Rating: 
Summary: The best book ever written!!!!!
Review: This is the best book that I have ever read! While I prefer the Bugs of the 1997 film, everything else in Heinlein's book is modivated and patriotic. I mainly liked this book because of two characters: Drill Sergeant Zim and history teacher Jean Dubois. Zim's the kind of man who, as they say in the game Half-Life: Opposing Force, will make you "eat danger and crap victory". And the philosophical debates about our society today in Mr. Dubois' class made me think "That's a good point! Why haven't we tried to figure that out?" I admit that I skipped over the first chapter because I didn't think it was interesting, but once you get pass that hurdle then you can sit back a REALLY enjoy the novel. Although Heinlein is no longer alive, I'm certain that his book will be thoroughly enjoyed by future generations. And for those in this generation I recommend that you read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A classic flawed by pontificating
Review: Starship Troopers is an essentially utopian novel. Yes, there is a brutal war going on, but this is really the tale of what Heinlein considers the ideal society: a militaristic regime where the truest source of social virtue is in service to one's country. These utopian ideals lead to several rather preachy sections that distract from an otherwise good story; it's not that I disagree with the ideas - although, to some extent I do, I am perfectly willing to enjoy a novel with political views different from my own - it's just that the presentation of the ideas disrupts the flow of the story.The story itself deals with a future Earth society at war with an alien race referred to as the Bugs. The first half of the story deals with the basic training of Johnnie Rico in this futuristic army; the second half deals with the war he fights. Since it is a war that humans are losing, Rico rises through the ranks as much by attrition as by ability. The plot is rather simple, but Heinlein can make things move quickly. The politics I referred to previously figure prominently in Rico's development. Although Heinlein seems to embrace these ideas wholeheartedly, many will find them simplistic and disturbing, and as mentioned before, sometimes it seems Heinlein is less interested in the story than in commenting on contemporary society. (Ironically, for a writer as obviously anti-communist as Heinlein, this story is about forsaking individuality for the benefit of a group and the idea that national service is better than money...both rather socialist ideas.) Overall, however, this a good book. I would recommend it for science fiction fans as one in a trilogy of human versus alien war novels that are classics in the genre. The other two are Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and The Forever War by Joe Haldeman. All three novels are award-winning and cover the same subject in different manners.
Rating:
Summary: It actually meant something!
Review: If you saw the movie that was similarly titled but haven't read this book, you need to. This is much better, has more meaningful content and cooler action scenes. I really can't imagine why they changed any of it, but that's Hollywood for you. I am very glad that I have a copy without any references to "The Bug Movie" on the cover.
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.
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