Terry Pratchett is a creative genius with few peers. Prolific writer of the Discworld series, among several other works, he is internationally reverred as among the most influential authors of the last 40 years. A year ago he publicly announced that he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, he has made substantial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, the group he addressed in the video below (in two parts). He discusses having the disease and the effect on his writing among other topics.
He also has a new book, Nation. Here’s a blurb from Bookmarks Magazine:
Critics praised Nation as a hybrid, deeply philosophical book aimed at young adults, but one likely to appeal to adults as well, much like Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy or J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. With echoes of William Defoe and William Golding, Nation takes the
form of a “classic Robinsonade,” notes the Washington Post—that is, a book in which characters on a desert island recreate civilization. As his characters grapple with questions of leadership, humanity, and survival, Pratchett explores fundamental ideas about religion and culture. This might all sound rather heavy, but there is plenty of originality and humor—and cannibals, spirits, and secret treasures—to go around. In the end, Pratchett offers a vision of a deeply humane world. “In some part of the multiverse there is probably a civilisation based on the thinking of Terry Pratchett,” writes the Guardian, “and what a civilised civilisation that will be.”
David DiSalvo is a freelance writer and research wonk who has written and lectured on topics involving public health, air and water quality, branding, education, energy efficiency, healthcare and social marketing. More info 
