Starship Troopers is very good read. Written from a '50s mentality. Love how to be a leader in government, you actually have to serve your county in the military. I remember reading it and picking up quite a few innuendos. Been a while since I read it. Bos, if you break down the story in class, let know the highlights!(I was a History Major in College & taught 5-8th History for 6 years on the Westside of Chicago...so I dig anything Histo.)
Another book I feel doesn't get a lot of respect is Battle Field Earth. I actually thought it was well written for a cultish author.
Bummer on the dinky, midwestern towns. You could join the Navy & see the world =)
Or you could join the lesser branch of the Navy, the Marines, and see it one step at a time?