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Ender's Game remains one of my all-time favorites, though I liked Speaker for the Dead even more. I've actually enjoyed the Bean books, as well. I thought the 3rd and 4th Ender books weren't quite as good. First Meetings is a lot of fun, and I was surprised to find how much more I liked the novel version of Ender's Game than the original novella.
I liked Pastwatch, but I think Card kind of wimped out on the central moral issue. I'd be interested in other opinions on that, maybe in a separate thread so we don't have to worry about spoilers.
My other favorite of Card's books is Songmaster.
Card's style is generally very clear and readable. I know a lot of authors who get a bit carried away in the elaborate turns of phrase or heavy description. I imagine his background as a playwright does help. But he covers very interesting, intricate human issues. The only other SF author I can think of offhand who does as much with the psychology of the characters is C.J. Cherryh, but she's not quite as easy to read. Or maybe some of Ursula Le Guin, but the same readability issue.
I read a lot of "young adult" books as well. I just finished rereading Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, which I highly recommend. Disregard the title -- this is not a "Disney princess" story. This is a very well-written story about the clash between provincial and mainstream cultures, and the struggles of individuals to find their place in their own communities. I recommend Hale's other works, as well.
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