Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
Johnnie Rico had no actual intention of enlisting, let alone in the infantry. He is aware that everyone in his unit may end up owning the farm in the intergalactic conflict the Terran Federation is fighting against the Arachnids now that he is in the midst of it and trying to go through military training, which is more difficult than anything he could have imagined.
as the Mobile Infantry is an all-fighting unit. Additionally, the Bugs are more than willing to complete the task if the training doesn’t kill you.
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
56 used from $1.88
Free shipping
Amazon.com
This is a futuristic battle narrative involving alien foes and cutting-edge weapons. This novel is so grounded and realistic; everything about it, from the way the characters speak and interact to the way they use their weapons to how the military is organized, is just wonderful. A day in the many lives of a soldier engaged in combat with his platoon(s) against the Bugs, constantly on the move and learning from each event. It reads like a first-person account of Juan Rico’s experiences serving in the Mobile Infantry Division of the Terran Federation, with the narrative starting just before his enlistment.
Earth is real, many historical events referenced and discussed in this book are true, and they are frequently used as instances of philosophical ideas. The universe in this book is not entirely made up. Most of the pages are spent within Juan Rico’s head, and Heinlein does an amazing job of beautifully expressing Rico’s experiences and thoughts.
The argument appears to encourage militarism. Although there are very few lines in the book that genuinely delve into the lives of people, nor is there any communication between them, it characterizes them as “happy”. The few pages prior to Juan Rico registering to join the Federation and becoming a “civilian” himself contained the majority of allusions to civilians if any at all.
Juan Rico, the son of successful Filipino businessman Emilio Rico, tells the story of Starship Troopers from his point of view. Juan’s father, who is a civilian with considerable wealth despite his lack of political influence, reprimands him when he says he wants to become a citizen. The pressure from his friend “Carl” (no full name given) and high school flame Carmen Ibanez eventually leads Juan to cave. Intelligence is a requirement for military service, and Juan hopes to enrol at the Naval Academy, where Carmen plans to enlist. Juan, however, is not the neighbourhood’s brightest kid.
Rico only manages to pass the requirements for Mobile Infantry, the lowest branch, whilst Carmen gladly accepts admittance into the Naval services and Carl is accepted into Research & Development. He joined the group to be with his pals, but after that day he never sees them again save for a few fleeting seconds here and there.
Soon after, Rico is sent to Camp Arthur Currie, where 1st Sergeant Charles Zim will be closely watching over him. Rico receives training in these conditions to become a weapon of war. Training takes up most of the days, so Rico and many other recruits learn to nap throughout the morning jogs without skipping a beat. Disobedient recruits or those attempting to evade their responsibilities are often publicly flogged…
