Book: Treason by Orson Scott Card (SF)

Orson Scott Card is my favorite author in any genre, and Treason didn't disappoint. It's the story of the planet Treason, where a group of rebellious intellectuals were exiled many generations ago. Each rebel in turn tried to use his or her research to develop something of value to offer in trade for steel to build spaceships to get their family group back to the civilized universe. This has led to hostility between the family groups and some very disturbing innovations.

For instance, the main character, Lanik, comes from a family with advanced healing abilities. When he begins to grow unnecessary limbs, he only escapes the pens (where other mutants' body parts are harvested and traded for steel) because he is the son of the king. He instead begins to travel the planet, meeting people from different family groups who challenge what he believes about his country, his family, and himself.

I love OSC's writing because his ideas, while powerful and thought-provoking, never overshadow his characters. He has a deep love for people as individuals and for humanity as a whole and allows his stories to help us understand human nature at its worst--and its best. Grade: B+