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Nodding
In a small pocket of the world the sickness has been in existence since the sixties. A disease so feral, it strikes eighty percent of all children under the age of fifteen. For decades it has pushed the boundaries into three countries. Those infected become mere shells, often in a state followed by violent tantrums. There is no hope, no treatment and there is no cure. Little is known about the sickness called the Nodding Disease. Information regarding it is often buried deep. But what would happen if the resilient disease mutates and breaks into heavily populated areas? With a infection rate of eighty percent, our future could all but be eliminated along with our young. Nodding takes an emotional and fictional look at this very real disease. In Nodding, the disease has mutated. Following an outbreak in the UK, a global pandemic ensues. The young victims are so violent, they are a danger to all those around them. The bacteria is resistant to any treatment and deadly to any adult exposed. Governments must make their resolutions as time runs out for humanity, and worse, parents must face their most heart wrenching decisions.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2013
51 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 25, 2018
This is another example of this author's talent for exploring an apocalype with a different spin. It was very harrowing in that the victims and the danger were all children and was very disturbing even after I put the book down. The exploration of how the adults would change as they saw what potential danger even the healthy children held was chilling. Oh dear, though, there were a lot of errors and I mean a lot. Sacred instead of scared etc? Even a bad editor could have helped with this. This story deserves 5 stars but I can't justify it when the effort was not made to clean up the writing.
July 2, 2025
I liked this book overall but I felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
December 5, 2021
2.5 stars
June 19, 2015
I am grateful to have been a Goodreads winner for this book. The book was interesting and a bit scary if you think of the fact that an unknown virus could all of a sudden infect your smaller children. You could definitely see how the parents were struggling to hold onto to them. The ending was a bit unsatisfactory for me....as I was getting closer to the ending I really felt like there was going to be a second book. But perhaps there will be with the ramifications that the children faced while they were locked away.
October 25, 2013
What a great story based on something very real happening out there. You can tell this author really got to know the subject and presented a compelling story on it. I couldn't put the book down. It was well written and I found all the intertwining stories within engaging along with the characters. It stayed with me long after the last page was read. I highly recommend this book!
August 15, 2022
This one is a tear jerker
I have read many of Jacqueline 's books and many other authors end time books but this one had me from the start. There were some of Druga's signature graphical errors but I don't think it would be an authentic Druga book if you didn't have these little nods that mark that this is one of her originals. I love her stories. There is a whole new twist on what happens to mankind. That is trying to take us out this time. I dare to say I am not sure any other authors could take on a story of a virus killing off man kind by infecting our children. How many authors would have the finesse to write a story like this? The children are killing those who love them. It is a difficult position for parents to be in. So many can't let go of their children but know it could be their death. Who is going to save us? How is mankind going to survive and not go extinct? Someone has to make the hard decisions. Will they come to late to save us from our most precious most beloved possessions? The only thing we love more than ourselves. Or will we all die for our children?
I have read many of Jacqueline 's books and many other authors end time books but this one had me from the start. There were some of Druga's signature graphical errors but I don't think it would be an authentic Druga book if you didn't have these little nods that mark that this is one of her originals. I love her stories. There is a whole new twist on what happens to mankind. That is trying to take us out this time. I dare to say I am not sure any other authors could take on a story of a virus killing off man kind by infecting our children. How many authors would have the finesse to write a story like this? The children are killing those who love them. It is a difficult position for parents to be in. So many can't let go of their children but know it could be their death. Who is going to save us? How is mankind going to survive and not go extinct? Someone has to make the hard decisions. Will they come to late to save us from our most precious most beloved possessions? The only thing we love more than ourselves. Or will we all die for our children?
March 4, 2019
Unexpected. Shocking. Brutal. Heart wrenching. This book is so suspenseful I couldn't put it down. The world has been struck by a disease so bad it infects 80% of all children under 15. The infected become violent, killing others and spreading the infection. Then they become still, staring, quiet. Governments handle the outbreak with different methods. Some so terrible they are hard to believe.
The characters in this story break my heart. Tom who works for a newstation and learns of the outbreak through a coworker's death. He notifies Cyrus of the CDC hoping they can find a cure quickly. Cyrus tells his brothers, one of which is Bobby whose wife, Brady, is the daughter of a canned meat magnate, which is useful in an apocalypse. Tom's sister, Nola, who is a widow and raising her children alone, one of which is in a wheelchair. Sam, the priest, who is trying to protect the uninfected children in his neighborhood.
I love the way Jacqueline Druga writes. She wrings my emotions with tragedy but draws me further into the story with the promise of hope. Great read!
The characters in this story break my heart. Tom who works for a newstation and learns of the outbreak through a coworker's death. He notifies Cyrus of the CDC hoping they can find a cure quickly. Cyrus tells his brothers, one of which is Bobby whose wife, Brady, is the daughter of a canned meat magnate, which is useful in an apocalypse. Tom's sister, Nola, who is a widow and raising her children alone, one of which is in a wheelchair. Sam, the priest, who is trying to protect the uninfected children in his neighborhood.
I love the way Jacqueline Druga writes. She wrings my emotions with tragedy but draws me further into the story with the promise of hope. Great read!
August 25, 2025
When I started reading this book I thought it was going to be a cracker - and it was. The story was well put together and fell within the range of believability. It kept me engaged and the story was enjoyable.
While I have been prepared to endure the poor editing that seems (in my experience) to plague this author's work, this book now takes the prize for some of the poorest editing I've ever seen. Usually with poor editing, I can see the mistake and read over it - and that is typically the case with this author too. However, in this book there were at least three or four whole sentences which were entirely incomprehensible gibberish - so, technically, I probably haven't really read this book from head to tail, as I can't read gibberish and I therefore could not read (or even guess) those sentences (sigh).
The only thing that prevented my first ever 1 star rating was the fact that was a great read - but in good conscience I felt the editing was so poor that anything more than 2 stars was not possible (for me).
While I have been prepared to endure the poor editing that seems (in my experience) to plague this author's work, this book now takes the prize for some of the poorest editing I've ever seen. Usually with poor editing, I can see the mistake and read over it - and that is typically the case with this author too. However, in this book there were at least three or four whole sentences which were entirely incomprehensible gibberish - so, technically, I probably haven't really read this book from head to tail, as I can't read gibberish and I therefore could not read (or even guess) those sentences (sigh).
The only thing that prevented my first ever 1 star rating was the fact that was a great read - but in good conscience I felt the editing was so poor that anything more than 2 stars was not possible (for me).
April 16, 2019
One of her finest works. Rarely do I cry during a read, but cry I did. She was so able to convey the feelings of a mother or parent when their child is ill or in danger. The protagonists are well defined and developed.Yes, there were mean and scary people, but the worst, who through no fault of their own, were the children who were infected. She had a nice twist to the plague that affected the world, particularly how it might have affected the United States of America.
My only caution comment is it certainly could have been edited better. Poor grammar and punctuation are terribly distracting to me. Regardless, she is one of my most favorite authors and I probably have read more of her books than any other single author. Kudos to another work well done.
My only caution comment is it certainly could have been edited better. Poor grammar and punctuation are terribly distracting to me. Regardless, she is one of my most favorite authors and I probably have read more of her books than any other single author. Kudos to another work well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2022
This author has an amazing ability to write so many different scenarios to the end of civilization. Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book although it was heartbreaking at times, I am really put off by the number of proofreading errors. One has to guess what word or words are left out, what words were meant to be used due to so many spelling errors. I was pleased that the worst didn't occur until halfway through. However, the book I am currently reading of hers had the first error on page 1. Not a good start. Nodding would have been so much more pleasant to read had it not been for that. I debated from a 3 to 4 star rating, but I did give it a 4 star due to the overall story. I just wish she'd invest in someone to please proofread her books.
June 15, 2022
Not my favorite
Ms. Druga is one of my favorite Kindle authors. Her stories are enthralling and I truly appreciate that she doesn't stick to just one subject. This story was interesting and worth a gander, but was not one of my favorites. It felt a little 'let down ' at the end. I call it a Stephen King ending, rushed, like all the loose ends had to be tied up quickly. I believe this would make a great movie. 👍
Ms. Druga is one of my favorite Kindle authors. Her stories are enthralling and I truly appreciate that she doesn't stick to just one subject. This story was interesting and worth a gander, but was not one of my favorites. It felt a little 'let down ' at the end. I call it a Stephen King ending, rushed, like all the loose ends had to be tied up quickly. I believe this would make a great movie. 👍
March 8, 2023
Excellent
I don't know how one person can come up with so many different apocalyptic ideas, but Jacqueline Druga is the best at it! From the first page, the reader is hooked into the story and simply must keep turning pages and reading until the end. I recommend every book Ms. Druga has ever written, and that is quite a lot of great reading. My thanks to Ms. Drugs for continuing to supply us with great stories to read!
I don't know how one person can come up with so many different apocalyptic ideas, but Jacqueline Druga is the best at it! From the first page, the reader is hooked into the story and simply must keep turning pages and reading until the end. I recommend every book Ms. Druga has ever written, and that is quite a lot of great reading. My thanks to Ms. Drugs for continuing to supply us with great stories to read!
July 11, 2019
I loved the what if aspect to this book. As a Mom this story terrified me. Children carrying the infection that could end mankind is a great premise. And as a parent, could you or would you turn your children over to the government to humanely dispose of them?
Read this book and decide.
Read this book and decide.
August 6, 2022
intense
I really enjoyed this book, but I also found it hard to read because of the tragedy. I don’t want to do a spoiler but I will just say it was worth the read and thought-provoking.
I really enjoyed this book, but I also found it hard to read because of the tragedy. I don’t want to do a spoiler but I will just say it was worth the read and thought-provoking.
December 30, 2022
Heart wrenching but very good!
The nodding is an emotional roller coaster. I don’t know what I would do if the events in the book ever came true. You have to read the book and be prepared.
The nodding is an emotional roller coaster. I don’t know what I would do if the events in the book ever came true. You have to read the book and be prepared.
May 15, 2025
I found the concept intriguing. The writing was fast paced and kept me wanting more. The two stars off were because of the lack of editing and the fact that I felt as if the ending was pushed a little too fast to finish the novel. Otherwise, pretty good read.
September 27, 2017
Good idea
This book flipped(between characters and time) too much for me. I liked the idea and it was worth a read
This book flipped(between characters and time) too much for me. I liked the idea and it was worth a read
October 1, 2017
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. I could say more, but I won't...
May 5, 2021
My favorite Jacqueline Druga story so far!
I LOVE an interesting and dark apocalyptic story that reads like a movie but also has developed characters in it. This one checks all the boxes for me.
I LOVE an interesting and dark apocalyptic story that reads like a movie but also has developed characters in it. This one checks all the boxes for me.
June 27, 2022
very interesting story line. Loved the book.But the book fell apart in the last 50 pages, couldn't put it down until then. Just wish it had a better ending.
May 17, 2023
Well Done
Excellent storyline and a few twists. I enjoyed every part of the story. I hope I am as strong as Brady was in the end!
Excellent storyline and a few twists. I enjoyed every part of the story. I hope I am as strong as Brady was in the end!
June 12, 2025
Rating dropped one for lack of editing. Good story.
December 18, 2013
Couldn't put this down. Absolutely had me gripped from about 4% in! Fast paced and with likeable characters, most of whom are linked in some way. Heartbreaking at times, and gut wrenching, I was moved to tears several times. Thoroughly recommend for a fresh, original take on a global pandemic and the decisions made to save humanity.
September 11, 2014
Oh my God.
I can't begin to explain how I feel right now. I just finished the book and I am very sad. this book is awesome very emotional and heart breaking. I love how the author based her story on a real life disease. it made the book that much more believable and heart breaking. I recommend this with whole heartedly. one of the best stories I rad in a long time.
I can't begin to explain how I feel right now. I just finished the book and I am very sad. this book is awesome very emotional and heart breaking. I love how the author based her story on a real life disease. it made the book that much more believable and heart breaking. I recommend this with whole heartedly. one of the best stories I rad in a long time.
January 2, 2017
This is the Druga that I've come to love! This was so, so good...and so, so sad. I have an eight year old son, and there were a few times I just had to put this down and take a few moments. I flew through this book, but it was difficult to read. Killing so many children is just unimaginable. This is truly an apocalyptic book, in every sense of the word. Great (and terrifying) story.
October 25, 2013
What do you do when the world's most precious commodity becomes the thing you fear the most?? This story had me up all night until I finished the last page. Another great read by my favorite PA author!!! If you like post-apocalyptic fiction, you'll love Nodding.
December 29, 2014
Very good story of survival
I enjoyed reading this book because it moved fast and had very good story line there was just enough detail to make it interesting. I read this in a couple of evenings because I couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed reading this book because it moved fast and had very good story line there was just enough detail to make it interesting. I read this in a couple of evenings because I couldn't put it down.
March 2, 2016
Beautifully written saddest story I have ever read.
I cannot even fathom having to make the decisions the folks in this story made. I have read a lot of the Jacqueline Druga's stories and I can honestly this one will haunt me for awhile. Well worth reading.
I cannot even fathom having to make the decisions the folks in this story made. I have read a lot of the Jacqueline Druga's stories and I can honestly this one will haunt me for awhile. Well worth reading.
April 28, 2016
A scary idea
This book wrenched my heart more than any book I've read. Faced with an extremely fast moving, violent deadly virus that attacks children, decisions have to be made. This book is about those decisions. Very well written and touching.
This book wrenched my heart more than any book I've read. Faced with an extremely fast moving, violent deadly virus that attacks children, decisions have to be made. This book is about those decisions. Very well written and touching.
July 4, 2016
The plot was really promising but the writing and character developments were horribly dull. I liked the idea of the story but I didn't like how it was written (good in theory, bad in practice, as it were, when it comes to this book).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews