Ender's Game . . . and running

 Ender's Game . . . people were astonished I hadn't read yet. Well, now I've read it.  And I liked it.

The story shocked me from the beginning because of the violence. I wasn't expecting nor the swearing. But about halfway through the swearing seems to be less frequent and the violence is just how the world has been created. Orson Scott Card is a great writer, although I hated all the comma splices he peppered the dialogue with—my editor instinct wanted to change them to periods or em-dashes.  My other complaint was he rarely tagged his dialogue.

The story, thought—the story! I loved the storyline. Little genius children who change the world . . . and ultimately they do change the world. By the end of the book, I had a desire to read more about Ender, Bean, and the others. There were so many interesting characters and intriguing situations. I really felt sorry for Ender, who had incredible talent and empathy, but had to use those things that were violent. I love it when a story makes me think.

In other news, I've started running again. I'm trying to find a route that is about 5K long, so I can start preparing for the race on June 2. I think I have found one, but I'll have to run faster if I want t get in a good workout before work. I'm also in need of getting a good running shoe, so wish me luck. My feet will appreciate it!

The Big Over Easy

I will be upfront and say that The Big Over Easy wasn't one of my favorite books to read, which isn't to say it isn't written well, because it's witty, has several laugh-out-loud moments, and is quite clever. But . . . it was a little bizarre for me.

With the popularity increase of fairy tales (Once Upon a Time; Mirror, Mirror; and so on), The Big Over Easy fits right in, and I was eager to see how the author entwined the fairy tale characters into one world. It focuses on Jack Spratt, detective of the lowly Nursery Crime Division, and his investigation of Humpty Dumpty's death. Numerous fairy tale characters popped as detectives, suspects, family members, and wealthy entrepreneurs.  As Jack starts to make headway with case, he's confronted by corrupted police officers and bewildering connections. And overall it was a lot of fun. Yet it was just a little strange from time to time. From the mad scientist that put a kitten's head on a fish to the mansion that wasn't all that it seemed to be, this book poked fun at detective story stereotypes and plots. And it made for a bewildering experience.

Yet the book has not left me. I still think about the plot . . . and the ending. That ending was something else, and apparently quite memorable. I finished this book about a month ago and I can still remember a lot of details, which is pretty amazing.  And it makes me think that perhaps I should give another of Jasper Fforde's books a try. You never know, I might like it better.

 There is some mild swearing and a few adult-type situations, so it's not really meant for kids. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.