of the first!
Review: I had Starship Troopers on reserve prior to publication andread it the day it arrived in the mail directly from thepublisher. Guess that shows how much I enjoyed Heinlien's books, having read all publihed titles up to that point, from about the age of twelve, starting with Red Planet. The fact that over 35 years later I'm still interested enough in the book to be typing this shows that I believ Heinlein is the best of all Sci-fi writers and that Starship Troopers is one of his best.
Rating:
Summary: Good but not great
Review: Having just read Starship Troopers, I feel that this book waswritten well, and the characterization was structured well; howeverthe book was more like a political theory text book diguised as a science fiction novel. I see some of Bob's points concerning citizen responsiblity and harsher punishment towards criminals, but when I read a science fiction book, I like to read more action and a fast-paced adventure. Overall, the book wasn't totally dull like 2061 and The Hidden War, but I have definitely read better. In letter grade form, this book gets a C+.
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Summary: ST is as relevant today as the first time I read it.
Review: My father read this book in 1960 as a brand new Airborneinfantry 2nd Lt. He introduced the book to me as a 12 yr old, and Ihave owned a copy of it ever since. During the interim, I have carried a copy of ST through army basic training, ROTC, airborne, air assault, and training as an officer. I have it with me now (very dog eared and 100mph taped) as a Major of Armor in B-H. Why? Simply put, this book has served me well,(with a choice few other texts), and has formed the basis for many discussions of values, philosophy, and citizenship among the soldiers with whom I serve. There is no perfect book, but ST causes one to think, reason, and even argue. Plus, anyone who has ever been a soldier can relate to the situations and characters Heinlein presents. I guess the best recommendation I can make for this novel is that wherever I am, I can pull it out, open it to any page, begin reading, and still feel drawn into the world he has created.
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Summary: Starship Troopers
Review: This book is excellent and is very easily in the top three ofmy favrotie Sci-Fi book's. Heinlein did a marvelous job the charicterdescriptions. It start's off good, and get's better by the chapter, page, and more. I love the charicter's and they are they are described very good. The action is the best I have seen in a long time, and the alien's were the best. I recommend this book to any one who A. Is a sci-fi fan B. Love's cool alien C. Love's space battles D. Just wants a good book to read.
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Summary: Reviews are literary Rorschach tests...
Review: While ignoring the comments like, "Nazi," "Fascist," "socialcommentary," and "not enough explosions and virtual reality," some ofthe reviews for Starship Troopers are insightful and interesting. However, even with all the commentaries, there are STILL factual mistakes and misconceptions:
Suffrage is granted only to those who complete civil service.
...Not military service, not medical experiments. The idea was that only those who could prove the ability to work towards a common goal should be allowed to vote for the common good. It's a simple concept. Since military service required risk of life and limb, parity was acheived by making all forms of civil service equally trying.
This book was written in 1959, folks. Consider that the hero comes from a rich non-white family; at the time, even THAT was daring. Juan Rico starts as a snotty know-nothing kid and learns all sorts of unpleasant facts as the book progresses. And the technology goodies in the book aren't outdated yet: female pilots have faster reaction times, drop-chutes fail sometimes, and "this is a thirty second bomb..."
Finally, this is one of Heinlein's "adolescent" books. It was supposed to be a fun, slam-bang, action book. Within that context, there's lots of hidden meat -mostly pointing out that war hurts and that most people don't take responsibility for their own actions, let alone for a group.
It's a fun read for anyone over ten years old. Anything beyond that is icing. For such a simple book, it sure does generate a lot of heat.
Wish I'd had a Comparative Morals class in high school. I wish you did, too.
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Summary: Read it and make your own decision
Review: I found this book to be one of the most interesting I have everread. I am amazed at the review your store has given. Specifically,child beating. Your reviewer could have read the book instead of write about it. RAH pointed out the stupidity of suddenly treating a child as an adult once it turns the age of majority.
The majority of the book takes place in boot camp, where Rico must deal with a number of crises, both physical and mental, in order to make it through alive. It climaxes in a military tribunal (NJP) where he is flogged for risking the lives of his mates. Once "combat" is faced, Rico realizes it is not fun, adventurous, or glorious. It is a duty, and an honor to be able to protect his planet. I think maybe a little more emphasis should have been made by RAH that war, up close and personal, is horrid.
The philosophy of the book is a major factor. I must say, as a vet, I tend to agree with a system in which those who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the system are the ones who vote.
Regardless of a person's political persuasion, if you have an open mind, READ THIS BOOK!
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Summary: Hook, line & Stinker!
Review: Starship Troopers & War of the Worlds were the hooks thatgot me into reading. ST dazzles with its' tale of technology &self-reliance. It's Heinleins' emphasis on personal responsibility and self-determination that so angers the liberals who cry FASCISM! while at the same time pushing ever-more federal Mommy & Daddy laws on the rest of us. Read Troopers. Take an amazing journey, cross swords with the Bug, and even learn some things about your own beliefs! :)
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Summary: Good, but unrealistic
Review: Good,readable book,but it is too unrealistic - it is too old.Itis vision of impossible future.At present we have better computersthen in the book. No use of virtual reality, aiming computers annd so on...
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Summary: Common misreadings of this book
Review: Many reviewers make mistakes about the society portrayed inthis novel. First is that citizenship can only be earned throughmilitary service. Not true. A number of alternatives are mentioned e.g. becoming a subject of medical experiments. Second is that this service is compulsory. Fact: all service is stricly volunteer. Once in the service one can quit at any time with the exception of actual combat i.e even people in military service can quit between battles. The penalty for quitting is only the loss of what is given for successful completion; the vote and the privilege of holding elected office. People who want to call this book fascist and militaristic will continue to do so; but keep the facts straight.
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