Rating: 
Summary: Good but not great
Review: Having just read Starship Troopers, I feel that this book waswritten well, and the characterization was structured well; howeverthe book was more like a political theory text book diguised as a science fiction novel. I see some of Bob's points concerning citizen responsiblity and harsher punishment towards criminals, but when I read a science fiction book, I like to read more action and a fast-paced adventure. Overall, the book wasn't totally dull like 2061 and The Hidden War, but I have definitely read better. In letter grade form, this book gets a C+.
Rating: 
Summary: ST is as relevant today as the first time I read it.
Review: My father read this book in 1960 as a brand new Airborneinfantry 2nd Lt. He introduced the book to me as a 12 yr old, and Ihave owned a copy of it ever since. During the interim, I have carried a copy of ST through army basic training, ROTC, airborne, air assault, and training as an officer. I have it with me now (very dog eared and 100mph taped) as a Major of Armor in B-H. Why? Simply put, this book has served me well,(with a choice few other texts), and has formed the basis for many discussions of values, philosophy, and citizenship among the soldiers with whom I serve. There is no perfect book, but ST causes one to think, reason, and even argue. Plus, anyone who has ever been a soldier can relate to the situations and characters Heinlein presents. I guess the best recommendation I can make for this novel is that wherever I am, I can pull it out, open it to any page, begin reading, and still feel drawn into the world he has created.
Rating:
Summary: Starship Troopers
Review: This book is excellent and is very easily in the top three ofmy favrotie Sci-Fi book's. Heinlein did a marvelous job the charicterdescriptions. It start's off good, and get's better by the chapter, page, and more. I love the charicter's and they are they are described very good. The action is the best I have seen in a long time, and the alien's were the best. I recommend this book to any one who A. Is a sci-fi fan B. Love's cool alien C. Love's space battles D. Just wants a good book to read.
Rating:
Summary: Read it and make your own decision
Review: I found this book to be one of the most interesting I have everread. I am amazed at the review your store has given. Specifically,child beating. Your reviewer could have read the book instead of write about it. RAH pointed out the stupidity of suddenly treating a child as an adult once it turns the age of majority.
The majority of the book takes place in boot camp, where Rico must deal with a number of crises, both physical and mental, in order to make it through alive. It climaxes in a military tribunal (NJP) where he is flogged for risking the lives of his mates. Once "combat" is faced, Rico realizes it is not fun, adventurous, or glorious. It is a duty, and an honor to be able to protect his planet. I think maybe a little more emphasis should have been made by RAH that war, up close and personal, is horrid.
The philosophy of the book is a major factor. I must say, as a vet, I tend to agree with a system in which those who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the system are the ones who vote.
Regardless of a person's political persuasion, if you have an open mind, READ THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Hook, line & Stinker!
Review: Starship Troopers & War of the Worlds were the hooks thatgot me into reading. ST dazzles with its' tale of technology &self-reliance. It's Heinleins' emphasis on personal responsibility and self-determination that so angers the liberals who cry FASCISM! while at the same time pushing ever-more federal Mommy & Daddy laws on the rest of us. Read Troopers. Take an amazing journey, cross swords with the Bug, and even learn some things about your own beliefs! :)
Rating:
Summary: Good, but unrealistic
Review: Good,readable book,but it is too unrealistic - it is too old.Itis vision of impossible future.At present we have better computersthen in the book. No use of virtual reality, aiming computers annd so on...
Rating:
Summary: Common misreadings of this book
Review: Many reviewers make mistakes about the society portrayed inthis novel. First is that citizenship can only be earned throughmilitary service. Not true. A number of alternatives are mentioned e.g. becoming a subject of medical experiments. Second is that this service is compulsory. Fact: all service is stricly volunteer. Once in the service one can quit at any time with the exception of actual combat i.e even people in military service can quit between battles. The penalty for quitting is only the loss of what is given for successful completion; the vote and the privilege of holding elected office. People who want to call this book fascist and militaristic will continue to do so; but keep the facts straight.
Rating:
Summary: This book is cool....
Review: Starship Troopers is my favorite book. I read it in mysophmore year of high school, on the recommendation of a friend. Iloved the gritty attitudes of the soldiers, as well as their pride, honor, and reality. I was bored at first with the philosophy, but once it I realized it made the story, I kept right on reading. I think the people who don't like the book missed the bottom line of all the philosophy: Only the people who really care about their country are allowed to run it. Those who care more about humanity's welfare then their own. Imagine my disappointment when I was rejected from the Marine Corps, after how much I liked this book! I think that this book ought to be an option for teachers to use in school, possibly in counterpoint to All Quiet On The Western Front.
Rating:
Summary: Not a child beater.
Review: When I first read this book a decade ago while still ateenager, all I saw was the military action and adventure. I haveread it many times since then, and there are many political and social aspects that I did not see at fifteeen. One thing that stands out in my mind is the subplot about the requirments for citizenship in a society. In American society we earn full citizenship at eighteen. The right to vote, the full protection of our inalienable rights, even our parents no longer have a legal say in our lives. For good or bad, for the benefit of society or its harm, we have our say. Price to us nothing, it is ours by virtue of birth. (Please, no one argue class or race, that is for another book review.) In Heinlein's future citzenship must be earned through self sacrifice made on behalf of the group. You earn the right to vote. Civil liberties are not denied to others, just the vote. This is not such a strange idea. Through out much of the history of democracy the vote has been limited to those who were thought to be able to place the concerns of society ahead of their own self interest. (Alright the powerful gave themselves the right to vote, but he who is powerful gets to be benevolent.) I would argue that limited voting rights did not make a beter society. That does not mean that Heinlein's ideas are not important for us to think about. Our Democracy puts the common good in the hands of the individual. If the individual has no love for the group how long can our group survive? Where is the line between self interest and group intrest? How do you develop group intrest in those who will replace you? Heinlein's ability to raise these questions is why he will be remembered as one of the great writers of the Mid-twentith century.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding socio-politico-military sci-fi novel.
Review: Outstanding book! The book is a multi-level effort that has two, separate storylines in it. The most obvious on is the story of John Rico, and his transformation from a typical young man of his century to a battle-hardened warrior. The second, underlying story, focuses on the need of every man and woman in a free society to giveback something to the society. In the case of Mr. Rico's world, the citizens of Earth cannot vote, and therefore become full members of society, unless they have served in the military. This story, which was very appropriate for its time (the 1950s) is especially important today
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