Ender's Game

The first time I read this book, I appreciated it, but did not love it. Having to read it again for a college course I teach, my opinion has changed. There are a lot of interesting themes packed into this book, but the one that resonates most is the importance of truth. Ender does not know the truth about his actions, and the results are catastrophic. The sections that deal with Peter and Valentine -- Ender's siblings -- stretch credibility. I'm not convinced that young and inexperienced kids can engage in world-changing political machinations. But aside from that, Ender's Game packs a powerful punch. 

Interestingly enough, we were able to get Card to "visit" our class via zoom. I was convinced that he had been influenced by Heinlein's Starship Troopers, and that perhaps his book was a partial response to that earlier war-related novel. Turns out Card has never read it. Go figure!