Ender is the third child in a family of cynics who are hateful and full of spite.  He only wants to be loved, the world is harsh, and he must learn to rise above... wait that sounds like all YA books... (so you see why I didn't pick this up right away?)

Anyway, this book is set in the future, but still on earth... and aliens, or buggers, have begun to invade. So the world's government has set up a training "game" for children to help train a new generation to protect the world.  It is a brutal training ground, and not many make it in, even fewer make it to graduation.  All never realize how essential the "game" truly is. 

Clearly, this book has inspired many more Sci-Fi books since it was originally released in 1985!  So it was fun to see all the connections now, especially with movies and such. The nerd in me really loved that.

Also, I appreciated the raw nature of the kids' interaction, it came across harsh and real, even though the subject matter was very space-like.

All that being said, I hadn't seen the movie or anything about this book before I read it, so I didn't have expectations, I have heard that the movie taints first-time readers - I didn't have that issue.

I wish there would have been more female characters, but I get it this Ender's story... and honestly, the brutal side of the training would have led to many uncomfortable scenes I'm sure.  As it was there were plenty of bullying and violent scenes.

The science side of the book was a bit of a slog, there is a ton of it.  Clearly, this was a researched book, especially for when it was published.  Most YA sci-fi books are not that in-depth anymore, and while I complain about that, I can admit the amount of science in this book was a bit rough.  Necessary, but it slowed down the pace.  Then again the pace probably benefitted from the pauses.

And there are a ton of uncomfortable bullying scenes in this book.  I know they advance the plot, and I know they explain the character of Ender and the other characters.  But in the end, it felt like too much.  Then there were the adults that were just big bullies, and that always makes me mad.  I truly hope the world doesn't come to such a crossroads- where the adult bullies are the only ones that can line up success...

I adored this book so much- and I'm totally giving it a five heart rating.  It was amazing - and I cannot believe I hadn't read it sooner.... although I do know why I never picked up.  If you are like me and have avoided this one, don't... go get it... right now...

Of course, I recommend this to all Sci-Fi fans - all ages.  Seriously, adults will get sucked into the world of Ender right away.  But even younger kids can read this.  I know I mentioned bullying and such, and it is in there.  But books are where we learn to handle the dark and rough areas of life, so a book like this, where a young kid learns how to navigate the brutal world despite the bullies is important for kids to read.

This would be an excellent choice for a read-aloud or something.  So many fun topics, and important topics to chat over.

As far as my point about it being very science-y, if you only read one Sci-Fi book, pick this one.  It is well written, well researched, and well thought of.  It's worth knowing, even if this isn't your genre.

Side note, this as an audio is impeccable.  Orson Scott Card has a long interview and discussion at the end of the 20th-anniversary audio, and it worth every single second to listen to it.  He speaks to young readers mostly, but everyone can benefit from the encouragement he gives.  

Wondering Questions to Consider

This book gives readers a chance to discuss so many aspects of life and humanity... bullying, life outside of earth, the importance of caring for those around you.  Not to mention the need for all kinds of people, physically strong to exceptionally smart.  And that we must all work towards our goals. That teamwork will always worth the work, and that leaders can listen to those who follow them.