100 MUST READ SCIENCE FICTION NOVELS: 'The Forever War' by Joe Haldeman #booktube

Jules Burt requested some talk about 'The Forever War' when I mentioned it a while ago, so here is my take on this classic Hard SF Military novel with a reading from my book '100 Must Read Science Fiction Novels'.
#sciencefictionbooks
#bookcollecting

[spiraldaddy]

I really enjoyed this book because there is an element of getting on different timelines just from traveling from one destination to another by continuing a war that switches its point and purpose over time. There is a feeling of losing purpose through travel and shifting time.

[JJasonHicks]

Awesome. I'll checknit out. Thanks!

[sciencefictionreads]

One of the first Science Fiction books I read when I walked out of the bookstore with 5 random choices back in 2015, and the book that introduced me to time dilation in the form of space travel!

[JulesBurt]

Thanks Steve. Can't believe I've not read this👍🙂

[littleredflying-fox]

I really enjoyed this book, having read it after Starship Troopers, and am sure it is polemic. Heinlein wrote his in 1959, and Haldeman in the early 70s. Both deal with war, but are products of the time in which they were written. Heinlein in a time when wars could be "winnable", and Haldeman when there is an increasing disillusionment with war. Another book in the same vein is Bill the Galactic Hero (1965) by Harry Harrison. Great video as always!

[richardking]

I’m in the midst of listening to Forever War at the moment. I’m loving it. As you said, I don’t know how I’ve not come across this before now. I dug it out because you mentioned it in your 25 recommended books post.
I’m not clear which version I’m listening to, sadly, and I’ve contacted Audible to enquire but they were (surprisingly) unable to answer the question. They couldn’t even tell me who published the version, so I could pursue it that way. I’d hoped that your discussion of the differences would help me, but it was a bit too vague to be able to tell. I’m just reaching the relevant bit, too. Thanks anyway!

[ColinMcAlister-kilt]

I’ve got the newer Masterworks edition (yellow) of the Forever War. Looking forward to it. Even as an avid reader of SF for neigh on 40 years I still come across loads of classics that I’ve not read yet. I’m slowly rectifying this.

[HasteWriting]

There's a line in The Forever War when they're shooting into an alien base and I'm going to butcher the quote, but it's something like "They performed an impressive imitation of panic." And that line hit me so hard. To this day I think of that line if I choose to kill ants, which I try ot to do. I can see them panic. Who am I to say that their fear and suffering isn't real?

[ernestschultz]

I enjoyed The Forever War. What I really want to comment about is the phrase "Hard SF". I always found it a little off putting. I have heard RingWorld and books like that called hard science fiction. That used to make me think the book was going to go into excruciating detail of warp drives and complicated maths. A better phrase, I think, is High Concept SF. What do you think Mr Outlaw Bookseller? I would like to hear your thoughts and opinions.

[felixskivor]

Hey, really enjoying the channel! Where can I get your ‘100 must read…’? As a new SF reader I have a feeling this will be an invaluable resource. Thanks!

[stephenmurphy]

Sorry Steve I can't make out the Bob Shaw book you mention @4:46. What is it? Thanks again!