Starship troopers is an interesting book. Like many people of my generation, I had seen the movie before reading (or even knowing of) the book... But I think Robert Heinlein's vision of the future (from a 1950s, post war perspective) is a very interesting and challenging one. I didn't exactly enjoy the book like it do the movie, but it definitely got me thinking more than the movie ever could, so it is not something I regret reading.
I did some more research into the story behind the book and found that it was thought to be fascist propaganda when it originally came out. I am no expert on governments but I know a little and it never seemed to come across as fascist or even like a piece of propoganda (Unlike the movie, which does feel like propoganda), mainly cause it does not a glamorize the military or what it is like to join and become part of a military (which is what the book is about). However, it does come across as extremely pro military and even pro-war. I don't agree at all with Heinlein's opinion he seems to take but I also cannot help but respect it for the way it is told. I really think Heinlien wants to make you think about how he views the themes of the book, rather than trying to force it upon you without thinking... and I think for that reason it is about as far from a piece of propoganda that you could get.
That being said, I didn't exactly enjoy the book that much and I think that is my own fault. Realizing the book was science fiction from the 50's, I was expecting something very pulpy and light... Which I like. There are only a few battle in the books and the bugs are not as prevalent in the story compared to the movie... All these aspects take a back seat to the message behind it all. Still, I can't say the book didn't make me think and for that reason it is far more important and respectable than the movie.
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