Introduction
I was a young adult half a century ago. I've changed some since then, but the world changed more.
I like stories with themes of redemption, sacrifice, and healing. I like characters who struggle with integrity or with identity. Hopefully, I can write something like that.
For example, I too think 'Ender's Game' is great (because it is), but its sequel 'Speaker for the Dead' is what really shines for me. The first book has external struggles and actions that force important choices in the world. It is the other way around in the sequel: Ender's internal struggles and choices around guilt, redemption and finding meaning are what force the action there. Decisions are the story driver, not action. That's what I like - inner life, existential meaning, spiritual weight, individuation, awakening, etc.
I like Kim Stanley Robinson's 'Mars Trilogy' not just because it is great hard SF (it is - terraforming Mars, what's not to love?), but because the story dives deep into the relationships and community that had to form first, before all the cool science could happen. Space exploration (for Robinson) thus is ultimately a human expression, not a technical one.
Favorite book (this week): The Storyteller by Mario Vargas Llosa. An individual finds his identity, a community finds its identity, and a culture finds its identity - all in one book!
I like the writing of T. C. Boyle, Ian Rankin, Kazuo Ishiguro, Ken Lui, Doris Lessing, and others. I have no writing chops yet, but I do have something inside that needs expression, I just don't know how to midwife it. What could be easier, though? Not worried.
Happy Exploring!
Good to meet you, Peter! As I read this comment and reached your comment on not having writing chops, I thought to myself that you aren't giving yourself enough credit. Your introduction is full of latent eloquence that will serve you well as you write!
I appreciated your analysis on Ender's Game despite not being familiar with the story myself. A solid foundation of literary analysis is also helpful in crafting those impactful stories we feel the drive to create. :)