Speaker for the Dead

I have no made reviewing books an easy task. The Hobbit. Now this? Good grief.

Whew. 

If you have not read Ender's Game, then just do that first...and right now... It's insanely good. Orson Scott Card is a superb writer, too smart for us, that's for certain. I adore Ender Wiggins. He may be my favorite literary character ever. So start with Ender's Game...

Done? Okay, now for the sequel - Speaker for the Dead.

This is one of those books that I think you have to have a specific mindset or attitude when you approach. When I tried reading it immediately after Ender's Game, I didn't get very far. The tone and story is so different I found it difficult to continue. This book requires patience.

A few years later I was desperate to read some science fiction, and too cheap to buy a new book, so I figured why not try again? I think it was the right time, as I've changed quite a bit in those years, so this time I was so glad I found this book.

I feel like this is the science fiction equivalent to those literary novels with gravitas - like The Alchemist or something (love that one, by the way). I've heard it described as much more "meta" than Ender's Game, but otherwise not really talked about at all. I suppose "meta" is accurate, but rather vague, so let me do my best to further describe this book. First, it is philosophical, sure. But in a satisfying way. Card seems to challenge us as individuals, communities, and humanity as a whole. It's like a thought experiment, but entertaining, and inspiring. I felt the same way reading this book as I did reading the works and convictions of practical ethicists like Peter Singer or Lisa H. Newton - reminded of my moral obligations and inspired to act on them. I read this and felt absolutely inspired to be a better person, and to see myself as a better person.

I'm a religious person, a Christian. And I really enjoyed Card's take on human religion outside of Earth. That part was especially intriguing. It was a critique for balance and perspective, grace and humanity - as in benevolence - especially in practice toward non-humans. I found this side of the story especially encouraging, and faith building. I realize Card and I may not agree on specific religious tenants, but faith is faith. If you are not religious, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on his presentation. but I did not find it preachy at all.

I feel like this is a book that everyone should read, like a required text for students. It's much more important than say - Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre, which I had to read in high school...it's even one part love story, like those books, but it is so much more...

“No human being, when you understand his desires, is worthless. No one's life is nothing. Even the most evil of men and women, if you understand their hearts, had some generous act that redeems them, at least a little, from their sins.”