Ender's World: Fresh Perspectives on the SF Classic Ender's Game

by Orson Scott Card Narrated by Stefan Rudnicki, Gabrielle de Cuir, Arthur Morey, Janis Ian

Overview

Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is a classic of science fiction. Though it began its life as a short story, it was later expanded into a Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novel, served as a springboard for a much larger universe of stories, and finally, has been made into a feature film.

In Ender's World over a dozen writers of science fiction, fantasy, and young adult books offer new perspectives on the 1985 novel, along with insights gleaned from other Ender stories that fit within the Ender's Game chronology, including Ender in Exile and Ender's Shadow. In addition, military strategists Colonel Tom Ruby and Captain John Schmitt offer insight into the human-Formic war. Also included is a contribution from Aaron Johnston, the coauthor of the Formic Wars prequel novels.

The collection's insightful analyses and moving personal essays are rounded out with short pieces answering more technically oriented questions about the Ender universe, including why the Battle Room is a cube and why the military recruited their soldiers as children.

Edited by Orson Scott Card himself, who also provides an introduction to the anthology as well as to the individual essays, Ender's World is aimed both at readers who have kept up with the many books that came after and at those who simply want to revisit the original novel.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Intelligent and perceptive . . . Card's many fans will find much to enjoy here."
—Publishers Weekly

"A chorus of writers and military experts weigh in on why Ender's Game is a work of genius . . . 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 . . . 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 . . . This tribute may have some appeal to readers with an analytical bent."
—Kirkus Reviews

Ender's World is a fun and thought-provocative read, evaluating not just the novel Ender's Game, but also its lasting effect on the science fiction genre. It provides a wide range of viewpoints and the contributors were well-selected, providing something, essentially, for everyone. If you're interested in brushing up on the story again before the movie releases later this fall, check out Ender's World for some new perspectives on this science fiction classic.
—GeekDad

Kirkus Reviews

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)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169724554
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	04/02/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged

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