Play Book Tag discussion

This science-fiction classic is a thought-provoking coming-of-age inquiry into leadership, morality, and the complexities of war. Originally published in 1985, it has sustained the test of time and continues to be engaging. It is set around the year 2135 where Earth is preparing for an inevitable second invasion from an alien race known as the "Buggers." The story centers on Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a brilliant but socially isolated 6-year-old prodigy who is recruited into a rigorous military training program to become the commander of Earth's defense forces at thirteen.

While Ender is in military school and isolated from his family, he is subjected to a number of psychological tests and intense training in zero-gravity battle tactics designed to find the most capable strategic mind for humanity's future defense. As he grows as a leader, Ender becomes both the victim and the architect of a highly competitive and manipulative system designed to push him to his limits, some of which were difficult to read.

At the core of Ender's Game is the theme of isolation. Ender is an outsider, not only because of his extraordinary intelligence but also due to his empathic sensitivity. Ender's constant pressure from the military machine make him both a tragic hero and a product of a society bent on preparing for an existential threat at any cost.

Another primary character is Colonel Graff, the officer in charge of Ender’s training. Graff’s role is to manipulates and to develop Ender as a future military commander since he believes Ender has the potential to be humanity's last hope for survival.

The author's prose is such as to make this novel a fast-paced read but its layering with moral dilemmas and psychological insights make it more than just a space battle adventure. This novel can be read by early adolescents; however, they should be more mature teens (14+) because of the complex issues it explores.

This is an all-time favorite for me. The complexity of balancing children with war and morality. I find it interesting that the next book in the series feels like a different author and completely different feel.