Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
1959 / 208 pgs. (84,769 words) Sci-Fi/Philosophy

A curious narrative that could easily be finished in a couple of hours. A novel that at first appears as a future war narrative is also a philosophical discussion on the wrongs in American Society. The story starts with a simple bounce-and-drop mission. However, like all warfare, no combat goes as planned. At the end of the first chapter, Dizzy is dead, and they move back to the rendezvous point to evac as planned.

Returning to high school, the commentary builds from Johnnie and how he enlists in Federal Service. Interestingly, in the book, all personnel that works in the recruiting building are discouraging Jonnie from joining, even the Sergeant at the desk with no legs and only one arm. Obviously, this is vastly different from enlisting in the service today. Johnnie ships off to Basic at Camp Arthur Currie (Named after Gen Sir Arthur Currie, Canadian Army).

The majority of the narrative is set at Camp Currie. Johnnie explains everything about basic training. One chapter is an explanation of how the mechanical suit works. After one incident, a deserter is returned to camp, and punishment is executed, Johnnie remembers a discussion in his History and Moral Philosophy class in High School. Heinlein uses this point to explain what he believes is wrong with 1950’s American society and how it could be changed. This is the section that explains why a citizen gains more rights than a civilian, for example, the right to vote. The famous quote in Chapter II, “A Citizen accepts the personal responsibility for the safety of the body politic, defending it with his life, a civilian does not” is expanded upon and clarified as to why the Federal Service was created and changed society for the better.

After basic, Johnny then reports to Camp Spooky Smith for climbing training and goes on leave in Seattle.  It is there that he and a few other troopers experience what some people truly think of those that serve in uniform. After training, our second battle occurs. This is the point where the novel picks up from the beginning of the book. He reports to the Roger Young (named after Corporal Roger Young, USMC, Medal of Honor) and joins Rasczak’s Roughnecks. Johnnie goes to Career and then reports to Officer Candidate School. During school, he is assigned to a unit as a Third Lieutenant and takes part in the battle of Plant P. After which, we reach the end of the book and his next drop as he leads his Platoon.

Starship Troopers is considered a classic Sci-Fi/Philosophy novel from one of the big three in Sci-Fi. It is a quick read; anyone could finish it in a day. Taking my hour allocation, it only took me 7.5 hours to finish the book. If one is looking for a book about a large space war, this is it as much is discussed on how the world is running in the future. As mentioned, there are a few spots of battle that do not disappoint. This novel is written as a narrative from Johnny Rico’s view, meaning much is what he thinks and recollects. Would I recommend it? It is not horrible, easy-paced, and does not get boring. Not a page-turner though, does not leave you at the seat of your pants.

Lopaka  

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka