Starship Troopers
Robert A. Heinlein
21 people recommended it in 15 threads, 2008–2024.
What people on Hacker News said
"Starship Troopers" and "Forever War" ought to be read in sequence. I can recall reading Haldeman at 15 and thinking "Hey! He's going after Rico's Roughnecks!" It was my first moment of literature as Great Conversation.
I don't agree with ideas in Starship Troopers but found them challenging my own worldview.
I don't care for the philosophy/politics, but I've read a lot of good sci-fi that I didn't care for the philosophy behind. I like Starship Troopers, which isn't as fascist as some people think but is certainly right-wing.
The fact that it's science fiction somewhat obstructs the satire present, namely citizens' relationship to war and violence as a national value.
The Forever War Joe Haldeman and Robert Heinlein’s Starship Troopers are also indispensable.
The original 'Starship Troopers' by Ray Bradbury was also a good read, and easy to miss if you're into more modern science fiction.
Where it comes up
- Military Reading List 2017 · 4 recommendations
- Ask HN: Best book you read in 2011 2011 · 3 recommendations
- The Best Science Fiction Books (According to Reddit) 2011 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read? 2024 · 1 recommendation
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- Ask HN: What book have you re-read 3x or more? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you plan to read in 2020? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are the best Sci-Fi books you've ever read? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: 2018 Summer Reading List? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Summer Reading List 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you wish you had read earlier? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2016? 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Please name two of your most favorite books. 2009 · 1 recommendation
- Articles, Ideas, Books and/or Concepts that have changed your life 2008 · 1 recommendation