So says Terry Pratchett, a marvelous writer and, it seems, a really good man. He won the 2009 Michael L. Printz award earlier this year in July for his young adult book Nation. I’ve never read any of his YA books, but I plan to sometime. He wasn’t present to receive the award so sent a video instead. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, the video is available for general viewing. It is a hoot and a little sad.
At the end he says he wishes to thank the other people whose books were nominated but he can’t remember their names. He was diagnosed in 2007 with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In a March 2008 interview in The Guardian he talks about his disease among other things. It is both sad and funny which is only appropriate given that he tells the interviewer at one point, “You can’t laugh all the time. There’s humor in the darkest places.”
If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading a Terry Pratchett book, get thee to the library! What are you waiting for?
What am I waiting for, indeed? Time, perhaps. Anyway, your advice is duly noted!
I’ve come across many of his books but I admit I haven’t yet read any. I really should start. What an awful illness to have for a writer! I wonder how long he can keep it under control and still continue with his writing.
It is true that I have never sort of… fancied a Terry Pratchett novel, but I have read some of his YA fiction with my son and enjoyed that. It’s so sad about his condition, but if anyone is going to model dealing with it well, Pratchett will be the man.
I just adore Terry Pratchett! I wish him the best, along with the rest of his legion of fans.
Lezlie
My husband loves Terry Pratchett but I’ve only read one of his. Must read some more. I heard an awful rumor that he has Alzheimer’s or something like that…and is retiring. Have you heard that as well?
It is so sad, I may actually cry when he dies. He is just the most amazing man for his books, his imagination, his oddness and his courage in allowing the BBC to film a documentary of his illness.
I love that as soon as he found out he sank such a huge chunk of money into Alzheimer’s research purely because he can and how much use will the money be to him later (except of course he’ll have the best healthcare money can buy at the end). It’s the kind of thing all of us wish we could do when we end up in medical trouble.
I’ve been meaning to and never have! I think I will look him up soon. It’s great to have a new -to-me author to look forward to. Sad about his alzheimers, though.
Terry Pratchett has been on my list of authors to read for the longest time. Thank you for giving me a nudge! I’m going to the library to look for something of his right now
I love Terry Pratchett and has newest book arrived today, which I am very much looking forward to reading. His illness and decline is tragic but I am glad that he is retaining at all costs his wonderful sense of humour and his spirit.