Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Starship Troopers
Book Review: A Great Book
Summary: 5 Stars
I was initially surprised to see so many negative reviews of this great book, but less so after considering how politically correct and leftist-leaning we've become (and of course The Government is always evil, malicious, and trying to quash individual rights isn't it!).
Everyone has a right to their opinion of course, so let me tell you that I think this is a great book. It is a coming of age story about honor, introspection, character, dignity and duty. If you watched the movie, and particularly if you enjoyed the movie, do NOT expect this book to be anything similar. IMHO, by the way, the movie was THE worst adaptation of a sci-fi novel that I've ever seen. Pretty boys and pretty girls fighting mean, nasty bugs with lots of special effects. Maybe I would have liked the movie if I'd seen it before reading the book, but unfortunately the book was first.
The book is an intellectual and thoughtful read, but entertaining and engaging as well. Find it in a used book store if you're not sure, but it's definitely a "keeper" IMHO.
Book Review: A Great Book
Summary: 5 Stars
Bastardized by Hollywood, Starship Troopers is not about war and space travel but about the journey from youth to manhood of Juan Rico, a child of privledge and wealth. Joining the mobile Infantry on a lark, young Juan soon comes to realize that life is about responsibility and accountability, about the sacrifice made by the few for the good of the many. Even if you liked the movie please read the book and discover the real "story behind the story".Book Review: A Great Book
Summary: 5 Stars
Juan Rico, the hero, starts as a good-for-nothing kid, and ends as a leader of men, committed to protecting his home. The book is the story of his career, and how he becomes a man of conviction. I found the book inspiring and uplifting. This book speaks strongly of a virtue neglected in modern society: Civitas, the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety and continuation of one's civil society. I've never seen a better description of the commitment that fuels a -moral- military man. So far from praising blood and glory, the book deplores it as a regrettable necessity, to be minimized (an attitude shared by every career officer I've met). Since Heinlein was a Naval officer until his forced retirement (for tuberculosis), the people ring very true. Truly, not to be missed by thoughtful people.Book Review: A Great Read!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Starship Trooper (SST) by Robert A. Heinlein is the book that introduced me to science fiction. Because of this and Mr. Heinlein's story telling ability, this book has always had a special place.
Anyway, SST is Mr. Heinlein's vehicle for looking at society and asking what people should do for it. While told against the backdrop of a war against aliens, the book is more about the hero (Juan Rico) growing up and looking at society. Rather than glorifying war, Mr. Heinlein confronts the ugliness of war (several characters are described as missing limbs), explains why one should consider going into the service (given the circumstances described in the book, you only get to vote if you serve), and has Juan gain knowledge of what it takes to lead people.
While this book was written long ago, the technology described is still fresh. Mr. Heinlein's description of armored infantry in the future still remains the standard that others are measured against. This is surprising in many ways since technology has changed so much since the book was written. I'll close this of by saying this is a 5 star book! The questions Mr. Heinlein asks are meaningful, his descriptions of combat and training are great and packed with emotion, and I love the way Juan Rico struggles to understand everything, kind of reminds me of me trying to make sense of this world.
Book Review: A Great Work of '50s Science Fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
A classic of '50s science fiction, Starship Troopers is one of the most misunderstood books in pop science fiction, it is as much a comment on 1950s America as anything else. In 1959 sci-fi was considered only fit for adolescent males, and no sex or violence could be included--the greatest critisim of this book. It is book to read once a year, as every time there is something new. Eventually you will see that Heinlein is his own biggest critic. Most people either like it (for the wrong reasons) or hate it (having read half and getting to mad to see the finer points).