In Robert A. Heinlein’s controversial Hugo Award-winning bestseller, a recruit of the future goes through the toughest boot camp in the Universe—and into battle against mankind’s most alarming enemy…Johnnie Rico never really intended to join up—and definitely not the infantry. But now that he’s in the thick of it, trying to get through combat training harder than anything he could have … could have imagined, he knows everyone in his unit is one bad move away from buying the farm in the interstellar war the Terran Federation is waging against the Arachnids.
Because everyone in the Mobile Infantry fights. And if the training doesn’t kill you, the Bugs are more than ready to finish the job…
“A classic…If you want a great military adventure, this one is for you.”—All SciFi
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This is vintage Heinlein at his very best, and very deserving of the Hugo. The characters and situations ring true. Heinlein can be very opinionated, but (to me) it never interferes with the story. In fact, it makes his stories more believable, because the internal logic of the plot is true to his viewpoint. This is a fascinating read.
Gives thought on alternative ways to run government.
I have enjoyed RAH ever since a friend of my brought them to my attention in High School. Before that, I typically read Reader’s Digests.. I loved this story…
This is not only a great action story, it is also a serious approach to political science–something that the motion picture director completely ignored and in fact perverted, turning a story of democracy into neo-fascism. Written during the Cold War, the alien “bugs” represent the Communist threat, and the author argues that only people willing to sacrifice for the good of the state should be trusted to lead that state.
A fantastic read filled with narrative about the duties and responsibilities of citizenship that resonate especially well in today’s society. Much, much better than the film!
Classic Sci-FI. Needs to be in every library.
Interesting thoughts on current society in a science fiction military novel.
Not at all like the ridiculous movie. A great story about duty, sacrifice, and becoming a man. Highly recommended.
If you hated the movie, read the book. It is like they came from different worlds. Heinlein proves once again he was the premiere master scfi writer of his generation. Oh, why limit him, he was the best. If you read the book be ready to go from start to finish in one sitting. If you aren’t familiar with Heinlein you are in for the treat of your life. Enjoy!
This is a classic!
Sci-fi Classic
Honestly who hasn’t read it by now. Maybe the new generation that is growing up. Heinlen sure was a forward thinker for his time. Has stood the test of time. Made into a horrible movie and several cartoons I believe. Movie could have been so much more.
Love the book. Read it every few yrs. Just like most of Heinlein books.
Great book, lousy movie
This is a classic, and anything I could say about it has been said before. If you like science fiction, or think you might like it, then this book is required reading.
I watched the movie which is only an extremely pale reflection of the book. A fantastic Scion book.
I read this book when I was in the 7th grade, in 1975. It made me think that maybe Infantry was a MOS worth looking at, reinforced the ideals of loyalty to a cause bigger than myself, that being elite didn’t mean you were arrogant, and maybe Airborne Infantry was better than pushing a pencil in personnel. I started playing harder, did more in the Boy Scouts, and worked harder during my summers. And, when I joined the U.S. Army, I enlisted with the intent of joining the 82nd Airborne Division. So, yes, books can influence a life.
I originally read this as a young man and now I still think it is a great book. The main character development is Johnny Rico going from a unformed teenager to a veteran soldier. The book spends a fair amount of time discussing the why’s of service and why Johnny serves. The action sequences are great and illustrate the character development. The Mobile Infantry concept in the book WAS science fiction but if you talk to the people in DARPA (Defense Research) you will find we are half way there.
Like all great literature this book stands the test of time for engaging characters, engrossing plot and sweeping world view. A long time favorite.
Love Heinlein!!
I first read Starship Troopers when I was still a child (I’m 71). Heinlein was and still is regarded as a master in the world of science fiction. I have all his books.
A thousand times better than the movie!
Heinlein is the best!