How often have you been aware of a famous book for years but only got around to reading it when you heard the movie version was coming out and you wanted to read it before you saw it? I’m often guilty of this and my most recent case in point is the classic sci-fi novel, Ender’s Game, written in 1985 by Orson Scott Card. The early trailers for the movie looked spectacular and I thought, “I’d better read that.” I did, and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. The film also includes Harrison Ford in its cast, which I find to be … perfectly acceptable. 🙂
Most have heard the basic premise of the story, but to quickly sum it up: Earth has survived previous alien attacks and is anticipating another. Somehow, their best plan is to train children from a very young age to be the future warriors in this impending conflict. Especially very gifted children, and Ender Wiggin certainly fits that description. Ender is also a rare “third” – a child born after a family has already had the maximum number of children allowed by law. His older brother and sister are also gifted, but have not passed muster as potential officers in the anticipated war. They turn their attention to equally fascinating terrestrial political ambitions, however.
Ender himself, along with other gifted children, undergoes rigorous and often brutal training administered by a hero of the former wars with the insect-like aliens. Spending countless hours in a battle simulator, Ender amasses an impressive record, defeating all scenarios thrown his way, while at the same time managing the leadership of the rest of his child “army.” Finally, with a real attack eminent, Ender faces one final, seemingly impossible test of his readiness to command. Is he ready? Will he succeed? Read or watch and find out.
Have you read the novel? Do you plan to see the movie (coming out in North America on 11/1)?
Wanna see a trailer?
Bibliophilopolis 
Brian Joseph said,
October 20, 2013 at 12:37 pm
I have read a lot of science fiction over the years but somehow missed this one. I tend to have stayed away from stories revolving around space wars, though without a doubt they can be outstanding. I have considered reading it with the impending film coming out.
In some ways the plot seems reminiscent of Robert Heinlein’s Starship Troopers.
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Jay said,
October 21, 2013 at 10:32 am
Hi Brian,
I don’t read a lot of “that kind” of sci fi generally, but knew this one by reputation and thought I’d give it a try. Haven’t read much Heinlein, either, but he was one of my Dad’s favorites.
-Jay
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Dale said,
October 20, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Jay, I almost picked this up recently as Half Price Books but ended up not getting it. I’ve seen the trailers all summer. I would want to read the book before seeing the movie, also. Everyone that I know who’s read it has liked it.
-Dale
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Jay said,
October 21, 2013 at 10:35 am
Hi Dale,
I told my nephew to go ahead and see the movie first. I fear whichever you do first will spoil the other for you since you know the “surprise” ending. I want to see the film more to see what they do with it.
-Jay
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hkatz said,
October 20, 2013 at 10:05 pm
I read Ender’s Game in ninth or tenth grade and enjoyed it; the sequel I liked too, but not books 3 and 4. I wonder what I’d think of them now if I were to re-read them…
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Jay said,
October 21, 2013 at 10:37 am
Hi hkatz,
I suspect I would have enjoyed it more at a younger age, but hard to say. I don’t know if I liked it enough to proceed with the sequels. Maybe the film will help whet my appetite for that.
-Jay
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Keri B. said,
October 20, 2013 at 10:35 pm
I just read the book (and wrote this review of it). I definitely plan to see the movie when it’s released.
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Jay said,
October 21, 2013 at 10:38 am
Hi Keri,
Tanks for the comment and visit. I enjoyed your review and left a comment. Hope the movie lives up to expectations!
-Jay
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Tomo said,
October 21, 2013 at 4:49 pm
“Ender’s Game” was a very good read, and I enjoyed it immensely. Hollywood hasn’t a good repetition of adapting Books to movies, I will avoid this movie intentionally.
Tomo
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Jay said,
October 21, 2013 at 5:17 pm
Hi Tomo,
I’ll let you know what I think of the movie when it comes out. :-). Did you proceed on with reading any of he sequels?
-Jay
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Melissa said,
October 22, 2013 at 5:06 pm
I read this one years ago and loved it. I reread it when I heard the movie was coming out. I’m glad you liked it too!
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Jay said,
October 23, 2013 at 12:07 pm
I’m looking forward to the movie. I only go to a few a year; this one will be one of them. 🙂
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