Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
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Book Reviews of Starship Troopers
Book Review: A Classic in Military of the Future
Summary: 5 Stars
Juan "Johnnie" Rico is a young man who becomes a member of the Mobile Infantry, a part of the army in the not to distant future. This book should satisfy many different kinds of readers. It has the action one looks for in military classics. Beginning with an action packed battle against the "Skinnies" and ending with the "Bugs". For all those interested in the plausibility of the science, there are many things to ponder over, from the suits that make soldiers look like gorillas and are the equivalent of one armored tank, as well as the Karpolov drive which reminds one of the "hyper drive" of Star Trek. To me the area where the book really shines and is considered the most controversial are the philosophical aspects of the book. Understandably so, for most of it is spent talking about the ineffectiveness of governments of the past. It does help in understanding the political and Darwinian principles which it represents in their futuristic culture. I found it intriguing, but many would find preachy. Heinlein gets up on his soapbox, telling us how he feels the world should be run, what's wrong with the way we are running it, and why. Though the philosophical and political elements were enjoyable, and powerful, they lose base when Heinlein "proves" all of his theory and messages mathematically making all ethical and philosophical theory less effective.Like many of his books including Citizen of the Galaxy Heinlein uses the protagonist's education to describe the structures of the society in this case militarily. In the society of the future everyone is a resident and doesn't become a citizen until they, both men and women serve in the army. Our protagonist is forced into the Infantry, for not being qualified for anything else. Much of the book deals with Juan's training which Heinlein has a sharpness and understanding of some one who has a clear vision of what the Infantry would be like. The battle themes are as realistic and believable as one can get for fights with aliens.
Many of themes in the book add a family sense to the story, but most are done in a way where they are picked up periodically and then brought up again fifty or so pages later, they work but not well. One theme that I found peculiar in the book was that the war being fought with the bugs relates to wars with communism and the continued struggle to destroy. The book is an amazing read which I thoroughly enjoyed, and would suggest to anyone interested in reading a book about political and military philosophy.
Book Review: Excellent!! but Scary!
Summary: 5 Stars
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¡Śm 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.
Book Review: Great book but unlike his adventure-style stories
Summary: 5 Stars
Starship Troopers is truly a classic, though it stands out from Heinlein's other work in several ways. It includes what may be the most realistic and workable of the alternate government styles he's ever considered. It's also more a story of personal growth and a tale of the major exploits of a war a light-hearted adventure.As a result of the focus on growth, much of the book follows the main character's experiences in boot camp and in officer training school. These parts have merit, especially to a Heinlein fan, but they just aren't as eventful as some of his other books. (Think of these parts like you would the opening schemes of the revolution in "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress". A lot of explaining things out, but not especially dry.) Things really get going, though, when this learning is put to the test in combat.
Out on the battlefield, the mobile infantry has specially-designed suits and great weapons that make one soldier count for twenty. Lest things get too simple, the bugs (the spider-like enemy) also have weapons and their own ships. There are no easy answers and there's no doomsday device that can win the war decisively for one side or the other. It's a down and dirty in-the-trenches (so to speak) war story at its best.
This isn't one of those books I'd give to a young reader to spark more of an interest in sci-fi. Starship Troopers is best appreciated by a more mature reader who's gone through a few Heinlein books, perhaps even a few other war-in-space novels, who will appreciate the depth of the story properly.
It's worth saying that never once does Heinlein's experiment in franchise-by-service get oppressive, either; he doesn't preach "this is how it should be" but rather, "this might work". And if you've seen the movie, forget all the Fascist stuff that appears there; Heinlein wrote nothing of the sort. Though the story is set in a government different from our own, it's not so different that it's uncomfortable. The people are still regular people, the world is pretty much normal. Freedom exists and thrives, with the one difference that a person has to serve their country in some way before they can vote. This is what I like about Heinlein: He can try something different, ask you to evaluate it on its merits with an open mind, but his stories almost never demand acceptance of the experiment.
Book Review: The book I read about once a year
Summary: 5 Stars
It is my personal opinion that every high school student and/or military recruit should be required to read this book. THE MOVIE WAS ONLY LOOSELY BASED ON THE BOOK, so if you hated the movie, do yourself a favor and still give the book a chance.It is entertaining, thought-provoking, action-packed and a great story. This book is, essentially, the coming-of-age tale of an upper middle class boy who joins the miltary and becomes a man. It is also the tale of his father growing to realize what is truly important in life and what it means to be a "man". Lastly, it is a political essay on Politics, particularly the purposes of Government, Military and Citizens with a comparison of the duties, responsibilities, and priveledges of each. It is quite a lot for a small book that is easy to read and hard to put down.
This book will use an interesting science-fiction story to explain to you the "whys" of the military development process (i.e. why do drill sgts 'break-down' recruits in basic training?), why democratic countries must have a strong military and the definitions of 'citizen', 'patriot' and 'citizen soldier'. Anyone who reads this book and ever misses another election should seriously consider whether or not they deserve to live in a democratic society. This book impressed upon me the undeniable truth that a free, democratic republic is only possible as long as there are men and women who are willing to risk their lives to guard that freedom. It has also made me question what I seek in an elected representative and from the government as a whole.
Though this is a science-fiction book set in the future, it just as easily could have been set in WW2 or any other major historical war. The characters, lessons and ideas of the book are timeless and eternally relevant.
At least half the people who read this book will be angry after reading it. Good. Whether you agree with the political ideas presented in this book or not, it WILL make you THINK.
The world, and the United States in particular, is at a crossroads. Many of the issues before us, particularly the purpose of the military, are addressed in this book. Read it. Put it down. Look at the world around you (Who did the United States bomb today?) and think.
Then take what you learned from thinking about this book and go make a difference in the world. It is that kind of book.
Book Review: A novel destined to be a classic of English Literature
Summary: 5 Stars
"Shines the Name..."
A quick scan of the reviews already posted shows that Heinlein's Masterpiece remains controversial and thought provoking. How many science fiction novels survive in popular publication for thirty years?
As a novel of the science fiction genre, it was ahead of its time, and marked the beginning of what would be a trend for Heinlein; examining humanity and society from a perspective which differs from that of the audience.
Written as a Juvenile for Scribners and Sons, the rejection of this manuscript marked the end of Heinlein's relationship with that publishing house. While "Starship Troopers" does indeed work as a "juvenile" (I read it first at age 16), it is far more and works at many different levels.
At a basic level, "Starship Troopers" remains one of the best examinations of why men fight as part of national armies. This examination probably explains why it is the ONLY work to appear on the professional reading lists for all four of the United States Armed Forces, and is perhaps sufficient unto itself to secure this work a place on future lists of classic works of English Literature. But there is indeed more...
Heinlein also examines the philosphical underpinnings of our system of government, and posits that what we have earned too cheaply (unlimited free franchise) we indeed value (and practice) too lightly. These societal musings will cause even the most dyed in the wool pendants from either end of the political spectrum to pause for reflection. That Heinlein can do this in such a short novel is revealing as to his mastery of the written language.
While this book is indeed militaristic, it does not glorify violence. Neither, though, does "Starship Troopers" condemn violence. Rather, Heinlein brings home forcefully the point that violence is a fact of both human nature and the animal kingdom. "Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor, and the contrary opinion is wishful thinking at its worst. Breeds that forget this basic truth have always paid for it with their lives and freedoms."
A great read, and a work which will remain timeless until a more peacefull race decides that it "...ain't gonna practice war no more."