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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.
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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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Summary: Misunderstood.
Review: Excellent use of language. Frequently very funny. Apt comments on social ills. Misunderstood and loathed by many who fail to see the upside of the war...that all humans learn to coexist in the face of an external menace. Science Fiction explanations that are interesting and do not insult the reader. One's political bent usually determines how much the book will be enjoyed. Frequently compared to "Forever War" (and actually covers a lot of the same ground and has some of the same missteps) but a superior product that plays as well today as when it first hit the shelves. I have loved this book most of my
life, but Heinlein should have learned to write compelling and coherent action sequences. Do not confuse the book with the comic like movie.
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Summary: Political implications of Starship Troopers
Review: On the surface, Starship Troopers is a military/adventure SF book. But it really examines the notions of citizenship in a democracy.
The real controversy in Starship Troopers comes from the form of government that humans live in, in this future. Most science fiction works generally portray the future governments in one of two ways: utopian or oppressive. Starship Troopers defies these typical standards, presenting a world as if it were utopian, but not quite what you would expect from an "advanced" culture, by the standards of most science fiction out there today.
Starship Troopers sets up a future democracy (which would seem to fall into the "utopian" category) where some freedoms are curtailed more then they are today! Most obvious is the limits to the voting franchise.
Heinlein asserts in Starship Troopers that one who votes is exercising sovereignty--their actions directly affect others, who must obey the laws that the citizen-voter helped put into place--therefore, the voter has been granted "sovereign franchise" and the voter is exercising their granted portion of the sovereign power of the state when they vote. According to Heinlein, one should not be freely given this franchise, but it must be earned in order for it to be wielded appropriately. Plato's Republic is aligned upon similar principals, of only those who are worthy should be bestowed the burden of leadership.
Federal service (Heinlein's prerequisite for full citizenship) is a way of demonstrating that you are willing to put your life and well-being on the line for the good of the whole.
You've got to serve everybody, because later on, you're going to be exercising sovereignty over them, and that right must be earned.
On a side note, Heinlein intended Federal service to be mostly non-military, although this is not obvious from the text.
On a philisophical level, Heinlein earns full marks, and the book is enjoyable from a pure adventure story as well! It's short and simply phrased. You can read it in one day, and I highly recommend that you do! AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE H&MP CLASSES!
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Summary: The education of Johnny Rico
Review: "Starship Troopers," the novel by Robert Heinlein, is a hard-hitting tale of military conflict in a science fiction future. The book is narrated by its main character, Johnny Rico, who enlists as a soldier in earth's Mobile Infantry. He and his fellow soldiers ultimately engage in combat with a lethal insectoid species. The book is quite different from the motion picture of the same name, directed by Paul Verhoeven. I can not say that one is better than the other; rather, each succeeds in its own right as a compelling futuristic vision. The Hollywood-friendly love triangle of the movie does not occur in the book; the book, on the other hand, goes into much greater depth into depicting the stages of Johnny's education. The book uses these educational environments to more thoroughly flesh out the philosophical underpinnings of the future earth government. "Starship Troopers" is thus more than an imaginative and action-packed sci-fi adventure; it's also a thought-provoking meditation on citizenship, military service, education, discipline and punishment, and the balance between rights and responsibilities. Heinlein's brutal future earth could be seen as either a utopia or a dystopia, depending on your viewpoint. As a military veteran myself, I found Heinlein's depiction of the military subculture and indoctrination processes to be quite resonant. And Johnny is a very likeable narrator; I really enjoyed "accompanying" him on his personal odyssey. In my estimation, "Starship Troopers" is a classic of both science fiction and military themed fiction.
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Summary: Original in its time
Review: This book has spawned thousands of knock-offs, but it is the original space-fighter book and one of the best. It is a tad dry in some places, but I think that Heinlein did this on purpose to emphasize the computerized nature of futuristic warfare. When James Cameron was making Aliens, he told everyone on the cast to read this book, and fans of that movie will see a lot of similarities between it and this book.
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Summary: Great book, questionable philosophy
Review: If you have never read Starship Troopers before, order it and read it now. Regardless of whether you agree with Heinlein's philosophy or not, I guarantee that you will be unable to put it down. The core of the story is about Johnnie Rico, who goes through training in a futuristic army and then leaves to battle 'the bugs'. Heinlein's description of an enemy that is not technologically sophisticated but still incredibly powerful puts some originality into the classic Earth vs. aliens storyline. Most science fiction and war novels pay fairly little attention to the training and preparation of soldiers. Heinlein chooses to skimp on the action and instead focuses on the brutal conditions endured by recruits at boot camp, and the way it affects the main character. As for the Heinlein's political philosophy, take it with a grain of salt. I don't personally think that the system he describes would work. He never explains what gets done about the military bureaucracy, and there's also the problem of people getting annoyed by the fact that they must pay taxes but aren't allowed to vote. Even so, Heinlein's ideas are so different from the 'me first, responsibility last' view now preached in American society that they will definetly give you something to think about.
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Summary: Wow, what a book for logic and reason
Review: First of all, regardless of what you thought of the movie, the book is different. Not just different in some ways, but almost (but not quite) to the degree that the movie "The Lawnmower Man" was completely different from Steven King's short story of the same title. It does indeed seem light on the action, as compared to the movie and other 'science fiction' novels. However, the action is realistic. Even in the book, the main character comments on how modern warfare is akin to the pilots views of it back in WW2, "Endless hours of sheer boredom broken sporadically by random bits of utter terror". Gentlemen, that is battle. The motivations, of characters, are plainly laid out in a way that any can relate to. The maturing and enlightening process strikes so true to many people's hearts. The scientific concepts are obviously well thought out, as opposed to the 'flashing out of sequence lights' approach that too many science fiction writers take. Heinlein approaches the future aspect of the book with a very realistic, results oriented method. Technological wonders are there as obvious tools of man, as opposed to man becoming dependant on them for basic skills of life. It is obvious his predictive strategies, technology and the impact on society are well thought out, with a fresh and needed denial of the urge (as many sci-fi writers have) to make the technological toys first, then throw the people in as an afterthought while gluing the two together with technobabble. (e.g. tachyons, gravitons, etc) One of the best aspects of the book is how it emphasizes the symbiotic relationship of freedom and responsibility. The USA was the first successful attempt on Earth to bring this idea to fruition. It was alien then, and unfortunately seems to be an alien subject now. Heinlein stresses that age old adage of vigilance, not complacence, being the eternal price of freedom. Some claim here that it is fascism. This is much like when a child learns a new taunt or slanderous word that will cause an emotional response in others, proportional to his/her own emotional turmoil. Fascism never was about freedom and liberty, much less personal responsibility. Fascism, like communism (you DID know fascism is a socialistic form of socioeconomic governmental control, didn't you?) is about power and violence, it is about controlling others and giving mindless obedience to the state. Here, Heinlein spells out how in his future world, the state is not the government, but rather the people who make up the country that the government comes from. "Freedoms and liberties are greatest, laws the smallest, taxes the lowest" See how that goes together? Many will attack this, because the idea of responsibility and accountability scare them, much like a braggart bully is frightened if anyone ever stands up to him. Understand your rants and your words before you spew them, or you will find you do more harm then good. Personally I find it both amusing and alarming when someone who claims to be such a champion of 'the people' touts his or her claims that freedom is what they want... yet their idea of freedom and openness is to destroy and censor all who do not agree with them, look like them, wear the appropriate clothes (the 'official socially conscious' gear) or have the incorrect amount of melanin in their skin cells. Freedom through tyranny seems to be these people's true chant. If you like both a good sci-fi book and enjoy applying critical thought (not to mention if you enjoy reading your history books instead of burning them) then this book is for you.
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Summary: Facist rant
Review: Starship troopers is book thats only work as a vehicle for the authors facistic ideas. It contains hardly any story or action but only a background for promoting facist ideals.
The "philosophic" rants in this book is so shallow and full of logic holes that it is unintentionally funny; that is if you can laugh at such matters. If you want to read Heinleins ideas in a non-fiction form try good old Adolph's "Mein kampf".
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