Songmaster

Author: Orson Scott Card

First line: Nniv did not go to meet Mikal's starship.

Why you should read this book: This refreshing and often surprising story narrates the life of Ansset, a child whose voice commands the ability to manipulate any audience to whatever emotion he chooses to reflect. Sent from his sheltered home in the Songhouse to sing for the emperor at the imperial seat of power, Ansset becomes tangled in plots that threaten the stability of an empire encompassing countless planets. In episodes that are by turns joyful, heartbreaking, treacherous, and wonderful, his tale, his strength, and his sacrifices unfold to a satisfying and thoughtful conclusion.

Why you shouldn't read this book: This book, more than anything else I've ever seen, pronounces Card's well-documented homophobia, and also, on close reading, seems to suggest the author is in the closet regarding one or two details of his personal life. The treatment of homosexuality in this book is disgusting and detracts from the power of the rest of the story.