BOOKS: Ender's Game

This is the story of Ender Wiggin., taken at a young age and trained at the “Battle School” to fight an insectoid race that are invading the earth. Sound like a hokey plot? Yes but, “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scot Card is one of the all time classics of the science fiction genre. Ender is special, a gifted child, a tactical genius, but also a bit violent. In this futuristic world all children on earth are tested and only the brightest will be trained to battle the Formics also known as the, “Buggers.” Because of Enders’s genius he is immediately resented by the other children at the “Battle School” and is isolated. Over time and after suffering grueling battle simulations he is promoted. His final exam is to defeat a Formic fleet that outnumbers earth’s fleet a thousand to one. Ender decides to use a new very destructive weapon, the “Molecular Disruption Device,” knowing it will destroy the entire race of the attacking enemy. Thinking this is only a simulation and knowing the use of this weapon violates the rules of the game he decides to use it anyway hoping that he will be kicked out of “Battle School’ and sent home. Unfortunately he is told that the simulation was actually real and he is now responsible for the destruction of an entire race. The guilt from his action sends him into a coma. He recovers, of course, but that is not where the story ends… Is the ending worth it? Yes. “Ender’s Game” is a great read. Even though the plot sounds like a B movie, Card does an extraordinary job of making this story and the angst of its characters come to life. There has been criticism of this book for its justification of genocide and violence. The thing is Card seems to be saying that every bad thing Ender does is for the greater cause. Is that proper? Ultimately I think it’s a tale of tough decisions. Some read justifications galore into it some do not. You decide. If you enjoy science fiction in the hands of a skillful author “Ender’s Game should be on your list.