Ender's World

April 8, 2013
With an Ender's Game movie due in November 2013, this collection of essays about the classic science-fiction novel, edited by the controversial Card himself, should find a willing audience. Intelligent and perceptive, but leaning decidedly toward the hagiographic, the book includes pieces by well-known science fiction writers such as Mary Robinette Kowal, David Lubar, and Neal Shusterman; Card's former students and co-authors such as Eric James Stone and Aaron Johnston; noted military strategists like Colonel Tom Ruby, and John F. Schmitt; the famous songwriter and science fiction fan Janis Ian; and authors who share Card's Mormon faith, including John Brown and Mette Ivie Harrison. The book also features an Introduction by Card and, interspersed between the essays, his answers to various questions about the novel. Each essayist begins with a personal reminiscence of his discovery of Ender's Game before moving to a more focused topic. For example, Stone discusses the novel's problematic ending; Kowal examines Card's own rules for writing and how he breaks them; Janis Ian discusses the psychological importance of Ender being short; while Ruby examines his leadership skills. Card's many fans will find much to enjoy here.

March 15, 2013
A chorus of writers and military experts weigh in on why Card's Ender's Game (1985) is a work of genius. They make cogent arguments. Strategist John F. Schmitt provides an account of the novel's significant role as a model for the Marine Corps' "Maneuver Warfare" battle approach, and there's a perceptive discussion between writer David Lubar and his daughter, a high school teacher, about how Ender's situation and responses speak to teens. Songwriter Janis Ian meditates on how Ender (and others) are underestimated because they're short, and Card's frequent co-author Aaron Johnston agrees, dubbing Ender a "short Clint Eastwood" (but with compassion). Other contributors recall with awe their first encounters with the story, offer detailed analyses of Ender's psyche and Card's writerly technical chops, demonstrate that Ender is a classic mythic hero, or mull over the nature and costs of victory. Card provides an introduction (not seen) and, between each essay, answers to frequently asked questions about the story and its characters. Most of Card's fans will agree with writer John Brown's assertion that trying to winkle out a literary work's "true meaning" kills it, but this tribute may have some appeal to readers with an analytical bent. (thumbnail author bios) (Literary criticism. 16 & up)

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