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" Robert A. Heinlein, known in his lifetime as the Dean of Science Fiction, is at his finest in this enthralling tale of warfare in the distant future. The action is seen through the eyes of Johhny Rico, a wealthy kid who comes to understand there's more to life than money.
The story of how Juan Rico grows from a spoiled rich kid into a Mobile Infantry soldier leading the fight against the arachnid Bugs, told in the first person, is a captivating tale of development and transformation. The listener’s attention is grabbed in the first minute, and the interest never lags.
Heinlein creates the ultimate tough guy, the toughest and most capable badass in fiction, in drill sergeant Charles Zim. Many other colorful and unforgettable characters are encountered in this epic story. Heinlein is the acknowledged and unchallenged master of character development, and this is the finest example of his craft.
According to Wikipedia, this novel, which received a Hugo Award, is the only science fiction novel on the reading lists of four out of five of the United States military academies, as well as the official reading lists of the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps. It has been in continuous print since its first printing in 1959.
This book gave rise to innumerable copycat stories. It is an original, unique, unprecedented masterpiece. It is the finest work of the finest author of science fiction ever.
It is a must read for any SF fan.
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- Dolph Flint, 7/16/2018
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" Not at all like the movie. This could almost be the story of any marine recruit. Very insightful, and Heinlein's ideas on society, political theory, war, morality and more are woven throughout. Thought provoking. Not the usual action/adventure sci-fi tale. "
- Rick Fischer, 4/16/2018
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" Interesting book though it has no apparent plot. "
- Jianna, 2/20/2014
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" An interesting piece of military sci-fi, though the focus was more on the military and not enough on the sci-fi. Only about 20% of this book was action, and the rest was boot camp/training/philosophy of war/etc. Actually this book was a bit too self-serious and while I have to agree with pretty much every point it made, it felt a bit too preachy. This would be an interesting book for a Basic Military Strategy course but for rip-roaring action, check out the tongue-in-cheek movie adaptation instead. "
- Mark, 2/16/2014
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" This is an interesting book to read and good to juxtapose with the film version (which features opposing sentiments). "
- Matthew, 2/16/2014
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" great book talking about military, politics and society. This futuristic world is incredible but terrifying. Get involve into this book as i had. "
- Carlos, 2/10/2014
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" Great read, amazingly ahead of its time. SO much you can take from this book... had a big influence upon me. Would recommend to most young teenage men :) "
- Crispin, 2/3/2014
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" The only reason that this book is not a 4 star or higher is because Heinlein goes into exhaustive detail about the origins, structure, psychology and military Hierarchy of the Mobile Infantry. the story itself is fantastic and has a good blend of action, humor, and touching moments. THe downside is the narrative comes to a screeching halt whenever Heinlien goes on a tangent. So three stars. "
- Luek, 1/31/2014
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" I liked this book a lot, Johnnie's voice and his self-irony are fun to read. It really felt like being with him during the boot camp and the beginning of his soldier career. Storytelling of the book is great even if don't agree with everything. Some of the opinions are really controversial but it's good to be forced to think. "
- Kasenka, 1/29/2014
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" Can't believe I've never read this. Really made me think about war and conflict and the moral position. "
- Christelle, 1/21/2014
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" not better or worse, but very different from the film version. less action and more political talk and discussion of the validity of corporal punishment in modern society. "
- Brianosaurus, 1/11/2014
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" One of my all-time favorite books period. "
- Phil, 11/25/2013
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" as enjoyable a read now as when I first read it in my teens! Heinlein handled the ending poorly - it seems abrupt, as if he got to a publishers deadline and was tired. otherwise, an engrossing read. "
- Gary, 11/3/2013
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" A fascinating piece of military sci-fi - less about action and high-tech gadgets, more about politics and moral philosophy. "
- Corey, 10/22/2013
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" This book was to say the least great. "
- Wil, 9/15/2013
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" no ending :( "
- Bryan, 5/4/2013
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" Probably one of the best and most important sci fi book to read. "
- Terence, 5/17/2012
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" totally awesome - one of my faves of all time!! "
- Kim, 1/15/2012
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" This was my first Heinlein book and was a great read. Heinlein has a great way of making the action come alive through his detailed descriptions. I'll definitely be reading more Heinlein books. "
- Ryan, 10/18/2011
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" The book is better than the movie, hands down. Lots of interesting philosophical ideas about duty, honor and what makes a person worthwhile. "
- Chris, 6/5/2011
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" Nice read. Could have less political view and more action.
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- Jon, 5/23/2011
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" Gran libro de aventuras, pero también mucho seso político. La narrativa de Heinlein hace que vuelva a él por lo menos una vez al año, desde que lo compré por primera vez... hace como 18 años.Si bien es un facista, es un facista entretenido.
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- Speedy, 5/19/2011
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" Reading this side by side with Johnny Got his Gun should be required of every high schooler. I should emphasize, the book bears no resemblance to the "film" of the same name, which is an abomination against all that is good.
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- Dave, 5/17/2011
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" I have to read this for science and let's just say I'm moving through this book VERY slowly. Very terrible and doesn't appeal to me.
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- Madiebabii97, 5/15/2011
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" Don't judge the book by its movie. Only the title is the same.
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- Susan, 5/13/2011
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" I honestly don't remember much of the end. Although I do remember about the first half. I know some people are saying this is boring but it's really not. If you just have a set time that you will sit down and PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL then it can be a really fun book.
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- TikiPaws12, 5/13/2011
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" impressive description of a soldiers career and of fights.
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- Chris, 5/11/2011
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" I'm a Heinlein fan from way back and I enjoyed this book except for it's intensive military tone. It's just not me...more my husband's type of book.
Otherwise, okay. Loved the movie, though!
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- Mamasoo, 5/11/2011
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" I've rarely labeled books according to the gender of their audience, but Starship Troopers is a total guy's book---a military/space alien, there-you-are kind of story. I didn't fancy it. Men seem to enjoy it more.
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- Stephanie, 5/9/2011
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" Liked this more than I thought I would (based on movie version). More about main character.
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- Mckinley, 5/4/2011
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" This is the one that hooked me on Heinlein. Much more exciting and imaginative than the movie.
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- Frank, 5/2/2011
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