Ender's Game

BACKLOG Post

Ender’s Game

Orson Scott Card

Sci-Fi Books in general are not my cup of tea. In sci-fi genres, I would be effortlessly lost in materials, plots and details that if and when I decide to read one, it would entail a lot of concentration and an open mind. I'll take on heavy classics any day. 

Every time I read sci-fi, my pace would be so slow and I often get tired after. I tried to read Frank Herbert’s Dune two years ago. It took me months an

d a couple of books in between. The first few chapters got me, but in the middle of the alien worms, planet relocation and hoopla, I was just completely lost. I "threw" that book once out of frustration. After that, I tried to stay clear from Sci-Fi to recover. Fantasy and futuristic books I can handle, but aliens, future battle ships, space and gears are just alien to me. There is a lot of detail and imagination in that genre, I applaud them all (including Dune), but it's just so....

Though I tried to stay clear from Sci-Fi for quite some time (Thanks to Dune), I knew I would have to orient myself in 1 to 2 sci-fi books per year at least. So I tried to research on the top best sellers for sci-fi cause I had no allowance to experiment.  Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game always comes to the top of my list, in any reputable lists for that matter. I’ve heard of this before from friends who read sci-fi and I guess if I’m ever going to expose myself again in this genre, might as well pick one of the best. 

Ender’s Game cover wasn’t really enticing for me with all that gray metal battle ships. I was actually scared of starting it, but I figured it won't be that bad. It appeals generally kids and they will make a movie out of it soon.  

The thing is, it will never be one of my favorite books of all time, but it was bearable. Take it from a non-sci fi lover like me. It centers on the story of Ender Wiggin who is kick-ass smart, brave yet troubled youth, who enters the futuristic Battle School that teaches him to defeat the so-called “buggers” who threaten to destroy earth. In the Battle school, we read the disheartening story of old-school bullying and the longing for acceptance. Also in this book, we get to read tactical plays (some if it are hard to grasp, best to leave it to the movie to fully appreciate) in every battle sequences as we also get to have a glimpse of the government, the minor political field on earth and the equally troubled siblings of the main character.

I would automatically forget the technical parts of the story, though the concept of Battle School and Battle tournaments are cool. But if there's one thing that would stick with me it was how a 6-12 year old boy handled intense bullying in the system. Ender was bullied endlessly and sometimes physically challenged by his colleagues and trainers. Coming of age and dealing with intense teenage rivalry in a sci-fi set up is not as petty as it seems. 

I can easily see why this became one of the top sci-fi books. It’s sci-fi yet very easy to read. There’s a strong human element in this story. It's a cool book for teens too, keeps them strong amidst adversity. Coupled with fairly twisted and interesting characters, it’s a perfect book to be read by intelligent children and budding sci-fi novelists. The feeling reminds me of reading the classic Wrinkle in Time though in a more futuristic setting and an edgier plot.