STARSHIP TROOPERS / Robert A. Heinlein / Book Review / Brian Lee Durfee (spoiler free)

Wherein our hero Durfee reviews the classic Science Fiction Novel STARSHIP TROOPERS by Robert A. Heinlein. 361 #StarshipTroopers #RobertAHeinlein #BookReview watch my top 30 science fiction novels countdown here • Video

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Watch my top 30 science fiction countdown here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp3alIRrpLOfmc0

[@MattGarZero]

Starship Troopers and Ender's Game were on the recommended reading list for the ROTC course I took in high-school. They were my introduction to sci-fi.

[@mikegammill2455]

That Is NOT the recruiter Juan is talking to. It is Jean DuBois, Lt Colonel, M.I. (ret'd). The discussion is taking place in the only required class in all high schools throughout the Terran Federation. History and Moral Philosophy. The class is intended to teach the basics of reasoning and responsibility to the students. The course Must be taught by a veteran, but does not indicate that it must be a Military veteran.

[@loudoesreviews]

The book and movie are very different. Like both.

[@kbanghart]

I read the book first, and so I couldn't stand the movie at all when it came out.

[@dustinneely]

This book pretty much invented the Military Sci-Fi genre. The Mech Power Suits rock! The Mech Suits are in the direct to video sequel Starship Troopers 3.

[@stuka80]

I think you're focusing on the wrong points of the book, its not necessarily anti war or pro war, the novel is more about personal responsibility, civic virtue and the duties of a citizen. War is just a peripheral consequence of that. Anyway i loved the movie when i saw it as a kid, then one day as an adult decided to read the novel and absolutely loved it even more. the movie and novel are great but for different reasons. I read alot and this novel is probably my favorite book and totally different from my usual reads, which are mostly philosophical or military history based, and that says alot when a fictional novel takes the cake.

[@melsbookshelf]

Another great review, Brian! I enjoyed the movie too! I hadn’t realised the book was written so long ago, or that it was so different!

[@kbanghart]

What I also like about the book was I think it was the first use of powered armor in a well-known science fiction story. Sadly, the movie left that out.

[@bunnygirlerika9489]

Her name was Carmencita, Carmen for short. Finally read this book and really liked it, binge read it in a day an half (could have been a single day, but i take plenty of breaks so i dont burn myself out).

[@jamesfetcho6315]

Hell! I didn't even know it was a book. The cover is very cool. Lawnmower Man Short Story by S. King and The Movie have nothing in common, except the Name. Nice review. 👍

[@cmmosher8035]

I read this when I was about 15 a few years before the movie came out. Personally I think both are great in their own way. I picked up a new copy of the book but I haven't reread it yet but I am looking forward to doing it soon.

[@carlagrubbs6392]

I've read Heinlein's Have spacesuit will travel. Loved it haven't read any others yet, but he's on my list.

[@JoelAdamson]

Damn. I had a copy of this in grad school and I can't remember why I didn't read it. That was a weird time of my life.

[@ericgrasby6207]

Same here, brother. Grad school was a very weird time in life

[@danecobain]

I'm hoping to get to this one sooner rather than later!

[@JoelAdamson]

Reminds me of a quotation from Ernest Hemingway where he said a writer's job is never to take sides but to understand everyone.

[@joebrooks4448]

"Walk Softly, But Carry A Big Stick"

[@johnroos5807]

Starship Troopers was the reason I enlisted in the USMC in 1987. I first read it in 1977. The movie was Sh!t!:( Semper Fidelis

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Cool. Thank you for your service!!!

[@kbanghart]

LOL I agree, I read the book before I ever saw the movie, I was so incredibly disappointed by the movie lol. The story, but also because most of the actors were very mediocre.

[@Sactown15]

I grew up with the movie. I plan to read the book at some point.

[@stuka80]

there's an audiobook available here on youtube, i highly recommend it.

[@neilcampbell9383]

Great review. I totally agree with you. I read it thirty years ago and it has stayed with me. Often categorised as some some of far right pro-war propaganda piece. It is a far more nuanced and intelligent read. Just discovered your channel and am enjoying dipping into your reviews. We seem to have read a lot of the same authors.

[@ronfisher5259]

One of my son’s friend said, after the movie came out, that “it was a movie based on the back of a paperback book “. Aside from the character names and the Bug planet names it’s pure Hollywood- although I do understand the director’s deliberate set-up of fascism.

[@electrichorseman7158]

Haven’t read the book , loved the movie ... I read Friday... that book is wild

[@ronfisher5259]

Another fantastic Heinlein book to read next would be The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, also Friday, and my fave: Citizen of the Galaxy.

[@scionofliberty2967]

Curious to know if you've ever read "Armor" by John Steakley?

[@codyt.346]

I listened to the audiobook, it kept me intrigued thru. But I was annoyed that the Prologue forshadowed awesome fights, mechsuits Vs Buggs! Nope, the best action scene was the Prologue... Also in the Prologue, the humans were fighting against some other alien race, and Rico was like, 'Man, I am glad we're not in a war with those Buggs! They are tough'. But the war with the Buggs was brewing when he was in Boot Camp. Rico's 1st battle was on the Buggs home planet. Then Rico goes Officer at his 1 year mark? Rico's timeline is a little funky. Rico's character was not really likeable or relatable. He is determined and brave, but he wasn't shown supporting his comrades (I'm sure he did off screen...) Also, the author brought up the Chaplin will fight alongside the troops. There was a Father in bootcamp who offered prayers ect... When Rico met his actual father who enlisted, I was confused B/C I thought he met his comrade in Bootcamp, the Father.. Overall, this was an enjoyable book, and it could have made an epic series. It's definitely ahead of it's time.

[@dalehenrickson6243]

You nailed it on the theme of the book

[@kbanghart]

Mostly, there's a little he left out, for example the right of those who have served to vote, and those who didn't serve, don't have the right to vote. Because, when you offer yourself in service to others, it means you are going beyond just your own personal desires and that you want to help society as a whole. Like, morals and behaviors are a big part of the book.

[@johnhelmich8311]

This is a book that must be read multiple times to grasp its message fully. Understanding Heinlein's life as documented elsewhere also helps to clarify the message.

[@johnhelmich8311]

You have the recruiter concern 100% wrong. The point was to explain it is dangerous, you may die, and think it over first. The society was geared to military rule and there is no intent to abolish the military for peace.

[@mcflonway]

How can you call yourself an author if you think the Starship Troopers movie is just action and killing bugs?! It uses those things to build a massive satire of fascism and it’s really well done. Karl is even wearing what is basically an SS officer uniform at the end!

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Its honestly been almost 25ish years since I saw that movie. Forgive me.

[@liamschulzrules]

The movie is about a group of friends joining the Nazi war machine