44 pages 1 hour read

Robert A. Heinlein

Starship Troopers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1959

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Robert A. Heinlein’s Starship Troopers, Juan “Johnnie” Rico enlists in the Federal Service of the Terran Federation to earn the right to vote and hold office. Selected for the Mobile Infantry, Johnnie undergoes grueling training, participates in a war against the alien Bugs and Skinnies, and rises through the ranks to become an officer, learning lessons in duty and leadership. Displayed themes include war and violence.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein receives a mix of praise and criticism. Readers appreciate its provocative take on militarism and citizenship, coupled with engaging action. However, some criticize its perceived endorsement of authoritarianism and lack of character depth. Despite divided opinions, it's considered a thought-provoking and influential work in science fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Starship Troopers?

Readers who would enjoy Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein are typically fans of military science fiction, exploring themes of citizenship, duty, and futuristic warfare. Comparable to Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and Dune by Frank Herbert, these readers appreciate intricate world-building and philosophical inquiries within a sci-fi context.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

1020L

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Siblings

Natural World: Space & The Universe

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Classic Fiction

Topics

Military / War