Ender's Game (Ender Quartet)
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Paperback
Helpful Score: 2
I can see why Ender's Game has won so many awards, including earning a place among the Top 100 books for young people. Although the story is very sci fi, it's actually an interesting discussion on children and how society treats our brightest, gifted kids.
The book begins with the government monitoring six-year-old Ender Wiggins, a child born as a result of specific government permission giving his parents the right to have a third child in a time when more than two is unheard of -- and even a source of shame. His two older siblings are also brilliant, but weren't quite right for the government's needs. Ender, on the other hand, is a perfect fit for Battle School.
At the tender age of six, he's taken from his family for the priveledge of attending Battle School in space. He won't see his parents again until he is 12, but he is escaping the clutches of his jealous and sociopathic older brother, Peter, who is bent on killing his superior sibling. Unfortunately, he also has to leave his beloved sister, Valentine, the only person in the world he really loves.
Ender is a fascinating character. I had to keep reminding myself that he was only six -- like my own son. His genius shows through in every exchange, but Card also does a good job of showing that albeit exceptional, Ender is still a little boy. He makes mistakes. He has regrets. In the end, I was reminded of another child genius in literature -- Charles Wallace from A Wrinkle in Time. Both antisocial, both brilliant, and both fascinating characters I won't soon forget.
My only criticism abotu Ender's Game is that some of the battle practice scenes get a bit repetitive. They all serve a purpose in showing Ender's growth and development, but they wore on me a bit. I enjoyed the secondary story highlighting Peter and Valentine's efforts to stir up rebellion back on Earth, posing as adults on the Internet and using their superior intelligence to herd adults toward war - just to see if they can. It's great stuff.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and am glad I can say that I've read this classic. I loved the characters -- but wish it was just a bit less military-focused. I think young men will love this book, and anyone that loves science fiction should definitely give it a try.
The book begins with the government monitoring six-year-old Ender Wiggins, a child born as a result of specific government permission giving his parents the right to have a third child in a time when more than two is unheard of -- and even a source of shame. His two older siblings are also brilliant, but weren't quite right for the government's needs. Ender, on the other hand, is a perfect fit for Battle School.
At the tender age of six, he's taken from his family for the priveledge of attending Battle School in space. He won't see his parents again until he is 12, but he is escaping the clutches of his jealous and sociopathic older brother, Peter, who is bent on killing his superior sibling. Unfortunately, he also has to leave his beloved sister, Valentine, the only person in the world he really loves.
Ender is a fascinating character. I had to keep reminding myself that he was only six -- like my own son. His genius shows through in every exchange, but Card also does a good job of showing that albeit exceptional, Ender is still a little boy. He makes mistakes. He has regrets. In the end, I was reminded of another child genius in literature -- Charles Wallace from A Wrinkle in Time. Both antisocial, both brilliant, and both fascinating characters I won't soon forget.
My only criticism abotu Ender's Game is that some of the battle practice scenes get a bit repetitive. They all serve a purpose in showing Ender's growth and development, but they wore on me a bit. I enjoyed the secondary story highlighting Peter and Valentine's efforts to stir up rebellion back on Earth, posing as adults on the Internet and using their superior intelligence to herd adults toward war - just to see if they can. It's great stuff.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and am glad I can say that I've read this classic. I loved the characters -- but wish it was just a bit less military-focused. I think young men will love this book, and anyone that loves science fiction should definitely give it a try.
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