2009-10 The Forever War - Initial Thoughts *no spoilers*

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

Please let us read if you're still reading, or planning to read, the novel. No spoilers please!

[Jim]

I've read this several times & loved it each time. I'll read it again for this discussion. It's been a few years.

[Jon]

I read The Forever War (click here for my review) in July (this past summer). I was on a quest to read all the classic military science fiction greats including Starship Troopers, Armor and the neo-classic Old Man's War. I have one to go - Dorsai - and then I can put this subgenre to rest. :)

[Nick]

I finished The Forever War two nights ago. I can well see why everyone who knows the novels wants to compare it to Starship Troopers. Forever... is an after-Vietnam take (without being totally pacifist)on the same story. I'll wait until the "Spoilers" thread to write any more about that. I'm surprised I didn't read it back in the '70's. I was an adolescent male who read a lot of Ben Bova -- I let this one go by me I guess.

[Jim]

Jon wrote: "...I have one to go - Dorsai - and then I can put this subgenre to rest. :) "

You really should read the first few Dorsai books. They're really good.

[Cliff]

Just started it today. I'm really looking forward to the discussion, I'll just have to watch out for spoiler threads.

[Ron]

I read this in '79 or '80, and have lost my copy in the meantime. I liked it then but don't feel compelled to read it again. I know people want to compare it to 'Starship Troopers'; another worthwhile comparison would be with Lem's 'Return from the Stars'.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Jim wrote: "You really should read the first few Dorsai books. They're really good."

Off topic--I spent some months collecting the Dorsai & related books, scouring used book stores, but I have not yet read them. One of many series on my shelves waiting for me...

[Random]

From what I had heard of this book, I really expected something very different than what it turned out to be. Happily, this turned out to be a good thing. :)
From the descriptions I had heard, it makes me think they either did not fully read the book (skipped a lot of material) or did not comprehend it.

Much better than Starship Troopers (which I have to admit to despising).

Overall an interesting read. Looking forward to the spoiler threads.

[Mawgojzeta]

I read this book several years ago and enjoyed it. I had Forever War, Forever Peace and Forever Free for a trip to Canada (stayed on a private island). Although I remember enjoying all three books, I just can't seem to remember any details about them.

I just started re-reading it last night. Already enjoying the book and intend to re-read all three.