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 an older sci-fi novel that many will recognize from the movie that it is loosely based on. Do not expect a bunch of giant bug killing here…
Good read – recommended if you want to know how the authors intended story. If not already, this should be considered a science fiction classic.
Excellent sci-fi world-building with timeless moral philosophy foundation. I had only seen the action-thriller movie supposedly based on the book, but the complete text is much more filling and thought-provoking.
One of Heinlein’s best.
Like Stranger in a Strange land, Heinlein uses his story to explore alternate ways of looking at the human value system. What is “right”, “moral”, and “expected” depends on how a culture has developed, not some innate truth. He makes you think “what if”.
Classic
This is primo military science fiction first person narrative. The stories of Johnny Rico are very interesting and move quickly. (Note: The movies have almost nothing to do with the book, so don’t go looking for that.)
should be required reading for all young people
Exactly opposite to the movie in viewpoint and message!
I have loved this book since I first read it. I picked more of what Heinlein was getting at about civic virtue on my second reading. I have read this novel well over 8 times if not more. I highly recommend it.
Heinlien is always good science fiction. His worlds have creative integrity. This one is worth a read for the sociology. I read it again and again.
A wonderful book that I first read as a teen, from my favorite sci-fi author.
One of my favorite books of all time. Heinlein at his best. Not just a sci-fi book, it makes you think. NOTHING like the movie!
I read this about every year or so, just a fun read. Some might be averse to the political ideas and/or the the subject matter. But I find it entertaining and thought provoking.
Very cool, fun read.
This book gripped me from the very beginning. When I finished I was saddened that there wasn’t more.
Classic Heinlein. Much better than the Movie.
Classic!
First sci-fi book I ever read over 50 years ago. A classic!
Probably my least favorite early Heinlein book, but still good.
I think I have read this book at least six times. Always a good read.