Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. It’s now an assignment for
high school. When did Sci Fi novels become assigned like those mind numbing
books like Lord of the Flies? Seems pretty cool. Wonder when Percy Jackson or
Harry Potter will become homework?
At any rate I decided to read this first book so I’m
prepared for the movie. I’ve heard others rave about this series and Card as an
author. Some even call him “Uncle Orson”. As a member of my church, he
pioneered the Mormon Sci Fi or Fantasy author field. His books have been on the
shelves for decades and he’s become an icon in the field.
But now that I’ve finished his first book what do I think of
him? Card has a pleasing appeal as an author. I can relate with his writing. He
tells a story in such a way as I’m not lost in heavy description and I can
understand the characters.
Well, some of the characters. Peter is downright scary but
that’s the point. I found Valentine sweet and caring, a joy to share time in
her head. The main character is Ender Wiggin and I certainly could empathize
with him right off the bat. I felt sorry for him and as the book continued I couldn’t
help but feel sad for all that he endures.
Again that’s the point. Orson Scott Card paints a world
where over population and war are handled differently. Children grow up
incredibly fast. I read somewhere that the age of your protagonist determines
whom your book is for. A main character who is 10 would have to be junior
reader. A main character whom is 12 has to be Middle Grade. A main character
whom is 16 has to be Young Adult. No young adult or adult would want to read
about an 11 year old. Sure it happens but that’s an exception so tow the line
and forget about. Please color within the lines and don’t rock the boat.
Yet in this book Ender is “Junior Reader Age” and yet
everything he experiences is meant for adults. He even thinks like an adult
right from the beginning before all the horrible things occur to him. Of course
this is explained away as he and his two siblings are geniuses so they think
older, but still this book stands out for its older thinking kids.
And I feel this doesn’t hurt the book one bit. It’s worthy
of the decades of praise set upon it. It is rough and hard and full of shocks
but certainly worth a read. If you like the rough future of Hunger Games, you’ll
like Ender’s Game too. It’s completely different but still hard and full of
tough questions and thoughts.
Personally I won’t be chasing down the other three books in
the series too soon, nor will I begin reading the companion series about
supporting character Bean called Ender’s Shadow. Apparently the Ender’s Game
movie is a blend of this book and Ender’s Shadow. But I won’t visit Ender’s
world for a bit. It’s a rough world and I personally need a break. I will
return later though because it’s definitely worth it.
