Rating:  Summary: Pratchett takes on religion Review: Each of Pratchett's Discworld novels takes on a particular theme of literature or aspect of society. Here is his take on organized religion, and on religion in general. Both as a humorist and as a novelist Pratchett's output is quite variable in quality, rarely reaching the peaks set by such superior works as INTERESTING TIMES or MEN AT ARMS. SMALL GODS is above the average, and for Pratchett, that's quite good indeed. Pratchett's hero, Brutha, is an apparently retarded and ambitionless monk who's slated to become a new Messiah, but the leader of the established church has his own ideas about who that Messiah should actually be. Furthermore, by an incredibly unlikely turn of events, the God worshipped by the established church actually exists, although He is handicapped a bit by being incarnated as a tiny turtle. The plot and characters are continually interesting, and the novel moves swiftly.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent fun Review: I absolutley loved this book. The beginning was confusing but the book quickly gained momentum. Never having read any of the Discworld books did not hinder my enjoyment of this book in the least. In fact, it is not necessary to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. This book was entertaining, fun, and the ending was just .... Well, I don't want to give it away. Read it and decide for yourself. I loved this book so much I bought it for my two younger sisters. Now, that is a pretty good book!
Rating:  Summary: A Satirical Masterpiece Review: Every tome of the prodigious Discworlf series is filled end-to-end with Pratchett's sideslitting humour. Most of the books also feature satirical pokes and jabs at various aspects of our modern society, but what makes "Small Gods" his best work is the cohesive nature of its criticism. The satire of "Small Gods" very thoughtfully critizes the religious establishment, and in a holistic way that Pratchett has yet to recreate. Far and away the best discworld book, and one that stands on its own two feet, having no more than superficial reference to other books in the series.
Rating:  Summary: The Turtle Moved Me... Review: This is my first experience reading a Terry Pratchett novel, as well as my first introduction to Discworld...and I am impressed! Small Gods has a bit of everything--it is full of imagination, philosophy, satire, and gets down right funny at times!The story centers around Brutha, a religious novice in Omnia, a worshipper of the Great God Om. The only thing is--he is the last true believer and the only person who can truly speak to Om. Going from there, this is Brutha's story of self- and religious- discovery. None of the people around him seem to know what to make of him, and his connection to Om, a very small god who is learning that if your last believer dies, it is not a pretty situation for a small god. But the world of Omnia is being upset by this new religious group obsessed by the fact that a Turtle actually swims across space with the world held up by four elephants upon its shell...it's a whole new world in this book! I can't wait to try another novel in the Discworld series! I highly recommend the same for anyone wanting some pure reading pleasure!
Rating:  Summary: Extremely well - written, thought provoking and hilarious. Review: Pratchett consistenly brings rare genius to the table with his colorfull discworld series and Small Gods is no exception. In one of his best written novels to date, Pratchett delves into religion, spirituality and dogma with uncomprimised insight. Featuring a page turning plot, intricate and memorable charachters, biting satire, and laugh out loud humor, Small Gods delves into fantasy yet arrives poigantly at the heart of human nature. This is a briliantly written work offering not only unique perspective but great entertainment.
Rating:  Summary: a disgrace to religion Review: although this book was an intentional attack on organized religion of the past, i thought that it went to far in trying to humor the audience. In light of this book being fiction, Pratchett still wanders a little far into even joking about something that is as important to millions of people as a supreme power. even so, the comedy good throughout. the characters were a little shallow at times, and my own obsession with imagery in fantasy novels (see Guy Gavriel Kay), made me feeling a bit disappointed in such a huge phenomenon as Terry Pratchett.
Rating:  Summary: Small Gods is great! Review: There are billions of gods in the world; they swarm as thick as flies. Most of them are too small to see & never get worshipped, at least by anything bigger than bacteria. Consider the tortoise & the eagle. The former, a ground-hugging creature with limited, immediate horizons & the latter, while living in high places, sits for hours surveying all until it spies the wobbling tortoise. If you've not dabbled in a Terry Pratchett yet, you are in for a treat. If you like your world turned topsy-turvy just to see what shakes out of your pockets of thoughts, get thee to this Terry Pratchett & chuckle. Ripping good stuff & utterly irreverent! END
Rating:  Summary: Good - Not my favorite Review: Excellent satire, and extremely well written as are all of Pratchett's novels. But a bit too "dark" for my taste. The first one of his books that I found plodded, and that I was tempted to skim (which I did the last quarter.) Also the first that I probably will not re-read, or recommend to friends.
Rating:  Summary: Religion From the Point of View of a Tortoise Review: This has to be the BEST Discworld novel yet. Terry Pratchett's outstanding efforts to make fun of religion has come through for him. Brutha, a Novice in Ominiasm, is the Chosen One, picked by his Great God Om-holy horns-after three years as a tortoise. With this simple beginning, the best Pratchett novel comes forth. Following this is a trip to Ephebe, where a blind philospher has just written Der Chelonian Mobile, or The Turtle Moves. You'll have to read it to see exactly how it all works out. But remember: Fear the Quisition!
Rating:  Summary: Religion on the rocks Review: This was an excellent and extremely funny book; yet another of Pratchett's wonderful stories. It speculates on the origins of religion and pokes fun at everyone. Definintely a must-read for believers and atheists alike.
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