Ender's Game

I decided it would be fitting to end my summer by reading Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.  I have always heard mixed reviews; some people swear it is the quintessential young adult science fiction novel, and others deem it boring.  After reading it, I can see both sides.

Ender is a young boy who is brought to battle school due to his extreme genius and potential to be a war commander.  His entire life is manipulated by the government to turn him into the person they want him to be, so he can fight in the war against the "buggers."  The first half of the story was very engaging and kept me up reading.  The second half started to drag, and I can see why some of my students in the past have lost interest.  The ending is worth continuing to read, but be warned most of the real "action" is in the first part of the story.

The book was definitely published ahead of its time; I understand why there is a new push now to bring it back to forefront.  Like all good futuristic science fiction novels, the author provides a picture of what our futures could look like and gives a subtle warning about our lifestyle.  The movie version is scheduled to be released November 1st, and I am interested enough in the story to see it.