NATION by Terry Pratchett

Nation by Terry Pratchett

BIBLIOGRAPHYPratchett, Terry, 2008, Nation, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, New York; ISBN 0061433016

PLOT SUMMARY
Set on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Mau finds himself alone after a tsunami wave wipes out his entire family and village. Daphne, the only survivor of the Sweet Judy is shipwrecked on the island and the two soon discover they are not alone. Daphne and Mau are left behind to rebuild the Nation as survivors find their way back. Sorrowful and broken, Mau and Daphne question God and all things good yet work diligently to rebuild and help survivors.  The two learn a great deal about each other’s culture and language, as they struggle to keep the small village safe and fed, defy odds, defeat death and discover a hidden secret that turns their world upside down.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Terry Pratchett’s skillful writing and exquisite character development of both Mau and Daphne, immediately draw the reader in and then Pratchett never lets you out! Having never read a Terry Pratchett novel prior to Nation and not knowing what to expect, I became immediately immersed and read the book within 24 hours.  I fell in love with this book and have added Nation to my favorite’s book list?  I have ever come across a book so philosophical and action packed. The plot was quick paced with Mau and Daphne experiencing famine, birth, death, cannibals, pirates, ghosts, and other challenging situations. The setting is extremely vibrant and vivid taking the reader by the hand on Mau and Daphne’s quest to rebuild a better Nation.  The underlining themes of the book: life, death, grief, faith, community and humanity are subjects relevant to the meaning of “growing up” and obtaining knowledge pursued and through subjection.
Nation is a powerful book that I recommend to any young adult or adult alike.  It is a book that will forever have a home on my bookshelf.
(Fiction, Young Adults ages 13 and up)

REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW- “Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels."
"A searching exploration of good and evil, fate and free will, both as broad and as deep as anything this brilliant author has produced so far.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS- "A rich and thought-provoking read."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, STARRED REVIEW- "A classic survival tale that offers laughs and much to mull over, this is a wonderfully entertaining novel."
NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW -"A wonderful story, by turns harrowing and triumphant."
WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD- "Pratchett’s examination of questions about religious belief, the nature of culture and what it means to be human [...] is a terrific, thought-provoking book."
HORN BOOK, STARRED REVIEW- “It is hard to imagine a reader who won’t feel welcomed into this nation."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW- "Neatly balancing the somber and the wildly humorous in a riveting tale of discovery, Pratchett shows himself at the height of his powers."

AWARDS: 
Michael L. Printz Honor Book
ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book

CONNECTIONS
Language Arts/HumanitiesFantasy Novel- Have students write their own fantasy story based on being stranded on a deserted island. 
Discussion QuestionsNation covers many philosophical points that the author raises.  Use the following questions for group discussions or for journaling.
Why do bad things happen?
What is the place of God or gods in the universe and in our lives?
Is it okay for people to worship different Gods?
Are some cultures superior to others?
How is knowledge lost?
Why do people do the things they do?
Other Recommended Books:The Wee Free Men, Pratchett, Terry, 2003, ISBN 0552549053
Johnny and the Bomb Pratchett, Terry, 1996, ISBN 0385406703
Johnny and the Dead, Pratchett, Terry, 2006, ISBN 0552527408
The Bromeliad Trilogy, Pratchett, Terry, 2003, ISBN 0060094931
Related Websites:http://www.terrypratchett.co.uk/