Ender's Game - How to read sequels?

[Brooke]

What's the best way to approach the sequels? Should I read Ender's series first and then Bean's? Should I read Ender's Shadow right after Ender's Game? Should I read them in order of publication date or in chronological order?

Or is it one of those series where it doesn't matter?

[Sarah]

Having read all of the books, I'd recommend that you read Ender's Shadow first. Then the progression is up to you. It really doesn't make any difference whether you read the Ender or the Bean series first as the stories are entirely separate. However, chronologically, the Bean series would occur before the Ender series. All of them are excellent stories!

[Rhoda]

I read all of the Ender's books first and then started reading the Bean series. I liked Bean, but I felt like Card diminished Ender when he wrote Ender's Shadow. I can't say more without giving anything away in the book, but am I the only one who feels this way?

[Sarah]

I felt just the opposite, Rhoda. First, I understood the role of Bean because, as a member of the military, I am aware that they never do anything with out redundant back up measures. So, the story of Bean actually made the story of Ender more complete for me. And second, seeing Ender through Bean's eyes and the absolute respect and devotion he commanded, the way that Bean loves him, made me love Ender all the more.

[Rusty]

I have to agree with Rhoda that Ender was somehow diminished in Ender's Shadow. This is coming from the perspective of reading Ender’s Shadow first. I know what you’re thinking – why would anyone do that? Basically I had a long commute, the local library had Ender’s Shadow on CD, and it looked interesting. Anyway, after reading (listening to) Ender’s Shadow, I really had no desire to read Ender’s Game. For whatever reason, Shadow did not endear Ender to me at all. So I resisted reading it until I joined this book club. Of course, now I’m glad I did – I really liked the book. But it seems as though Card was so anxious to flesh out Bean that he neglected Ender in the parallel book.

[J-Lynn Van Pelt]

Wow! I have to agree with Sarah (and am saddened to see the Ender bashing =( for Shadows). I LOVED Ender's Game when I first read it--way overidentified with the children and thought, in an odd futuristic way, that it told a part of my collective life story. As a result, I was reluctant to pick up Ender's Shadow, but was so glad when I did. While I love Bean's character, I think Ender shines all the more in Shadow because (like Sarah said) we see the love and devotion that he inspires. Plus, seeing Bean struggle with who is the better leader for the job and always coming up with the answer of Ender, solidified my love of Bean and Ender. Bean's love for Ender enhanced my understanding of Ender and my love for his character.

Brooke,
For your original question, I would suggest reading Ender's Shadow immediately because it is the companion novel and you get a more well rounded understanding of the characters and events.

Then, it is up to your individual preference. The Ender series is very philosophical while the Bean series is based on global politics. Choose the theme that best interests you and then work your way through.