Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
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Book Reviews of Starship Troopers
Book Review: A timeless and thought-provoking sci-fi classic.
Summary: 5 Stars
Robert Heinlein has undoubtedly earned his place on the short list of truly masterful authors in the science fiction genre. "Starship Troopers", now in print for 50 years, is still selling vigorously, and for good reason. Heinlein not only crafts an imaginitive and plausible futuristic view of human society and its place in the cosmos, but injects plenty of provocative commentary and ideas about the nature of war, the state, and citizenship.
Anyone with a military background, particularly in the Army or Marines, will be drawn into the author's descriptions of the seemingly changeless realities of military life. The first-person narrator and main character, Juan Rico, is not your typical cardboard cutout sci-fi personality. He is complex, flawed, introspective and genuinely believable. This story is less about painting vivid scenes of interstellar combat (although this is certainly well done), and more about a young soldier's coming of age and grappling with some of life's difficult questions along the way. Highly recommended.
Book Review: Starship Troopers
Summary: 5 Stars
"His head came off as I tried to take him out of his suit..."
This is one of the many gripping lines that doesn't let you put this book down. The story goes into the mind of a soldier going through boot camp and entering a career in the military.
The main character joins the army thinking that it would be an easy way to earn money and gain citizenship. His plan to earn some quick cash ended abruptly when the bugs attacked. In an attempt to avenge the innocent lives that the bugs had already slaughtered many were over zealous to fight their enemy. Most quickly learned that these were not the bugs you can spray with Raid and watch as they squirm in agony during their last moments of life. THESE bugs fought back!
Being outnumbered and outgunned the humans were fighting to survive. This book is an excellent read and is a must for any Sci-Fi lover. The author, Robert Heinlein, does an excellent job of pulling you in and keeping you suspended from beginning to end.
Book Review: Starship Awesome
Summary: 5 Stars
A dark and gritty view of war, combat, and Soldiers. The book removes the burdens of technology to focus on the training and ideology of the war society. Starting with making the decision to join the military, basic training, combat, and career progression in a military organization, the book details the life of a Soldier and leader.
Do not confuse this book with the sensationalized movie. The book delves into the philosophy of patriotism, highlighting why Soldiers are historically reviered in societies. The book is a good read if a person wants to understand WHY people decide to fight for the idea of a country. The book also has realistic characters. People actually die and actions have consequences.
I recommend this book for people in the military and for the general population. It is a well written book and gives people a sense of belonging for an organization larger than just the simple family or small community.
Book Review: Best SciFi is still in books
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read this 25 years before the movie came out, while in Jr. High. I recall being put off by the martial society and the direct criticisms of American democracy it portrayed. Even if there were no interstellar war going on, it's hard to imagine that being a very pleasant future to live in. Politics aside, I was taken in by the cool technology and tales of alien adventures. The clash between human electro-mechanical and "Bug" bio technologies was a main attraction for me. Even without re-reading the book I could tell from the first five minutes that the 1997 movie adaptation was going to be a major disappointment. It was. Probably the worst "creative decision" made was not equipping the troops with the signature powered armored suits of the novel. Trying to compensate for obviously budget conscious moves like that by having the movie not take itself too seriously didn't work for me.Book Review: One Of The Best Early Sci-Fi Books
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read Starship Troopers probably about 44 years ago. Since that time I have read probably thousands of Science Fiction Books, and while I have read some really good ones over the years, I keep coming back to Starship Troopers over and over again. There isn't a heck of a lot of Science, but there is Robert Heinlein's acidic sense of humor mixed in with a moral lesson and an incredibly captivating yarn. Regardless whether you are an adolescent or approaching the "golden years", this is a good read. Like most of Heinleins novels, you can live in this one for a day or so. Great escape, great entertainment, with none of the ever-present filth that pervades much entertainment media today. Read it, and enjoy it.