Xenocide by Orson Scott Card

Xenocide is the third novel in the Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card. The first two books are Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead. I just finished reading these three books again, I think for the third time. I'm reminded each time why these are some of my favorite books, especially Xenocide.

First is the cast of characters, and there are many of them. There are at least a dozen characters that get developed with a full personality within Xenocide. Each character is so unique, with brilliance and quirks. What's even better is how Card preserves and enhances each one with all the interactions in the book. It's also a great look at family, community, and relationship dynamics and their intricacies.

I also love the plot and storylines of which there are many. The book goes back and forth between storylines and yet each one is completely related to the others. It makes it a book that's hard to put down.

Mostly though I think it's the philosophical discussions that arise from the book. Dialogue that is directly presented by Card, inner dialogue that various characters have in their mind, and the conversations that we can start with ourselves (or others) on what's happening in the book. So many topics are covered from what makes a species sentient to alternative universes to faster than light travel to what it means to be human. It even includes some religious doctrine and ideas about what God(s) are or aren't plus dilemnas of what's right and what's wrong.

If you're looking for some great reading material for the winter, this would be at the top of my list for recommendations. You don't have to read the first two, but they do provide good context for the third and are a much quicker read.

Enjoy.