I was torn between giving this book a 3 or a 4. If 3.5 was available to me, that's what it would have gotten.This is one of those books that deals with the basic themes of what it is to be human. I enjoyed it. If I would have a quibble with it, it's that some of it is a lot more readable than the rest of it. ( )

Once again, Terry Pratchett has proven himself to be an insightful and powerful storyteller. In Nation he presents themes of loss, faith, community, race, and leadership, without forcing ideas on his readers; instead he whispers suggestions in the background, and trusts his readers to actually think.

The characters that make up Nation are occasionally stereotypical, but consistently complicated and honest. Intelligence is the guiding light of this adventure story, and there is very little about it that is "young". ( )

On one end of the world, the king has died and the Gentlemen of Last Resort start a desperate search for the heir in order to continue the line of the throne with as little trouble as possible. On the other end of the world, a great wave has come crashing through, turning Mau's world upside down. Instead of returning from the Boy's Island now a man, he returns home to find the entire Nation gone. A ship has landed, and the only survivor, Ermintrude...er...Daphne (long story) doesn't know what to do in this situation.

In some ways, this was reminiscent of the other books by Terry Pratchett. Set in a parallel universe and full of zany humor, it was a fairly fun ride. My only frustration was that his thoughts on religion seemed to overshadow the story at some parts, as Mau learns that maybe what he believed all along may not be true. It sort of felt at points like I was being given a lesson, and I didn't like that aspect of it. A worthwhile, humorous and thought-provoking read. ( )

This isn't a Discworld book, and it's more somber and philosophical than the ones in that series. It drags a bit in the beginning, and hits you over the head with the philosophical musings, but overall an enjoyable read. Plus I'm just glad that Pratchett's still writing.

When the great wave wipes out everyone living on Mau's island, his world changes. Upper-class, British Daphne's world is also changed when the wave causes the ship she's riding to crash into the island. As they figure out how to survive, they'll explore ideas of religion, propriety, language, and more.

The novel is funny and touching and thought-provoking and I didn't want it to end. The recording is fabulous with expert narration. I am not at all surprised that the book won a Printz honor and an Odyssey honor. Both are well-deserved. ( )