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From Publisher's Weekly

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.

From Kirkus

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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From Publisher's Weekly

December 6, 2004
Audio reviews reflect PW
's assessment of the audio adaptation of a book and should be quoted only in reference to the audio version.
Fiction
ENDER'S GAME
Orson Scott Card
, read by Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison and cast. Audio Renaissance,
unabridged, nine CDs, 10.5 hrs., $39.95 ISBN 1-59397-474-4

For the 20th anniversary of Card's Hugo and Nebula Award–winning novel, Audio Renaissance brings to life the story of child genius Ender Wiggin, who must save the world from malevolent alien "buggers." In his afterword, Card declares, "The ideal presentation of any book of mine is to have excellent actors perform it in audio-only format," and he gets his wish. Much of the story is internal dialogue, and each narrator reads the sections told from the point of view of a particular character, rather than taking on a part as if it were a play. Card's phenomenal emotional depth comes through in the quiet, carefully paced speech of each performer. No narrator tries overmuch to create separate character voices, though each is clearly discernible, and the understated delivery will draw in listeners. In particular, Rudnicki, with his lulling, sonorous voice, does a fine job articulating Ender's inner struggle between the kind, peaceful boy he wants to be and the savage, violent actions he is frequently forced to take. This is a wonderful way to experience Card's best-known and most celebrated work, both for longtime fans and for newcomers. Based on the Tor hardcover.

From AudioFile Magazine

The author declares that this book is meant to be heard, and this reviewer agrees. Re-released in honor of the twentieth anniversary of its publication, it offers a postscript from the author, which discusses not only the origins of the book, but also an upcoming film that tells the next generation of the story. Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, and a full cast, including the author, give the definitive performance of this work. The characters are memorable and the pace quick. An Earphones Award winner when originally released, this audiobook is well deserving of listeners' time. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine