Starship Troopers

This title's status as a science fiction classic is undeniable, and yet I didn't find it to be the "impossible to put down" experience that many others claim. The plot leaves something to be desired, but the world is fleshed out well and various plot twists along the journey keep your interest. I would argue that the protagonist doesn't appeal enough, however, and throughout his trials and tribulations you feel more like you're reading a monotonous biography than a science fiction masterpiece. All in all a good read, but I would recommend some of Heinlein's later works instead, perhaps. "Friday", in particular, seems to have all of the character development that this classic tale lacks.