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Ender’s Game (Ender's Saga, #1)

Orson Scott Card

Start date: January 1, 2021

Finish date: January 31, 2021

Discussion: New School Classics- 1915-2005

Why we're reading this: January 2021 New School Group Read

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New School Classics- 1915-2005

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What Members Thought

Dec 31, 2012 Sean rated it did not like it

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7 likes · Like · see review

Jul 28, 2018 Franky rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult, 2018-book-challenge, sci-fi

I know that Ender’s Game is mostly highly regarded—and also sometimes very polarizing-- in the circle of sci-fi fans.

I suppose some of the novel’s premise is interesting albeit very disturbing-- training and breeding children to fight for Earth vs. aliens. However, how the premise is executed and carried out is what bugged (probably a bad choice of word) about me about the book.

One thing that was so distracting and underwhelming was the dialogue, which was alternately bizarre and/or cringewort I know that Ender’s Game is mostly highly regarded—and also sometimes very polarizing-- in the circle of sci-fi fans.

I suppose some of the novel’s premise is interesting albeit very disturbing-- training and breeding children to fight for Earth vs. aliens. However, how the premise is executed and carried out is what bugged (probably a bad choice of word) about me about the book.

One thing that was so distracting and underwhelming was the dialogue, which was alternately bizarre and/or cringeworthy. The characters, in particular the boy’s on in the Battle School with Ender, are such one dimensional bullies, saying the lamest lines ever in trying to be “cool.” and there was this odd number of “potty” insults from others to Ender that I found very strange and odd. Because of this, the characters are very generic and sometimes so cardboard that you might be able to literally pick them up and prop them next to your fridge or something.

Also, I found some parts to be a bit unbelievable. I know it is sci-fi but the notion of Ender seemingly winning every time seemed improbable. Also, the children are supposedly amazingly intellectually gifted, yet when they interact, they often resort to infantile and juvenile dialogue, saying things like “poopy face” to another kid.

Moreover, the “action” is kids playing out video game scenarios and simulations with other kids, while the adults look on and mastermind everything that is being played out. This was repetitive and not that engaging.

Also, the book is way too political at times.

Overall, Ender’s Game was sort of a mediocre science fiction read for me. I know that some people hated the ending and the latter parts of the book, but I actually thought the last third or so of the book is where things finally come into focus and make sense. I think had I read this novel as a child I might have liked it; as an adult, I am fairly indifferent to it.

Next time I need a sci-fi fix I’ll go with Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Ursula K. LeGuinn, or similar authors.
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Jan 04, 2021 Donna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The ever popular, classic sci-fi novel about young Ender Wiggins who is selected for training as a potential fighter and commander in Earth's combined space forces in preparation for a most certain future attack by the "buggers." The book explores warfare and battle tactics in zero gravity as well as questions about the human characteristics and qualities of a truly outstanding leader in war.

Of course, the trainees in the interstellar Battle School that Ender attends are all children (Ender arr ...more

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Apr 19, 2018 Jennifer Custer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science-fiction

It had been some years since I last read this book. Seeing the movie, I wanted to re-read it. Books can give you a perspective not found in the film.
Now older, I was able to appreciate this book much more than the first time around. Mr. Card was able to take words and form a story that brought emotion to my mind. Breath taking in imagery. Horrifying from a child's persective. Beauty in simplicity.
I wanted to cry throughout the book. Slow down and speed up the sentences. Each word bring forth t ...more

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