You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Some of us over in the Armada buddy read thread have been chatting about doing a budfy read for Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. It happens to have a character's name in the title so would count for the September's Group Tead theme (it's also a series read). So September it is. Feel free to join in - the more the merrier!

It has been years since I read it but I absolutely loved it and Speaker for The Dead as well

We just did this for my library group last night!!! here's my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I don't think it's spoilerish. :) Jamie from this group was there last night too.

I just finished it in over the summer. It's on my series challenge list so is there a chance you'll read Speaker for the Dead in the future?

Quite possibly Caitlin. Anyone can set up a buddy read though so if you didn't want to wait for us to catch up to where you're at, you could ask in thebuddy reads thread if anyone wants to join you. If you get any takers then you canset up it's own thread where you can discuss it.

Thanks Kandice. I only read the first part of the review until i hit what you thought Card was trying to vet across as i want to discover all that myself as i read. I'll come back and read it once I'm done.

I've seen tbe film so i already know the ending so I'll be interested to see if that affects my reading enjoyment. I only found out yesterday that there was a short story of it originally.

I have a PDF of the short story that I am more than happy to email to anyone interested. I don't know of a way to share it through GR.

Caitlin wrote: "I just finished it in over the summer. It's on my series challenge list so is there a chance you'll read Speaker for the Dead in the future?"

I read the first in the series (second?) but being the sci-fi nerd that I am found them tedious where EG was exciting. I wouldn't mind re-visiting them, though.

Thanks for the offer Kandice. I'll read this first then if I like it, I'll message you with my email address. I don't think the gr messaging system allows attachments.

I'm keen on joining a Speaker for the Dead read. That's Lexx's fav and I promised I would read it soon.

But will be following this thread as really interested in what you guys think. Most of my friends read it much younger than I did (2013), so keen to hear your thoughts.

I read it when it first came out and I was a teenager. I had 4 brothers so we had a lot of discussion!

I read this a few years ago, but I'm interested to hear what everyone thinks of it. I really liked it. Was a lot less impressed with the movie.

I didn't care for the movie at all. I understand that it's not possible to get six year olds to act like those in the book, but that's what I wanted to see anyway.

I saw the movie and liked it but I hadn't read the book so no comparison. I already had the book but just not got around to reading it.

I have seen the movie too but have wanted to read the book for awhile

I liked the movie as well :)

Kandice wrote: "I didn't care for the movie at all. I understand that it's not possible to get six year olds to act like those in the book, but that's what I wanted to see anyway."

Agreed, I think speeding up the timeline really took away from the story. Also, there's everything that was left out...

You guys have me intrigued. I think I'm going to start as soon as I finish my current book.

I am going to start this one today :)

I have read the author's intro which was interesting. He talks about the love and critisms of the book and includes two very touching letters.

Now on to chapter 1...

Sarah wrote: "I have read the author's intro which was interesting. He talks about the love and critisms of the book and includes two very touching letters.

Now on to chapter 1..."

I don't have those in my edition

That's a shame. The intro was written in 1991 so perhaps you have an edition from before then?

I must. Let's see its published by Starscape maybe that is why, mine is printed in 2011 but it is a pretty beat up copy makes me think this is a book taken out a lot and maybe they had to purchase another copy

Read through chapter 1 and interesting so far (view spoiler)[ what is this monitor? I don't remember this. It connects his whole body that is pretty creepy. Reminds me of The Matrix where they can download stuff into your brain. (hide spoiler)]

I've read the first two chapters so far. I realise I've forgotten quite a few details from the film which is a good thing I guess. I'm enjoying it so far.

Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[I was intrigued about the monitor too and the fact everyone was calling Ender a third. Sounds derogatory. Plus the chapter is called it. Ender is a nickname I guess. I wonder why?! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ that was harsh to the parents them saying we have owned him since he was born no choices because he was a third child. I was wondering why they kept calling him a third. Population control seems to come up in a lot of books it is always harsh when I read it. (hide spoiler)]

Sorry Sarah I am on my phone and can't read spoilers yet :)

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[I am wondering who these two people are who have so far been chatting at the beginning of each chapter. Clearly they have been monitoring Ender with this monitor and now it has been removed.

Peter is a nasty piece of work. Sounds like they have played this buggers v astronaut game a lot. It is so wrong. Ender is younger than i thought. Very advanced for his age. (hide spoiler)]

Same here re being on phone.

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[. That must be scary leaving your world behind for years and then he has such a horrible start. I really like that he takes care of himself, smart. It is interesting to know what the officers are thinking as well. How to shape these kids to be leaders. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[ he is starting to fit in which is nice. I remember the giant game in the movie I liked that it was explained better in the book (hide spoiler)]

Not sure of the chapter just a general (view spoiler)[ I think it's imperative these children be taken at such a young age if there is any hope of their accomplishing the "task". I'm not saying I agree at all, just that removing them from home, comfort and love is the only way to make them into what they feel is needed.
Sad. (hide spoiler)]

Whybis it I can do spoilers or whatever I want on my phone. Because I have a droid an its an iphone issue or is it an app issue. I never use the app

It's an app thing Travis.I have a droid too. I use my app to check in to Goodreads. I can create spoilers but I can't view them so that's when I switch to the web version to check them out.

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[I thought the whole IF visit was interesting and revealed a lot about the society they live in. Having to apply to have a child, only allowed the alloted two children, frowned upon to have more than that which is why the thirds were frowned upon (and had no rights. Also very interesting that the first two children got free education and other benefits while those that came after didn't. Also crazy that the IF owned Ender from the moment of conception and he had to go in to the army if he was up to scratch. I did like that Ender still had a choice. A very difficult one at the age of 6 especially given his love for his sister and knowing what Peter is like. (hide spoiler)]

I've read another chapter but I'm not sure how much more I'll get read over the weekend. Things are pretty crazy this weekend.

I'm about to start Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[I really felt for Ender with the way that he was singled out as being the only worthwhile recruit. These people in charge are very manipulative and will do anything to get Ender to be "the one" like they think he is. I wonder what makes them so sure he is their saviour? I am pleased to see that Ender makes a friend with his little butt stunt. I had to laugh at this. Bernard is another nasty piece of work. Looks like Ender has been and is continuing to be surrounded by bullies. One of the guys in charge did say something about him performing at his best when his enemies are around him. (hide spoiler)]

Going to try to get a bit more read today it was a busy weekend :)

I have this loaded up but the heat is starting to wear on me and I coukdn't convince myself to put a set of headphones on today. Looks lije cooler weather is coming. I mean it is Seotember not July but you wouldn't know it over the past week

I finished Chapter 8 last night (view spoiler)[I like how this is heading. Interesting how the different toons works. The first one he was in was awful. The Rats seems a better choice for him. His toon leader has some interesting conspiracy theories about the army, the adults and life generally. It's a shame he turned down the Commander position - he seems better than those who made it. I like that Ender is still hanging with the Launchies and that they continue to learn off of each other. Ender is able to see outside the box which is why he so effective in situations that others see as a no win situation. I guess that's why he is wanted to lead the army. He is already showing great promise at rallying troops and being a leader/teacher.

I agree Tasha about the Giant game. I remember it from the film but I didn't really understand it's purpose. Much better explained in the book. (hide spoiler)]

Good to hear you'll be joining us soon Travis when your ears cool down ;-) I guess warmed weather means you have the perfect weather for harvesting? The farmers have been out day and night the last couple days as it's been dry and warm. Not so today though. I've woken up to fog and it's only 12C in the boat. Brr!!

Corn is about ready but I have to wait patiently until its my turn.


Started. What I like is, well let me say I see the the simikarities with Armada, but Enders has all the eztra details I thought were missing in Armada

Yes. You can definitely see where Armada borrowed from. I'm glad your enjoying it. I think it's great. I wish I had readmitted earlier.

I've read quite a bit of the book now. I'm nearly at 80% mark (not sure what chapter) (view spoiler)[I am loving Ender. Yes he is a kid. He doesn't speak or act like one though. I know some people find this unrealistic but these kids were born to be soldiers, to fight the buggers and I guess from a young age new that. They also seem very aware of the state of the world. All these things would make a kid grow up pretty fast I reckon. They are also very gifted kids. Now In no way was I a gifted kid but I was an only child who spent a lot of time around adults just soaking up information and their conversations. People have said throughout my life that I am mature for my age (it's a shame my sense of humour isn't). I guess everyone is different and environment plays a very big part in how a kid grows up. This seems to be a big thee in the book especially as they focus on the three siblings, all the same family and upbringing, similar character traits but all turn out very differently.

Ender is always being pushed and while it seems harsh the way it is done, they do know how to get him to be the best of the best! I like how Bean comes along too. In the film I recall the kids being much older and there was a romantic element between Ender and Petra. I'm pleased that wasn't in the book originally - whether it happens in subsequent books we will see!

I can't believe both the guys Ender has fought in his life ended up dying as a result of his injuries. I was shocked. I'm pleased the Commanders didn't tell him of what he'd done. It would only compound his thoughts of him being like Peter. And he is nothing like him.

Valentine and Peter are kicking up a storm on earth and I am wondering where that is heading. I can't remember whether that was in the film or not.

Ender has just arrived and Command School. I'm wondering whether he'll be reunited with the others who graduated. Will he be ready in time for the invasion?! I guess I'll find out soon.

I am really enjoying this book and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
(hide spoiler)]

Finished I enjoyed it. I don't know if I reviewed Armada yet but I was going to give it a 4 now I will have to give it a 3. Sone of the aimilarities were too obvious. Even though Armada was much its own story there was quite a bit of borrowed material there

That's upsetting. I was looking forward to reading Armada :(

I think reading Armada before Ender's was a good move for me. I enjoyed the story very much. Now I've read Ender's, I can see much more of the similarities as you say Travis and perhaps if I had read this one before Armada then I might not have enjoyed it quite so much. I believe Cline has mentioned somewhere about the similarities.

I'm still reading this one - but only about 50 pages left.

About halfway through hoping to finish today or tomorrow I have picked up a head cold and it is sometimes hard to concentrate

I hope you feel better soon Tasha.

I rhink the question is has Cline been vocal enough about the similarities. I feel like it shoukd be more well known than it is.