Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card
This is a novel I’ve read before (though many, many years ago) and it’s always ranked highly on my list. At the same time, I’ve seen it referenced many times by others as a sci-fi classic and I’ve had to wonder if I’ve been somewhat influenced in my assessment. So I decided to give it another go.
It turns out to be just as good as I remember it - though some parts don’t quite make the impact that they did when I was 13, others make a greater impact given my new reference point. The extreme characters of Ender (Andrew) and his family are believably portrayed and the coldness/hostility of his environment is palpable. The entire situation in which he finds himself is fascinating and I love the look into his motivations and intellect. And then lastly, which is what helps to make it a great book, it’s just a fun romp through what-if with a bunch of hyper-intelligent kids playing a game I really wish existed.
So try this out, if you get the chance. It’s a quick read, a lot of fun, and a pretty stimulating book, all rolled into one package. I seem to recall the sequels being a bit odd, but perhaps that’s because I was 13 - so maybe I’ll give them another chance… maybe.
Forgot to add: 10/10
