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hillmert's review against another edition
4.0
A very inventive and creative way to look at the dichotomy of science vs religion, colonialism, and sexism as only Terry Pratchett can do. An enjoyable story that does make one think about the way people think about things. I really enjoyed it. While it is appropriate for younger teens, it may take someone with more knowledge of history to make all the connections, and still the story stands on its own even if one doesn't get all the historical "criticism" or perhaps I should call it satire. I recommend it to all, especially teachers.
dsty292's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
autumndynasty's review against another edition
5.0
When I first picked up Nation, I was disappointed it wasn't a Discworld novel but my love for the author spurred me on anyway. And I'm so glad it did.
I'm not exaggerating when I say this is one of my absolute favourite books. One of the main reasons for this is that you can read it on as many levels as you'd like to.
In the mood for just reading a good story? You'll find one here. It's predictable in all the ways that YA fiction can be but there are twists to the tale and it's frankly just entertaining. The maturity of the ending impressed me and I believe one reviewer on here got it right when they said that the only real difference between Pratchett's YA and adult books are the ages of the protagonists.
Or are you looking for social commentary, discussion of religion, death and faith, themes of growing up and finding your place in the world? They're here too, in accessible forms, thanks in no small part to Pratchett's characteristic humour, that still manage to be more that superficial.
Most important of all, it lets you make up your own mind. On many things.
It is, in many ways, a very sad book. There's something melancholy about it, despite the humour, and that might put some people off, I suppose. To me, it gave the characters and events an necessary gravity.
Honestly, I know this review is very unobjective and I don't care. I adore this book.
I'm not exaggerating when I say this is one of my absolute favourite books. One of the main reasons for this is that you can read it on as many levels as you'd like to.
In the mood for just reading a good story? You'll find one here. It's predictable in all the ways that YA fiction can be but there are twists to the tale and it's frankly just entertaining. The maturity of the ending impressed me and I believe one reviewer on here got it right when they said that the only real difference between Pratchett's YA and adult books are the ages of the protagonists.
Or are you looking for social commentary, discussion of religion, death and faith, themes of growing up and finding your place in the world? They're here too, in accessible forms, thanks in no small part to Pratchett's characteristic humour, that still manage to be more that superficial.
Most important of all, it lets you make up your own mind. On many things.
It is, in many ways, a very sad book. There's something melancholy about it, despite the humour, and that might put some people off, I suppose. To me, it gave the characters and events an necessary gravity.
Honestly, I know this review is very unobjective and I don't care. I adore this book.
lesserjoke's review against another edition
3.0
This novel about the aftermath of a natural disaster in the Pacific Islands is fine, but it doesn't quite spark the joy and humor in me that I expect from Terry Pratchett at his Discworld / Good Omens best. I think I would have better enjoyed reading about these native characters rebuilding their home without the presence of shipwrecked foreigners, even if Sir Terry does use the opportunity to poke a little fun at British imperialism along the way. Still, this is leagues better than Dodger, Pratchett's other late-career foray away from his regular series.
aimeesue's review against another edition
5.0
An utter delight
Quite possibly his best book. A tsunami wave, an English girl, and a
Pelagic Islander boy, danger, survival, and building a nation. Plus tree climbing, counting octopuses. An utter delight.
Quite possibly his best book. A tsunami wave, an English girl, and a
Pelagic Islander boy, danger, survival, and building a nation. Plus tree climbing, counting octopuses. An utter delight.
pumpkinmama's review against another edition
4.0
So good. I love Pratchett's writing style - very playful and clever, reminds me of Gaiman. I was sad when this was over, I was so engrossed in it. A tale of two kids rebuilding themselves and a nation after a catastrophe that delves into origins of morality, religion vs. science, the individual vs. common good, self-reliance vs. faith, all in a captivating story.
plumewatcher's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
crunchylettuce's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Whenever I get back into Terry Pratchett, I start the book thinking "huh, this isn't as good as I heard it's supposed to be... it's good, but it's not exactly GREAT yet" - and then I read a few pages more and I'm crying my eyes out. So yeah, another Pterry book to be emotional over. I love to see it.
has80's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
lior34's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A wonderful book about the place of religion in one's life, maturing through means of your own, and community