Ender's Game is a science fiction novel by Orson Scott Card, and is the first book in a series following the life of Ender Wiggin. I am not one that normally read scifi, but was intrigued when a friend told me that she greatly enjoyed it, despite her being even less likely than me to pick up something out of this genre.
Ender was born shortly after a war between Earth and a species of aliens called the Buggers, a violent insect-like race. Another war was on the horizon, and the international fleet looked for talented children to be groomed as future commanders for future battles. Normally families were limited to two children, but Ender's family was a special case. Both of Ender's older siblings were extremely talented, but not quite what the fleet was looking for. Peter, the oldest, was too ruthless. Valentine, the middle child, was too kind and loving. The fleet requested that Ender's parents have a third child, and in Ender, they found the perfect balance of Peter and Valentine. At six years of age, Ender was selected by the fleet to be taken away to battle school. At the battle school, Ender joined other prodigies in training for war with the Buggers. It is quickly obvious that Ender has unrivaled talent, and could easily be the hope for the future of the human race.
Even if you are not a scifi fan, I would recommend Ender's Game and the rest of the series. Orson Scott Card is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. His characters are so rich, and the stories so original. This isn't really the story of space ships and aliens, but a story about humanity and relationships, and how people can endure mental and physical hardships.
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