Nation

Pratchett, T (2008).  Nation.  New York, NY:  HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Mau finds himself alone on his island with the ghost girl.  Everything they knew was destroyed by a tidal wave.  He quickly climbs up Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and finds himself dealing with self actualization.  He questions his Gods and their existence.  He accepts the facts and solves many problems. People start arriving on his island, and they look to him for answers even when he doubts what he is saying.  He is careful with his words.  He hears the Gods talking to him, but he doesn’t believe.  He realizes that it is the belief that matters.  Mau takes in any who need help.  It does not matter who they are or what condition they are in.  He accepts change and restores his “nation”.  I like that even though he is young, and he is not sure if he is a man, the people look to him for guidance.  I always liked the survival parts of books.  I am always amazed that the human survival instinct is so strong.