Title: Ender’s Game

Recommendation: 8.8/10

Summary: 

My interest in science fiction was trailblazed by this timeless novel.

As humans explore the galaxy, an alien species is encountered and conflicts arise. Humans barely claim a few victories making preparation for future wars a top priority.

Promising children are selected and trained from a young age, through increasingly difficult challenges, to develop tactical military skills.

This is where Andrew “Ender” Wiggin displays unparalleled strategic prowess. The story follows him through relational strain, emotional and moral conflicts, as well as political unrest in a fast passed unpredictable plot. Perfect for deep philosophical discussion and shedding a few tears, depending on how invested you get.

Highlights:

In the moment, when I truly understood my enemy, understood him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment, I also love him. I think it’s impossible to really understand somebody, what they love, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves.

Sometimes lies were more dependable than the truth.

Perhaps it’s impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you pretend to be.

He would be more useful as a name and story than he would ever be as an inconvenient flesh and blood person.

Welcome to the human race. Nobody controls his own life, Ender. The best you can do is choose to fill the roles given you by good people, by people who love you.

Photo by Arvydas Baltinas on Unsplash.