Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card

Andrew Wiggin is the 3rd child in a family of ‘born leaders’. At this time in history, the 3rd child in any family is given to the government to train militarily for the galactic wars of the times when he’s school-aged. Older brother Peter is cruel and taunting. Sister Valentine is kind and nurturing. Both are sorely missed when Andrew, nicknamed ‘Ender’ goes to battle school.

His one reward in a sadistic, punishing environment at Battle School is the game: much more advanced than Zelda, this game offers Ender intellectual and skills challenges that lead to nightmare dreams to solve the puzzles presented in upper levels of the game.

As Ender navigates his way through Battle School, Orson Scott Card presents a unique view of the cruelty of childhood relationships.  Ender gives another perspective with his views of the alien cultures coupled with his memories of his family. Few friendships are ever formed as Ender is represented as a small, know-it-all, pretentious 6 yr old with  outbursts of uncontrolled rage. 


Following Ender through Book One in the series, one gets changing visions of him. Plot developments stun and wow the reader demanding that they rush to read Book 2 (Speaker for the Dead), Book 3 (Xenocide), and Book 4 (Children of the Mind). I definitely want to hear the ‘award-winning actors’ read the book on CD Spoken Word.


Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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