Ender’s Game (1985) by Orson Scott Card is one of those books that cleave to the reader’s interest as the story flies by on the page. Card has a story to tell and it shows in each and every sentence. The author is not writing for poetics or the beauty of language; he is writing for the story alone. I call this “precision writing.” Clean. Sharp. To the point. And what a story it is.
Earth has been invaded twice by an alien species called Formics, or “buggers,” which are insect like. In order to prepare for a third invasion, the International Fleet (I.F.) is training young children in hopes of preparing them for a final solution to the bugger invasion. I.F., however, intends to invade the buggers on their home world.
Orson Scott Card, American Sci-Fi Writer (born 1951)
Ender’s Game can be divided into three sections. The first section is Andrew Wiggin (aka Ender) on Earth and at school. In a world where families can only have two children, Ender is a Third, and he is also a genetic creation of modern science, making him a genius. At age six, Ender then is picked up by the I.F. and taken to Battle School.
Most of the book takes place at Battle School where Ender (from age 6-11) learns how to work in teams and take command of other soldiers who are children. While at Battle School, Ender becomes a legend and he graduates early.
The real exciting part of the book (which will likely be most of the movie) takes place at Command School on Eros. Ender and friends are further prepared for the third invasion by playing computer games, or flight simulations, using star fleets. Ender is pushed to the brink of insanity in order to prepare him as the top commander that will lead the star fleet against the buggers.
But first, he must pass the final examination. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Peter, Ender’s older brother, is planning to take over the world under the alias known as Locke. The surprise ending–during and after Command School (i.e., on Ender’s World)–really takes this book from story to epic.
So begins the Ender Saga.
Personally, I could not put this book down and finished it in about three days. It is such a great story and reminded me of the Dune Saga (1965) by Frank Herbert with Paul Atreides and company. Ender’s Game is classic Sci-Fi and a real page turner. A very strong recommend for those who love stories told extremely well.
Forthcoming: Conquergood & the Center of the Intelligible Mystery of Being; and, The Endless Endeavor of Excellence.
He has a B.A. in English, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership (honors), an M.A. in Literature (honors), and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Fiction. He was born in Texas in 1979.
You can follow the author on Facebook @ cg.fewston – where he has 470,000+ followers
“Readers of TheCatcher in the Rye and similar stories will relish the astute, critical inspection of life that makes Little Hometown, America a compelling snapshot of contemporary American life and culture.”
“Fewston employs a literary device called a ‘frame narrative’ which may be less familiar to some, but allows for a picture-in-picture result (to use a photographic term). Snapshots of stories appear as parts of other stories, with the introductory story serving as a backdrop for a series of shorter stories that lead readers into each, dovetailing and connecting in intricate ways.”
“The American novelist CG FEWSTON tells a satisfying tale, bolstered by psychology and far-ranging philosophy, calling upon Joseph Campbell, J. D. Salinger, the King James Bible, and Othello.”
“In this way, the author lends intellectual heft to a family story, exploring the ‘purity’ of art, the ‘corrupting’ influences of publishing, the solitary artist, and the messy interconnectedness of human relationships.”
“Fewston’s lyrical, nostalgia-steeped story is told from the perspective of a 40-year-old man gazing back on events from his 1980s Texas childhood…. the narrator movingly conveys and interprets the greater meanings behind childhood memories.”
“The novel’s focus on formative childhood moments is familiar… the narrator’s lived experiences come across as wholly personal, deeply felt, and visceral.”
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In these stressful & unprecedented times, it makes good sense to promote & encourage the state or condition of being in good physical & mental health.
TEXANS FOR SAFE ACCESS ~ share the mission of their national organization, Americans for Safe Access (ASA), which is to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic use and research, for all Texans.
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Will there be a part 2?