Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Read Before You Watch

Orson Scott Card amazed me with his science-fiction novel Ender's Game.  It's harsh look at the impact the universe can have on the hearts and minds of children would have made Lois Lowry proud.  The true testament to the book's power, however, is that fact that I already had such high expectations.  Mario (hubby) read four books in the series more than five years ago and praised them highly.  When I read a book on Mario's recommendation, I expect near perfection in both creativity and process. Ender's Game surpassed those expectations.

I dread stating that the plot line is a bit predictable. However, not in the banal interpretation usually implied by the term, "predictable." The characters are all written so well that readers who have been exposed to gifted children or referred to as gifted themselves are easily able to interpret motivations as if these characters were real people. Understanding motivations then makes it easier to foresee actions. Becoming acquainted with one character leads to more familiarity with another. So one person's actions only naturally lead to another's reactions and so forth.

I in no way mean to imply that you shouldn't immerse yourself fully from beginning to end.  The journey is like no other.  And, I am wholly convinced that there is absolutely no way a movie will be able to do this story justice. So I plead with you, "Please read the book."  That said, having loved the book I am anxiously awaiting the movie.  I personally cannot wait to see the Battle Room.




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