Rating: 
Summary: A true classic
Review: One of my uncles upon seeing my delight with the 1997 movie suggested I read the book. Upon my completion I was amazed, there was so much more they could have done to improve the STORYLINE these few things are-1. Having Jon's father be outside of BA when the bugs blasted it, it was great to see father and son working as a team.
Now that I come to think about it that is about the only MAJOR thing they could have done and that point above is my main beef with the book itself. As for the book itself it is (and I am running low on additives here) wonderful. This book is so much better then most of the other cookie cutter military Scifi out there today. This book along with dune will provide an excellent edition to any hardcore sci-fi fan's library
Rating:
Summary: It's a book - read it, think about it, discuss it
Review: This book makes an excellent comparison and contrast with Forever War by Joe Haldeman (which I did, and got an A on it in college, thank you!). The movie with the similar name is a mindless piece of action garbage. As a veteran, I can say that this book helps explain patriotism, why men fight, and how a boy can become a man. Heinlein wasn't afraid to be political in his writings (as long as they were entertaining so he could make money, of course). As a life long sci-fi fan, [or spec fic, if you've read the Larry Niven story - kudos to Admiral Heinlein :)] there are some weak points. But there is an underlying tone - not of the glory of war or of the neatness of some ray gun. More of how someone can and will grow up, take responsibility (something sadly lacking in our culture now), and become an adult.
Rating:
Summary: easy and stand alone
Review: if you have read no heinlein before, this would be a wonderful place to start. starship, is quite accessible, and puts forth some well thought out philosophy and political commentary, under the guise of science fiction...sure, there are the bugs, and the guns, and all of that fun stuff...
but the book really is more about political things...
probably why the movie was such a bomb the text is easy to get into, you should not be reaching for the dictionary quite so often, and the story holds up lots of good heinlein wit in here too
Rating: 
Summary: One of the few times when the movie's actually better!!!
Review: Alright, well obviously people haven't liked my review since not a lot of people have found it helpful, but it's true. The ideas presented here are way passed their prime and are just an anti-Political Correctness standpoint. Anyways here is the orginal review: I was somewhat dissapointed by this one. Some of the beliefs are completely incorrect and somewhat offensive. Basically the gist of the book is that what we're currently doing is wrong, and a more millitaristic approach would help society a whole lot more; spanking kids is necessary, etc. I was also dissapointed that the story didn't really have much of a plot, the writing was a bit obtuse, and didn't quite have the impact that the movie had. It must be said that there are some interesting, if nothing else, ideas and perspectives on society but if you're looking for a book that will expand on the movie, this is not the one. If you are looking for a good book which expands and has a slightly different perspective on a popular movie then I would reccomend The Running Man by Richard Bachman, Stephen King's pen name, which spawned the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK
Review: I love this book. It is truly imaginative in the way in which he builds the society. Also if you read between the lines of what he says in this book it really is an extrapolation of what he saw in society and military technologies. All in all a very good read. The best part of it is that Heinlein describes the revolution in military technology that we see today, but he wrote of it in 1957!!! I really enjoyed this book. I will say that I was supremely disappointed in the movie. Although, the movie could be in no way worse than Dune's adaptation.
Rating:
Summary: History and Moral Philosophy
Review: This book ought to be required reading for every soldier, citizen and politician. Heinlein clearly makes a connection between authority and responsibility that seems to have been missed by many of us in the USA. The recent debate over teaching patriotism is addressed in Mr. Dubois' HMP (History and Moral Philosophy) class where you are not required to do anything but attend. You don't have to learn patriotism but you do have to try to understand what is a right, what is a priviledge, and why a reward for finishing fourth in a race is honorable but giving every skater a gold medal is just BS. Let all my NCOs be one tenth the man and soldier that is Ship's Sergeant Zim and I promise you we will whip any army in history. My favorite description of the horrible movie of the same name is that it is loosely based on the cover art from a paperback version of the book. Read the book, watch the movie, then read the book again and forget the film.
Rating:
Summary: Starship Troopers
Review: Forget the Movie! This book is an outstanding work of science fiction and perhaps prophecy. Heinlien was a visionairy when you consider he was describing today back in 1959. The action aside, his description of how discipline and responsibility should be applied makes for a compelling blueprint for addressing today's woes.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Sci-Fi books ever
Review: This is with out a doubt one of Heinlein's best works. Then Hollywood goes and make a movie that has almost nothing to do with the book.
Rating:
Summary: Good military SF with interesting ethics and politics
Review: I've heard so much about Robert Heinlein that it was time I read one of his novels. While "Stranger in a strange land," is probably his most famous, I chanced across "Starship Troopers," first, so that is what I'm reviewing. The novel takes place centuries in the future when humanity is engaged in a war with insect alien race. However, the action is only one, relatively unimportant aspect of the novel. Initially, when the protagonist joins the military it is during peace. Only retired soldiers can vote in elections and hold public office. The theory behind this is that if political rights cost you something and if they require you to risk your life, you are more likely to act responsibly with that freedom. This idea, in of itself, is very interesting and the novel makes a reasonably good case for it. Albeit, it is primarily argued for on pragmatic grounds (i.e. this system works and is stable), it is still interesting to find such material in a novel originally marketed to young boys in 1959. It is unfortunate that the novel was marketed to the "juvenile" market for the ideas definitely make it an adult novel. In addition, there is much ethical musing about the need for violence, the causes of war and the soldier's life. Much of these conversations take place while the protagonist takes a compulsory course called, "History and Moral Philosophy." One of my favorite lines from this section is this:
"One girl told him bluntly: 'My mother says that violence never settles anything." 'So?' Mr Dubois looked at her bleakly. 'I'm sure the city fathers of Carthage would be glad to know that. Why doesn't you mother tell them? Or why don't you?.... 'Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor, the contrary opinion is wishful thinking at its worst.'" (pages 25-26) The philosophy of Mr. Dubois is a little odd; it is a mix of survivalism and pragmatism. The presentation of the ideas is effective but I think a thoughtful philosophical analysis will leave many holes in it. It seems that a harsh regime wanted some sort of justification for its actions and that is where the philosophy came from. Of course, there is also the very realistic depiction of military life. This includes basic military training, combat experiences, the relationship between officers and soldiers, and rank. Heinlein even has some of the soldiers being flogged or court martialed for dis obedience. Heinlein describes this all in gritty detail and it is evident that he does not hold to the view that war is glorious etc... That said, I have read the Joe Haldeman wrote his "The Forever War," in reply to Heinlein's novel. If I remember correctly, Heinlein was in the military during the 1930's while Haldeman was involved in the Vietnam War. I do not know the nature of Haldeman's reaction to Heinlein, but I have, "The Forever War," on my to-read list. I'm sure I will get around to it eventually. I have not seen the 1997 film adaptation, but I am skeptical that it will capture the _ideas_ that made the novel so interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Hard sci-fi?
Review: This is NOT good science fiction. I know it is hailed as one of the great works of the genre but I fully disagree. It IS an interesting social commentary but it is not good sci-fi. In fact, the "science fiction" is a thinly stretched veneer that barely covers (and it even breaks in spots) a somewhat labored commentary on the geopolitical environment in which the author lived when he wrote Starship Troopers. Some parts were really thought provoking like the concept of authority and responsibility in the sovereign power to rule. Also interesting is Heinlein's juxtaposition of communists with the bugs. I respected the fact that he slammed both the Americans and the Communists. So is it worth reading? Yes! Is it great sci-fi? Not really. The sci-fi is too obviously a vehicle to make a statement and comes off as transparent.
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