Rating: 
Summary: Excellent!! but Scary!
Review: I read Starship Troopers first when I was 12 years old and I loved it! It was action packed exciting and well written.Later I read about and from Heinlein his Anti-Communist views and a few things began to go together in my mind. Firstly I did not even at twelve much care for the Human society Heinlein created; it struck me as rather rigid and doctrinaire. Frankly the story is written from the point of view of a rather callow young man who is quite effectively made into an instrument of his society. In other words he is brainwashed. The Philosophical arguments for this new "Scientific" morality are pretty silly. It reminds me that both Communism and Nazisism claimed a "Scientific" basis for their undemocratic rule. The stupidity about disputes being settled by force neglects the obvious rejoinder that what force proves is only that you are stronger than your opponent not that you are right. It seemed to me obvious that this "Democracy" was modeled after Ancient Sparta where a military caste ruled over a large subject population which they regarded with basic contempt. In Heinlein's society the ruling Military elite "votes" like the Spartans, after being suitably "indoctrinated", and therefore very unlikely to upset the status-quo and they are quite programmed to obey orders. That and their sense of "Class" solidarity with each other is hardly democratic. (I¡¦m aware that Heinlein provides avenues for a few non-military to enter the elite, but like Spartans promoting Helots it doesn't change the nature of the System). The old Communist parties that ruled the Soviet Union and other states proclaimed that the unique "selflessness", "sense of duty", etc., entitled them to rule. I take the official propaganda of the State in this book about as seriously. Our hero swallows the whole thing indicating he isn't very bright. Regarding the books celebration of war. I can only quote the following "A military man is in the only profession where he hopes not to use his skills". I just found it fascinating how an Anti-Communist replicated a Communist society in so many ways as somehow "ideal". When I was 12 I got the idea, that I still hold that the "icky" bugs were the good guys. All in all a wonderful read, especially the battle scenes, getting through boot camp, and the wonderfully conceived battle suits. So do read it just don't take the society described seriously.
Rating:
Summary: Read the Book, Forget the Movie!
Review: Starship Troopers may be the best science fiction piece ever published. Too bad the idiots at Hollywood couldn't take the time to read the book and follow Heinlein's genius. The first chapter is an adrenalin-packed air(space)borne operation that starts with troopers jumping into a hostile planet through the atmosphere, laying waste to a major metropolis (with an arsenal ranging from guns to nukes), and rallying to come back to the mother ship. Just one of these guys would dessimate an entire ship of the movie wimps. Following the raid, Heinlein manages to incorporate an outstanding story line with some deep meditations on society, citizenship, service to the nation, and the root of violence. Read it when you are in junior high for the rush, in college for the deeper meanings, and as an adult for some true inspiration. I've read my copy about five times and its still one of my favorites. No wonder its required reading at the military academies...
Rating:
Summary: A very thought-provoking military novel
Review: Most people think of the ill-conceived movie when they think of Starship Troopers, but out of curiousity I decided to read this book anyway. To my own surprise, the movie and the book were like night and day, more so than one would expect. This novel is not action-paced thriller. Instead what you get is a very engaging book about military life, and Heinlein's theories on Utopia. What really surprised me most was how well he argued his theories through the characters in his book. Before long, I found myself wishing I was in the military! But in all seriousness, this book is very intelligent, and really forces readers to think about modern society. After reading this, you cannot help but question things we take for granted in Western Democracies, and whether they really help or hurt us. I truly enjoyed reading this book and I strongly recommend it to any politically minded people, as well as people interested in military life and war. It truly is a science fiction masterpiece. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Heinlein's Best Tenets Shine Through
Review: Constantly in Heinlein novels is the theme that the fewer powers that the national government has the better for society. This novel is no different. It follows his shining theme of the individual's responsibility of his own actions, his contribution to his society, and his responsiblity to his neighbors, co workers and comrades rather than have a Goverment Agency be responsible for welfare, education, or taking care of you and making decisions for you. "You get what you pay for" is a Heinlein by word and is reflected most notably in this novel when the main character, Juan Rico, reflects on the "History and Moral Philosophy" course he monitored in High School. Heinlein also highly prizes the ability of an individual to think for themselves, to be able to do mathmatics and have a knowledge of history and geography; and all this is presented in passing, the author not bothering to enlighten the reader of his references because you should either 1) understand them or 2) be able to look them up. He assumes you to be an educated, adult human and that attitude is extremely refreshing in modern novels.
B Company, 1st Battalion 148th Infantry still exists and you can find a placard recounting Roger Young's actions outside the orderly room in the National Guard Armory in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best military SF novels ever
Review: First, forget the movie. It's loosely based on the book. How loose? Man fights killer bugs in space. The political scene on Earth, and the *basic* character outlines. That's it. No huge bugs that spit glowing balls of killer goo from their nether-regions. No flying Kamikaze insectoids that decapitate without warning. The movie was fun, but a dim shadow of the book. The movie should have been called "fashion models in space vs the killer bugs from the belt." RAH was a master at socio-political setups and the details that make great SF. I find it a little insulting that the publisher slapped a scene from the movie on the cover just to grab more sales - the book can stand on it's own merits! If you are a fan of SF, RAH or future-looking novels of society and war, get this book. It's one of his best!
Rating:
Summary: Sociology meets War
Review: This book has made me think twice about the world we live in. An Earth were if you want to be a citizen, you have to enter the armed forces foe at least two years. For anyone interested in military history, Sociology or just War, read the book. Its worth the time and money. Starship Troopers is a must have for a cadet in any military institution, the Wargamer and all teachers of History, Sociology or the study of the mind.
Starship Troopers explores the human mind in War, and the future of the human race. If your a fan of the movie, read the book, it is much better. In conclusion the book is excellent, you will start reading it and finish before you know it.
Rating:
Summary: Morals
Review: One thing everyone must know. The movie butchered the book's good name. Actually, butchered doesn't quite describe it. While the movie was extremely gory and action oriented, the book is more philosophical. I've read this book several times, and I must say, some accusations leveled against it just seem... untrue. The first accusation is that the government in the book is fascist. While I don't want to reveal any plot elements, this "fact" may keep potential readers from enjoying this book. In fact, the government is democratic, with elected officials. This is demonstrated in the book, and Heinlein himself stated this very fact. Also, while this book may feature some fairy tale government that is selfless, Heinlein has a perfect rationale for this. The society featured in this book is post apocolyptic, completely rebuilt to insure that morals prevail so that what caused society to fail in the first place doesn't happen again. It's an interesting read, with some interesting philosophy regarding selflessness.
Rating:
Summary: Don't judge a book based on it's movie!
Review: Great book, every flaw I had with the movie was happily not in the book. Great read.
Rating: 
Summary: Famous Novel is a Very Mixed Bag
Review: Standard Heinlein Disclaimer: Heinlein is a frequently-polarizing figure in American literature. The people who dislike his work (e.g., A. Panshin) seem to *really* dislike his work, and often for reasons that seem to me spurious. The people who like his work are in many cases blind or too forgiving of Heinlein's problems as a writer. I like Heinlein's work quite a bit, and find all but two of his novels consistently enjoyable, but I would not rate any but one or possibly two of his books as being the "best of the SF genre." They are for me, however, always enjoyable, and that is no small thing to find in an author. Still reading? This novel is almost the quintessential definition of "mixed bag." Heck, not only is it a mixed bag, but if you don't like Heinlein/think he is a fascist/think he is a libertarian/think he glorifies war/think he wishes he were Hemmingway/think he is unbelievably egalitarian, by God this book will give you plenty of ammunition (sorry) for your point of view. Which is, I'm sure, part of its enduring appeal. This book is really two books rolled into one (and in less than 200 pages!). The first book is, as the author himself admits, a celebration of military service, a glorification of the common G.I. (although in the book he's more of a space Marine than an Army regular). As such, it's a slam-bang adventure story told in a first-person, very spare style. It follows the by-now classic arc of aimless civilian, harsh boot-camp (think Louis Gossett in "An Officer and a Gentleman"), and difficult-but-rewarding service in a tough war. It's a hell of a yarn. The other book is really the problematic part; an argument in favor of (indeed, pretty much a polemic for) the franchise being earned rather than granted gratis to everyone. In the case of the book, this is earned through "federal service," and there are lengthy discussions and debates as to why this is a good system. And in the end, it is this assumption--that a better government would arise out of requiring federal service prior to being given the vote--that causes all the outrage (or plaudits) from readers of this book. But the question is, does it make for a good book? And the answer is, not always. The blend of political jerimiad and coming-of-age war story is often jarring, and occasionally irritating. The blatant speechifying by "older and wiser," whether you agree with it or not, frequently comes across as thinly-viewed authorial lecturing. And is that what you want in your books? It's up to you, honestly. That said, *I* like this book, and I have re-read it a number of times, but I am certainly not blind to its faults. Not Heinlein's best, but perhaps one of his more influential books, and certainly one of the two (the other being, of course, "Stranger in a Strange Land") that generates the most discussion. The choice is yours.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerful Novel with Piercing Ideas
Review: I find myself returning to chew on many of the ideas that Heinlein proposes in his "Starship Troopers." While "Starship Troopers" may be read for purely entertainment purposes and be thoroughly enjoyed on that level, I find that it is Heinlein's radical ideas that make this novel a classic. Heinlein's ideas on citizenship, warfare, humanity, and militarism are extremely powerful and compelling in their arguments...while radical, his ideas definitely get me wondering about the possibilities! The story is premised on a young man joining the Mobile Infantry (in the future) during an Interstellar War. It follows him from early enlistment through bootcamp and his journey in becoming an officer. Starship Troopers is also a sort of unexpected love story between "father and son", "man and mankind", and "soldier to soldier." Heinlein's look into the future is fascinating! (e.g. Nationalities and Ethnicities being unimportant in contrast to Humankind Vs. Bugs) I find that Heinlein's narrative style for the main character, Rico, so relatable...that I felt as if I had gone through the journey with him myself. It's an excellent novel, and I highly recommend it not only for an entertaining read but also for a good dose of philosophy. Starship Troopers is definitely one of those classics, I'll be rereading over and over again.
| 
