Thoroughly and thoughtfully enjoyed
358177
Ender's Game is an incredible read.  It took me a little while to get into.  I did not feel as though I immediately connected with Ender, but after a few chapters I was thoroughly and hopelessly engaged.  Recently, when speaking with a friend, I commented that I cannot imagine the intellect it takes to produce a book like this, and I maintain that stand here.  It's phenomenal.  I would have to put it up as one of the best books I've read.

The story is about a futuristic Earth, where space travel is not only possible, it's practiced.  Not only that, but humans have engaged aliens in battle out in space, and the threat of a repeat hangs heavily in the air.  This generates so much concern that the government decides to begin a search of children in hopes that they can find someone qualified enough to take on the aliens known as buggers.  They find that someone in Ender and this is the story of his discovery, training and ultimate task.  The ending is so surprising that it took my breath away.  I reread it three times.  The first time to make sure I read it correctly and the second and third times to experience again the shock of what had happened.  It's amazing.

I know that this novel is used in many high schools, but as an adult, I read it for personal purposes and I wasn't disappointed.  I know that there are other novels in this series, but Ender's Game can be a stand alone novel as it has a beginning, middle and end without any annoying cliffhanger endings.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
2971301
This is the first review i have ever written, but I was compelled to praise this work.  This story is not only endearing and thoughtful, but the author demonstrates a knowledge of history and literature which would cause most writers to become bogged down in detail, that is instead engrossing.  The humor and ease with which deep philosophical issues are addressed herein makes them not only approachable, but also comprehensible and enjoyable.  Could not recommended this more strongly.
2161217
This is a well written, thoughtful, and engaging story about love, the bonds of sisterhood, and an adventure with an unpredictable set of twists and turns. I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to more books by it's author, Carrie Anne Noble.
773291
There were aspects of The Discovery I really liked. The joy Michael and Jenn feel upon becoming really well-to-do overnight was very authentic. I appreciated that an author could and would acknowledge that even in the midst of sadness we can feel joy and happiness when we realize that our loved ones provided for us both in life and death.

I also loved the story within a story aspect of the book. We don't follow Michael for the entire text, instead we delve into an older world you may not expect if you don't read the entire book jacket. I won't spoil it for you, but suffice it to say, I was delighted with it because it is a time period I enjoy reading about and this copy provided a real twist to the usual stories I come in contact with.

I must give Revell serious props for actually going to the bother (though it probably isn't as much of a bother now as it would have been in the past) of highlighting the story within a story pages with a border that differentiates them from the present time. It was a lot handier than the usual italics for dates at the beginning of the chapter in terms of keeping a reference point while reading.

Anyone looking for an adventure story with a really sweet romance tied up in it couldn't go wrong with The Discovery
38755
So honored to have had the chance to enjoy this story.  Not at all what you'd expect and so beautiful and thought provoking.  It felt so real and the way it was written only elevated the experience and realism with just enough whimsy to enjoy the escapism of reading.  Looking forward to more from this author!
3803729
I trusted the mostly positive reviews for this and a solid recommendation from a friend, and I was definitely not disappointed.  I flipped it open the afternoon it arrived just to see how it started and a few hours later I was finished.  Perhaps it's a bit of "perfect timing" but I found that I couldn't put it down.  I found the writing crisp and accessible, the Taoist overtones at just the right level, the characters simple but engaging, and the narrative perfectly convoluted.  I suppose that some people prefer a well sign-posted trip from point A to point B, but I don't mind (and generally very much enjoy) when the narrative is bent to other purposes.

The dynamic that arises between Orr and Haber is wonderful.  That their interaction is also an exploration of human nature, the tenuousness of the connection between our intentions and real outcomes, and an illustration (even if only to a certain extent) of some core Taoist principles is absolutely remarkable.  I don't think one must have read the Tao to appreciate the book, but it goes quite a long way.

Summarizing the plot in terms of Orr and his unique ability might suggest that this is a straight-forward sci-fi plot - and perhaps that has led to some of the negative reviews.  I think Orr's ability and the effects of his ability are secondary here.  They are the engine quite often and they supply the occasion for the real story.  At bottom the real story is about aspects of human nature and the peculiar situation that humans find themselves in.  The real story is about human attachment and ambition, and the perils that follow on them.

I now understand the strength of my friend's recommendation and the overwhelmingly positive reviews here.  I'll be reading this again soon and expecting to find it just as, if not more, enjoyable!
3228339
Written about a topic that is wonderfully and thoughtfully explored.  5 stars!
1623592
Absolutely loved this read. Lively, authentic, substantive, differentiated, and well-crafted. I highly recommend it. Hope to read it again before retirement.
2676413
Surprised me.  Intrigued me. Made me think.  Kept me pulled in and along for the ride and I loved it.  The metaphysics were a delight.  The characters were complex, quirky and believable.  You'll enjoy it too.
2289193
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I plan to continue the series. It was thoughtful and insightful. Looking forward to the story continuing.
2433817
I found myself puting this book down to savor its beauty...though perhaps the writing is a bit "hit you over the head" I enjoyed its clarity AND obscurity. That we never understand what love is, and that  everyone can be afraid to beileve they are capable of love. I especially  liked that Stefano never forced Gabriella--he wanted to make himself happy,  and by doing so perhaps allowed her to be happy to.  Happiness is a gift we  give ourselves. Allowing ourselves to be happy is a key factor in this  book, and one that inspires the thoughtful reader to turn inside and find  out how to make their own happines..  I truly enjoyed this book.
3241585
I  really enjoyed this book and highly enjoyed it and certainly recommend it.
633970
I so enjoyed each word, feeling and emotion I felt.
I found myself smiling and nodding, remembering memories long forgotten.
Simply a joy to read and feel.
Thank you
1416697
A wonderfully thorough, engaging, and thoughtful collection of research and philosophical exploration. I'm always impressed by the man's dogged intent, but this one I read with his voice in my mind. Well worth the read.
3363221
I was deeply moved. (Yes, me - deeply moved by a story!) I count myself extremely fortunate to have come across The Man Who Watched the Stars (I was attracted by the title and cover) but congratulate myself for having purchased it. What a truly delightful read and, on so many different levels. It so vividly conjures up a time and place, it was as if I was there, enjoying the desert atmosphere while becoming increasingly involved in the lives of really interesting characters. Normally, I have little sympathy with those involved in relationships - it seems self indulgent - but here the characters are so well drawn, noble and dignified that I was longing that they eventually find a way to resolve their problems. In addition, I very much appreciated the plausibility given to the science of space travel and, what we term, alien life. This story is so well written that I didn't notice that it was so well written until I had finished it. The story flows, transporting the reader effortlessly and delightfully to another time and place but with interesting companions. The author must be a master and I am very grateful for her talents. I look forward to reading more from this author.
3069838
First, let me say, that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The prose was beautifully written, smooth as butter and a joy to read. Parker obviously knows what he's doing here. And the intertwining stories were equally engaging. I'm not always a fan of parallel storylines, but in this case they were expertly done, and it felt like the right way to tell these stories. I would recommend this book to anyone, as it was not only emotionally engaging on a plot level, but also a work of art on a sentence by sentence level.
2772165
Far too often, I choose light-weight reading as I read to escape the everyday. Not always, however, and this week I fortunately plucked this novel from my ever-growing list of must-reads.  One of the attractions was its pleasing, engrossing length. It is very well-constructed--so well that one feels it is the only way the story could be, and I found myself surprised quite far in to recognize the parallels. The experience of war here is sufficiently harrowing to allow the experience without being so dreadful that one cannot read it.  The lives unfold as lives do, with sweet moments in the midst of dreadful circumstances, and the wise among us choosing to make the best of the good while putting aside the rest. Poignant.