ENDER'S GAME (Orson Scott Card) - October 15/13

Goddamn, what an ordeal. I can't believe this trainwreck of a book is acclaimed at all. It starts out with some promise, but the entire middle is completely and absurdly boring, with the ongoing emphasis on Ender's various battle simulations nothing short of interminable. It feels like at least 75% of this stupid book should've transpired in a five page montage-type stretch. And Card's inability to write convincing children grows more and more laughable as the book progresses, as the author transforms SMALL CHILDREN into grizzled, world-weary war veterans and, far more ridiculously, speechifying political pundits. Arrrrrrgh, it's just so damn dull. I skimmed most of the last 50 pages and I really think the only reason this is well-known is because of the admittedly nifty twist that some of Ender's final simulations weren't simulations at all but actual battles in which he was sending soldiers to their deaths. Other than that, though, Ender's Game is a complete waste of time. * out of ****