Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $5.19 You Save: $4.80 (48%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.32 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Starship Troopers
Book Review: A classic
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the classics of sci-fi. Some of the moralizing Heinlen does can be disturbing, but you have to remember when it was written and Heinlen's background-- he's a graduate of the Naval Academy. Also, the movie went way too far in trying to draw analogies to the Nazis. And of course, dropping the power suits! Might want to check out some other sci-fi books-- Area 51 series by Doherty who is a West Pointer-- interesting checking his views in his books against Heinlen's; The Time Patrol is neat; Dune, of course.Book Review: A classic flawed by pontificating
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Book Review: A classic science fiction novel that is a must read.
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading many reviews, I was skeptical whether the book could be that good. I found the book to be a good science fiction work but also a lesson in philosophy. Normally, I'm not interested in anything too deep but this was well done and not overpowering. For those wanting an action packed shoot-um up, this is a fair book. If you want some mental stimulation with some alternative ideas as well as a good read, I would highly recommend this book. It will be interesting to see how well the movie does at capturing the emotions and ideals developed in the novelBook Review: A controversial lesson for our world.
Summary: 5 Stars
Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers compels me to say that he is one of my favorite and one of the best Sci-Fi authors that has ever lived. Starship Troopers is witty, brilliantly descriptive, and it presents a way of life that might be more effective in this world. The controversial form of society presented in the novel has some very good points, though it might be a bit difficult to accept in our modern times. I personally think that humanity is becoming too complacent at times, and we need this sort of a society to spring us back into action.
The story is set with the background of a great war that will eventually decide the fate of the galaxy. The sort of "peripheral vision" method of description works very well in the novel. It keeps you locked in to the story while not allowing you to completely escape reality, thus forcing you to compare Heinlein's society with your own. The result is a chilling feeling that you might want to live in his world but be able take some comforts from home with you.
I personally think that this should be taught with part of a high school literature class, and it is a great read to, not just fans of Sci-Fi, but anyone who loves great literature.
Book Review: A controversial novel about coming of age in the future.
Summary: 5 Stars
Starship Troopers is Heinlein's best work. Supposedly written for a juvenile audience, I doubt many of them understood the philosophy and morals emphasized by the book. We follow the military career of Jaun Rico from recruit to seasoned officer. Along the way we learn about societal changes through future "history". Published in 1959, Heinlein acurately predicts the downfall of our youth, due to a lack of discipline and the failure to teach morals in school. The "history and moral philosophy" class discusses street gangs, youth violence, and many other problems of our time that had not happened in 1959. Some might think the philosophical aspect too right-wing, but many will overlook politics and see the truth in Mr. Heinlein's strong moralistic novel. Combat action aside, Mr. Heinlein points out that those who are not willing to die for freedom should not be allowed to take advantage of all freedom has to offer. There is plenty of action for those wh! o seek it. The battle scenes are intense. Don't judge this book by the poorly done film of the same title.