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David McK (3773 KP) rated Ender's Game in Books

Jan 28, 2019

Ender's Game

Orson Scott Card | 1985 | Fiction & Poetry

8.4

(37 Ratings)

Book Rating

Originally starting life as a short story that was later expanded into a full-length novel, this was one of those 'classic' sci-fi stories that I was marginally aware of, but never really had any inclination to read.

When I started seeing the trailers for the movie adaptation to be released this week (on 25/10/13), I decided I actually would read it before going to see the movie (which is sometimes a good idea, other times not).

Having done so, it's interesting to see how Card predicted many of today's technology (remember, this was written mid-80s), in particular the kids portable tables (today's tablet computers), and the proliferation of blogging (although it was never actually called such) on the internet (again, never called such).

The plot? Very briefly (and roughly): Earth is at war with an alien insectoid race, so the best and brightest kids are taken to a 'battle school' in space at a young age in order to be trained in how to become leaders. Andrew 'Ender' (so called because he is the youngest child of 3) Wiggins is one such kid, who proves to be the brightest and best of the bunch ...

How will the movie compare? I'll just have to wait and see!

Kudos

ClareR (6149 KP) rated Pieces Of Her in Books

Dec 21, 2018

Pieces Of Her

Karin Slaughter | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller

6.6

(11 Ratings)

Book Rating

I’ll be honest: I didn’t actually like this until about halfway through, and I would have given up if there hadn’t have been the earlier timeline story. The main character in the present day, Andrea, is, for want of another word, wet. Even before the initial incident happens that sets off a chain of events, she just seems really apathetic. I took quite a long time to warm to her, and even then I can’t say as I particularly liked her.
The timeline in the 80s though, was fascinating. A terrorist group where the leader seems to be in complete control of his ‘soldiers’ who answer to him. A woman, Jane, is the main protagonist in this timeline, and she is a bit of a sorry figure. She has been controlled by her father, and then is controlled by her lover, the terrorist leader. She does have more backbone than Andrea however, and takes control of her life. Which I suppose Andy also does eventually. But it takes her a while - and it takes two awful events at the beginning of the book to give the process a kickstart.
I liked the story very much on the whole. It’s fast paced and exciting. My first Karin Slaughter book probably won’t be my last.

Kudos

Christine A. (965 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books

Jan 23, 2019

Turtles All The Way Down

John Green | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry

8.4

(60 Ratings)

Book Rating

John Green's "Turtles All the Way Down" introduces us to sixteen-year-old Aza, a teenage girl with mental health issues who is desperate to blend in and just be a normal teenage girl. After giving in to Daisy's, her best friend, nagging, the two girls attempt to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Russell Pickett and collect the reward. Aza was not planning on connecting back with Davis, Russell's son, whom she knew when they were kids, but she does.

Of course there is romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It is more than just a typical YA romance novel. It deals with handling mental illness, going to counseling, thinking you are crazy, and knowing your uncontrollable behaviors are not normal. It is about trying to manage the pressures of being a teenager - family, school, friends, and a boy.

John Green's novels have probably touched as many people today as had John Hughes's movies in the 80s. He focuses on real teenage problems and allows a glimpse inside their thoughts and feelings. He allows young adults to realize they are not alone, that others feel the same way, and “Your now is not your forever.”