Title: Only You Can Save Mankind
Author: Terry Pratchett
First published January 1, 1992
210 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060541873 (ISBN10: 0060541873)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
He thought he was just playing a computer game, but Johnny Maxwell is about to embark on an unexpected adventure. When the alien spaceship he’s been battling suddenly surrenders, Johnny doesn’t know what to make of it.
But things get even stranger when the aliens start communicating with him directly. As Johnny navigates this bizarre new world, he must use his wits to figure out what the aliens want and how he can possibly save them.
Only You Can Save Mankind is a thrilling, funny, and thought-provoking novel from the one and only Terry Pratchett.
About the Author
Sir Terry Pratchett, originally named Terence David John Pratchett, sold his first story at the age of thirteen, which earned him enough money to purchase a second-hand typewriter. His debut novel, The Carpet People, a humorous fantasy, was published in 1971 by Colin Smythe.
Terry worked as a journalist and press officer for many years while also writing in his spare time, publishing numerous novels including his first Discworld novel in 1983. He began writing full time in 1987.
The Discworld series contains over 40 books, four of which are for children. His first children’s novel, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, won the Carnegie Medal.
Good Omens, a non-Discworld book, was published in collaboration with Neil Gaiman in 1990 and has been a bestseller for many years.
Harper Children’s published Terry’s standalone non-Discworld Young Adult novel, Nation in 2008. Terry was regarded as one of the most significant contemporary English-language satirists, receiving numerous literary awards, and was named an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 for his contribution to literature.
He was also awarded honorary doctorates from several universities for his contribution to public service.
Terry Pratchett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in December 2007. On February 18, 2009, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and he received the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award in 2010.
Sir Terry Pratchett passed away on March 12, 2015.
Editoral Review
Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchett is a perfect example of a sci-fi novel that can appeal to both young and mature readers alike. Pratchetts wit and humor shine through in this novel that is both creative and inventive.
Pratchett has crafted a story that can show us how to better ourselves, how to leave old habits behind, and how to truly improve our world. Only You Can Save Mankind tells a story about Johnny Maxwell, a young boy who gets sucked into his computer game, Only You Can Save Mankind during his sleep.
When the alien ships from the game start surrendering to Johnny, he realizes that the responsibility of saving the life forms from the game rests on his shoulders. Johnny, along with his friend Kirsty, must convince the aliens that humans are not evil and that they too have feelings.
Throughout the novel, readers embark on a journey full of adventure, humor, and lessons. Pratchetts writing style is both creative and adventurous.
He successfully weaves a world that is both imaginative and grounded in reality. The aliens, while quirky, are relatable and their messages are insightful.
Pratchett uses his characters to make a commentary on human behavior and society as a whole, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking. The strength of the characters in Only You Can Save Mankind is another high point in the novel.
Johnny is a relatable protagonist, who manages to navigate through the complex world of adolescence, while at the same time, becoming more responsible and mature. Kirsty is a perfect foil to Johnny, challenging his beliefs and pushing him to become a better person.
The contrast between the characters, and their mutual vulnerability, make their friendship all the more endearing. Despite its strong characters and ingenious writing, Only You Can Save Mankind has its flaws.
The pacing of the novel can be a bit slow at times, which may cause some readers to lose interest in the story. The novels themes, while relevant to the time of its publication, may seem outdated to some modern readers.
Overall, Only You Can Save Mankind is an entertaining and enlightening sci-fi novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Pratchetts imaginative writing, strong characters, and creative world-building make this novel a true masterpiece.
It is definitely worth reading, whether you are a sci-fi enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging story with a moral lesson. Only You Can Save Mankind is a novel that readers of all ages can appreciate, and I highly recommend it.
4/5 stars.
