Without the school aspect, it could be Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. Without the flying in mid-air, it could be Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic books or Sherwood Smith's Wren's Quest series.
Weird, I would never miss a chance to read a book that compares to another favorite book of mine.
I have noticed the similarity in themes, too, but I have enjoyed both Harry Potter and Enders Game. They are not similar in the sense of being clones. Also, the "flying game" is only a side plot in HP, and was for me the least interesting aspect of the books.
Since you probably missed Harry Potter because of it, I am going to claim that you miss some good things with the heuristic. On the other hand there is doubtless a lot of crap that is popular.
Would be interesting to see some statistics, but maybe people have to do that on an individual basis.
I think a big part of it is that I really don't like discussing books/movies with other people. I know that is odd. I just like to have the story in my head and interpret it as I please, without having to hash it over with everyone else in the world.
It's paid off for Harry Potter. I get perverse enjoyment out of rejecting my girlfriend's sister's desire to discuss whether such and such character is in love with such and such other character. Since I haven't read it, she won't ramble at me for more than a couple seconds. I fully plan on reading it someday, once the furor dies down and there is no risk of having a coversation about it. ;)
> "A young kid growing up in an oppressive family situation suddenly learns that he is one of a special class of children with special abilities, who are to be educated in a remote training facility where student life is dominated by an intense game played by teams flying in midair, at which this kid turns out to be exceptionally talented and a natural leader. He trains other kids in unauthorized extra sessions, which enrages his enemies, who attack him with the intention of killing him; but he is protected by his loyal, brilliant friends and gains strength from the love of some of his family members. He is given special guidance by an older man of legendary accomplishments who previously kept the enemy at bay. He goes on to become the crucial figure in a struggle against an unseen enemy who threatens the whole world."
If so, that is both amusing and relieving. Since I know Ender backwords and forwards, I can save myself the time reading Harry Potter.
Regardless of the lady and her tactics in the publishing business, you have to admit this is quite a good speech. When I first saw it at the top, I thought to myself: "holy crap why is this on HN?" But after watching it, I can't help thinking how nice it was to have my optimism needle bumped up a notch.