The title of this book, Ender’s Game, came from the chess term End Game, which is the last part of a chess game. The reason Orson Scott Card chose this title for the book is because of the games Ender is forced to play at Battle School. These games somewhat resemble a game of chess, except with real people. Ender’s name was used as a tool throughout the book, and was much more than just a name.

Summary

The book is about Andrew Wiggen, or Ender for short. Ender is a “third,” which is the third child born into a family. In this world, only two children are allowed per family, however Ender’s family was allowed because of the intelligence and strength of the first two born by his parents. At age 6, Ender leaves for Battle School leaving behind his brother, who he believed was trying to kill him, and his school, where he was not well liked. But he also left behind his sister, who he loved. Ender is rapidly put in higher positions of Battle School. He had to struggle to make a couple of friends out of all the people, but he had to fight even harder just to get past all of the games he is forced to play, until they push him further than he can handle. The most important battle, however, occurs within Ender.

Character Development

Ender’s character is developed very nicely through the use of the games. They show how hard he has to work and how it is changing him. Ender is not a perfect character, but Card creates a living person through his amazing writing. The other characters in this book, such as 'Crazy Tom' and Bean do not show much character development throughout the book, however. Though if you would like to see more character development from them, I strongly recommend reading Ender's Shadow

Levels of Enjoyment

This book can be enjoyed on many different levels. On the simplest level, it is an entertaining story with good characters and a unique plot. But the higher levels of understanding really make this book shine. Card shows how the brightest kids are pushed too far, until they cannot work well anymore. This is a reference to gifted programs that push their students until they either lose all interest in school or they can't work anymore. I went to a gifted school like this, where no one understood what sleep was. Also, like in Lord of the Flies, it shows the viciousness of the human nature. These "kids" attack each other, and Ender ends up killing two other humans.

Moral Dilemmas

The moral dilemmas are very important to this book. Thought provoking questions are asked, such as is it right to take these children away from their families at such a young age? Should the government place restrictions on the births? Is it right for them to push these kids so hard that they start breaking down? After being attacked, is it alright to destroy an entire sentient race without trying for peace? These questions really make you think, and add a lot of flavor to the book.

Recommendations

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading. I know many people that despise science fiction, yet have loved this book. Every person I know that has read this book loved it. If you have read this book and enjoyed it, I recommend reading the sequels. Many people do not like them, but they are excellent books. They have less action, but more character development. The greatness of the sequels are eclipsed by the level of excellence this book achieved.

Recommended: Yes