 "An uncompromising examination of war..." | 2009-11-16 |
| - Reviewed By ericaverr3 |
Aside from being one of the most accurate descriptions of modern warfare in print, Ender's Game is a compellingly written story with a protagonist you will find hard to forget. Why Orson Scott Card felt the need to defend his classic sci-fi novel on amazon.com, I will never understand. Over 2000 reviewers have given it five stars. (Not to mention the fact that it won the Hugo and Nebula Awards.) We like your book, Orson! And for very good reasons.
The most frequent criticism leveled against this book is that the writing is too plain. In fact, the impact of this book is largely due to the simplicity with which the ideas, thoughts, and events are expressed. This is a book about war, which means that lyrical, poetic writing would have been completely inappropriate. The straightforward prose is perfectly suited to the topic. Moreover, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a no-frills writing style. Far too many authors get caught up in the sound of their own prose. It was a welcome relief to simply be able to read a story without having to stop and admire the cleverness if its author.
The other frequently heard criticism is that the characters don't act, think or talk like children. This is indeed true. But, they aren't supposed to. Ender's Game is a vastly extended metaphor about war. The very untypical children who fight the war against the "buggers" represent the very real children who fought in Vietnam (and in all wars). Your typical soldier goes straight from Senior Prom to bombing raids, and an 18-year-old is not by any stretch of the imagination an adult. Card's point that wars are, in reality, fought by children, is very well taken, so rather than get stuck on a literal reading of this book, reviewers should consider the fact that Card makes his point thoroughly, convincingly and without compromise.
Card's unwillingness to compromise in order to demonstrate the moral, ethical and social dilemmas that lie at the heart of warfare is what makes this book great. This is what speculative fiction is supposed to do, and I can only say that in Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card has succeeded where many more "realistic" authors have failed. |
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| "Amazing writing and an amazing read!" | 2009-11-06 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2RK960ZSBZQ |
| Ender's Game was my first sci-fi novel and remains my favorite to this day. The writing style is vivid enough to fully comprehend what is happening but vague enough to allow the reader to use his own imagination (as the author himself states). There has never been a fictitious character I have cared more for after reading a book than Andrew Wiggin. He represents to much in the human spirit. The primal instinct, the compassionate heart, the deep seated moral dichotomy between doing what one knows is right and wrong, and the ability to comprehend and accept consequences to ones action. There's a lot more here than just an action story about boys with laser guns in zero-gravity cubes and it is something every literate human should experience. |
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| "Great novel! Should be taught in English classes." | 2009-10-27 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3NLYKW28MUISN |
| Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is an emotional story that would fit very well in a high school curriculum. The novel takes place in the future but is highly rooted in the Cold War era. It tells the story of a young boy who is drafted by the military to be the world's hero in the final war against an alien race of insect-like creatures. The reader will be sympathetic to Ender and also be discouraged by him. The novel has amazing characterization. Readers should feel something for each character, no matter how minor. There are many supplementary materials for this book including sequels and comics to incorporate into teaching lessons. This book can also be taught alongside the Cold War in a social studies class. |
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| "Excellent book brought to life through narration" | 2009-10-26 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3GVKNRW0S5AZS |
| Long time fan of Ender's Game, I was delighted to get this audio production. The voice talent was spot on. Stefan Rudnicki and cast capture the pain, the stress, the struggle through voice. They tell the tale so well that it added a depth to an already outstanding story that I didn't think was possible. |
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| "Thoroughly and thoughtfully enjoyed" | 2009-10-25 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2G88IFSSK591Y |
Ender's Game is an incredible read. It took me a little while to get into. I did not feel as though I immediately connected with Ender, but after a few chapters I was thoroughly and hopelessly engaged. Recently, when speaking with a friend, I commented that I cannot imagine the intellect it takes to produce a book like this, and I maintain that stand here. It's phenomenal. I would have to put it up as one of the best books I've read.
The story is about a futuristic Earth, where space travel is not only possible, it's practiced. Not only that, but humans have engaged aliens in battle out in space, and the threat of a repeat hangs heavily in the air. This generates so much concern that the government decides to begin a search of children in hopes that they can find someone qualified enough to take on the aliens known as buggers. They find that someone in Ender and this is the story of his discovery, training and ultimate task. The ending is so surprising that it took my breath away. I reread it three times. The first time to make sure I read it correctly and the second and third times to experience again the shock of what had happened. It's amazing.
I know that this novel is used in many high schools, but as an adult, I read it for personal purposes and I wasn't disappointed. I know that there are other novels in this series, but Ender's Game can be a stand alone novel as it has a beginning, middle and end without any annoying cliffhanger endings.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. |
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| "Read it over and over..." | 2009-09-17 |
| - Reviewed By User: A17X8A8GRFULKO |
| A book that benefits from multiple reads. I read this book twice and year and find something new in it every time. Makes me grateful for the choices I have in my life and hopeful that I will do better with them. |
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