This was another 2009 Printz Honor recipient, which is why I read it. I am not a huge Pratchett fan, like Paul, though I did enjoy watching the Hogfather movie with Paul. This is not a Discworld novel, though. I’ll first say-I loved it! I was telling Paul last night that the more I think about this book, the greater I think it is. It was a really powerful blend of humor, coming of age, what it is to “become a man”, what makes a nation, the conflicts between science and reason and superstition, myth, and tradition, how people communicate, and civilization versus savages all wrapped up in a great story of survival and adventure. Paul’s response was that that is what he expects from a Terry Pratchett novel, so he was not as blown away by it as I was. If that is the case, then I need to go read some more, because I really thought this was so well written + a great story. Continue reading
