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Summary: Comments on others
Review: I would like to adress the RAH bashing that has gone on. First of all, the book is a fluffy version of one of Heinlin's greatest novels. There is a great depth, and making people think about what they are reading has not been a crime. They suggestions are wonderful, giving you a sense of acomplishment even if the thoughts are as easy as 2+2. RAH is a wonderful writer, and from what I have heard from friends, a wonderful person. Let him Rest In Peace. His work is classic, he would not have won Hugo and Nebula awards if he was a bad writer.
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Summary: Starship Troopers
Review: Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlin is a wonderful interpretation of the life of a soldier set into a future where humanity will fight a foe more deadly that could ever be imagined. Johnnie Rico tells the story of his rise to the rank of Liutennant and the command of the platoon through flashbacks and combat. He is faced with chalanges that would daunt most, and overcomes them. This book gives you a true feel for what life might be like if this vision would have come true.
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Summary: Interesting premise, dull book
Review: Perhaps the problem is that I just didn't know what to expect. I was expecting a gritty, character-based drama with some good action, cool aliens and interesting technological concepts. While I got some of the latter, most of the book is relegated to Heinlein's / the narrator's diatribe about a future society in which mankind has achieved peace through spanking and capital punishment. I'm not arguing the relevance of his ideas, I just wish Heinlein would thin his sermons with some story. The characters spend all this time training and preparing, and yet I think there are maybe three battles in the entire book, and the narrator spends the climax unconcscious. If all this wasn't bad enough, the book is terribly dated, with dialogue bits like "crummy" and "shucks". While some of Heinlein's predictions prove surprisingly accurate, he gives us no characters to associate with, and ultimately no resolution to the story. Boooo! Luckily, I found all the things I was intitially looking for in a brilliant book (with a similar concept) by Joe Haldeman: "The Forever War". Read this book and compare for yourself!
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Summary: One of the Best Science Fiction ever!!!
Review: Can't say that its Heinlein's best book, since Stranger in a Strange Land is out there, but it is indeed a classic in sci-fi. Any good science fiction fan should read it. Also any polisci majors. Starship Troopers takes a different stand at democracy, freedom, voting rights... etc. I only hope that the movie will live up to the standards set by the book... All interested you can visit the official Starship Trooper page and become a MI (don't know what this is? Read the book!)
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Summary: The Action's NOT the point
Review: If you're looking for mindless slaughter, mayhem, and blood--I have a short review for you--look elsewhere it's not in this book. The point of ST is the social sermonizing that RH does--in short it examines why an individual and a government will choose to fight. Note that the individuals here are NOT compelled, it is a free choice. But in order to win the full rights of citizenship, you are required to demonstrate that you are responsible enough to make those decisions. It also espouses for the first time that I can recall RH's idea of that things that have a value ALWAYS have a cost. In this case Freedom. This is the forerunner to TANSTAAFL that was the central theme of "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" (which is another excellent book itself). But are these concepts really that novel? Everyone of us knows what happens when we cheapen out and buy inexpensive computer equipment or cars--we pay DEARLY later. So why should a value such as freedom be any different? This is indeed part of the problem today--that we've had everything handed to us without cost. Sooner or later--the bill will come due. Some liberals no doubt consider this book fascist, ultra right wing, or talk of "beating children". In this book, it deals with choices--and the individual's responsibility for that choice. It's called PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!!! YOU are responsible for your actions--and any consequences attached to them. Many of the ultra left disagree rather violently with this--that everyone should have everything at no cost and no obligation. To sum it up, this book deals more with the sociological issues and governmental issues rather than space opera type action. It is short, concise, and well thought out. It is not an epic of character development--but developed enough that the reader can identify with Mr. Rico as he makes his way through boot camp. I have reread this book many times and consider it one of the best on such topics. Finally, a note to the reviewer who served as a technical advisor to the movie--I hope you are correct here! I was very concerned when I saw it comming out in movie form that Hollywood would miss the entire point of the book and make it into a "kill da bugs" movie. Thank you.
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Summary: Amazing blend of social commentary and military action
Review: Possibly the best from Bob Heinlein's best years. A brilliant military and combat story serves as the backdrop for an insightful social commentary that is almost as relevent today as the sixties that inspired it. Considering who's in the White House perhaps more so... Too bad that the current movie coming out did not follow it better, they could not have improved upon it.
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Summary: Excellent Action, mixed with a harsh (but just) society.
Review: Excellent book. Has action and is thought provoking. It is true, we take freedom for granted n the west, and most of us do not cherish or appreciate the right to vote etc. Look at the way the americans treated the vietnam vets. That would have never happened in the society this book describes. Maybe we ought to flog people instead of jailing them. It might work (unlike jail) and it would be cheaper. Anyhow ; BEST SF BOOK I HAVE READ FOR AGES.
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Summary: Philosophy vs. Action
Review: I read this book as a teen and recently re-read it in preparation for viewing the upcoming movie. I had forgotten the eternal philosophic discussions which I sort of skimmed because they are so long. I loved the action parts and the power suits. The insects are a weird, but exciting part. I think overall it is a good book, but not for kids. This is one for 18 years or older. I liked the way women are portrayed. Heinlein was far-thinking in regards to women's roles in the military. I hope the movie does the book justice.
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Summary: Military Service is a prerequisite for citizenship
Review: In Heinlein's world only citizens may vote and address each other as "Citizen" all others are legal residents and may be allowed to pay taxes, own businesses, and property, however, they cannot vote or hold public office. When the movie is released this week it will be interesting to see if this premise is clear and if it is clear will the public question the ability of a Commander-in-Chief who did not serve in the military. The book begs the question:May a congressman who did not serve in the military approve of sending our children to fight in foreign lands....when he has not done so himself. When this book was written it was so controversial that the juvinal publisher refused it and it had to be published as adult science fiction. The conservatives will love this book. The liberals, I suspect, will be uncomfortable with its premise.
However,is there a better way to make the point that citizenship and the right to vote must be earned and are not simply a birthrights or some accomadation we give to everyone who crosses our boarders?
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Summary: Rico comes of age:
Review: Heinlein's Starship Troopers will always stand as a military fiction classic. It is what is termed a "bildungsroman" or coming of age novel in that it traces the discovery of desire to grow, the subsequent developement to the ideal, and the culmination of Rico's training when he successfully leads a team of troopers into nigh impossible odds to rescue one of their own and complete his mission. The novel is filled with intriguing political philosophy and offers a unique glance into the best part of the military mind. A novel worthy of contemplation.
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