Starship Troopers

As science fiction writers go, Heinlein is the best of the best. As writers in general, he also tops the list. His words are poetry, which, in this book, are a fantastic contrast to the premise of the book. Whether you enjoy science fiction or not, "Starship Troopers" is an allegory, a cautionary tale, and a glimpse into who we are and what we can become, both good and evil.

This book by Robert Heinlein is an action-packed space adventure featuring creepy insect foes in an interstellar battle with Earth. It follows Trooper Johnny Rico in an epic war story set on distant worlds.

The book features a number of combat engagements with gigantic insect-like “Arachnids” and other bug-like creatures. Meanwhile, several love affairs arise and crumble in the face of Rico’s commitment to the warrior life. While the book has been criticized as preachy and moralizing, these are foibles that I tolerated well, knowing that another action sequence would not be long in coming.

I have never read a book that more perfectly captures the day-to-day reality of military life. Having served in the Navy for over twenty years, I found Heinlein’s descriptions of shipboard life, basic training, and the camaraderie of brothers in arms to be pitch-perfect and laced with the subtle humor of cynicism that every sailor feels.

But beyond that, I was fascinated by Heinlein’s exploration of the ethics of war, and how the society in Starship Troopers was able to justify its actions against the enemy. Despite all they go through, none of the characters ever question why they’re fighting… show more.

While it is not as intellectually subtle or mature as Heinlein's later work, it has served as my blueprint for a life of self-reliance, discipline, and hard work. It is a stoicism-how-to book disguised as an entertaining yarn about killing bugs in space.

This book took the soft young man I was when I read it and made him hard. Then, Heinlein's later work made me balance that hardness with softness.

Reading Heinlein's entire body of work now allows me to observe the Tao revealing itself in the arc of a great man's life.

I read Robert Heinlein’s Starship Troopers as a kid. This novel was my first taste of true military science fiction.

I enjoyed following Johnnie Rico as he journeys from student to recruit in the Mobile Infantry. Then, as a soldier and later an officer, where he tastes the price of freedom. One aspect of this story I found interesting is the use of specialists with ESP powers to locate enemy tunnels.

If you’ve seen the movie, then you’re familiar with about four chapters from what is a pretty short, concise book. The book does have the bugs and the war, but it also has so much more. This was one of the books I read when young that opened my eyes about the constant struggle of the Individual vs. Society, and how neither is correct. This exploded my concept of reality on a socio-political level, and has left me questioning everything since then.

If there’s any one book that makes planetary invasion seem sexy, this would be it. Heinlein’s depiction of power-suited soldiers was definitely ahead of its time. I know this is intended as an anti-war novel. However, it gave me a better understanding of just how complicated armed conflict – interplanetary or otherwise – can be.

Heinlein’s book is a classic. It won the Hugo for Best Novel in 1960. Bring up the movies and you deserve a punch in the mouth — terrible. Planetary puke. But the book? Oh my, what a gem. Heinlein’s trooper tale is as much about mechsuited combat as it is about a father and son making peace. Reunification. Repentance. Reconciliation. Second chances. It’s got all the explosions and all the feels, too. All that in a science fiction novel makes for a wonderfully boredom-free weekend. May a hot cup of caf, grab a weighted blanket, and get ready to drop.… show more.

This book has a bad reputation. And maybe I am reading it wrong, or maybe others are. I’m not sure. The movie is unlike the book, a satire of fascism. I love the movie for that. But the book is different. It doesn’t show jarheads, but a society that has evolved. Whether it’s for the better or worse is open to interpretation, and in a time of war (it’s not called Starship Repairmen) it deals with the staple of all sci-fi, alien invaders. To me it’s a thoughtful book, despite the power armor and tactical nuclear grenades.

 This is a classic that was really far ahead of its time. So much of modern Military SF traces its origins to this story, and it still holds up today. From an interesting angle on politics, society, the military, and ethics, to gritty scenes of space combat (against the bugs!), the book is, of course, so much better than the film.

Don't even get me started on the film...*shakes head*...Heinlein was a genius, and that's never been more apparent when you read one of the first Space Marine books ever written. What I love the most about this book is… show more.