Donating Heinlein Books to Active Duty Military and Veterans:
Like many science fiction fans in the world today I first fell in love with the genre through reading the stories of Robert A. Heinlein. I can’t remember if the first novel I read was “Starman Jones” (1953), or “Have Space Suit – Will Travel” (1958). One of those two titles I am sure. However you parse the data, my life changed after reading my first Heinlein story. As a kid, his stories carried me away to alien worlds and filled my heart with curiosity for what was lurking in the stars. This wonderment has led to a lifelong passion of all things science fiction.
Heinlein was a strong supporter of the military. Perhaps one of his most controversial books was his 1959 work “Starship Troopers.” Heinlein had served five years in the navy but left due to pulmonary tuberculosis. After his military service was over he and his wife Virginia created the “Patrick Henry League” to drum up support for a nuclear testing program in the United States, he came under fire from all sides for his views on the subject. It was said that “Starship Troopers” was written to explain Heinlein’s perspective on developing a rational nuclear strategy.
“Liberty is never unalienable; it must be redeemed regularly with the blood of patriots or it always vanishes. Of all the so-called natural human rights that have ever been invented, liberty is least likely to be cheap and is never free of cost.”
― Robert A. Heinlein, Starship Troopers
In my opinion, the political climate of the time created one of the best Science Fiction novels ever written. The book is essential reading in many military academies and certainly speaks to the heart and soul of modern day warriors. “Starship Troopers” was rejected as juvenile fiction and was a central reason why Heinlein began writing more mature works directed to an adult audience. I have read “Starship Troopers” at least three times already and know that I will read it again. There are remarkably few novels I will read more than once – even if I seriously dig them. Another one of my favorite non-Heinlein books is Joe Haldeman’s “The Forever War,” a book often portrayed as a response to “Starship Troopers” and its glorification of war. The glorification of war point is debatable, but I am glad “The Forever War” was written because it’s a magnificent novel.
On my Facebook feed today I noticed a post from The Heinlein Society that I am sure Robert would be proud to read and support. I am referring to the program Heinlein For Heroes that sends Heinlein books to active duty deployed military and veterans in VA hospitals. You can donate your Heinlein books in new or nearly new condition, or you can donate funds to the cause. I just hit the go button and made my contribution. I have books but umm I just can not part with them! The money I sent will help ship books already donated. Offworlders is not associated with Heinlein For Heroes other than believing and supporting the program. No kickbacks here! If you want to contribute to the program, or require further information, click this Heinlein For Heroes link to read all about the program.
“Citizenship is an attitude, a state of mind, an emotional conviction that the whole is greater than the part…and that the part should be humbly proud to sacrifice itself that the whole may live.”
― Robert A. Heinlein, Starship Troopers