okay, I'm succumbing

LibraryLady · 15th March 2009, 09:49 AM

I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references, so I have consulted with our Young Adult librarian who is looking up the title of the first Disc World book and I will borrow it today.

I blame you all if I hate it.

So there.

Fiona · 15th March 2009, 09:53 AM

You won't !!

ejk · 15th March 2009, 09:54 AM

You should also blame everyone here when you become hopelessly addicted.

Seriously though, I wasn't particularly fond of the first or even second books. For some reason I kept going, and eventually made it into the really good ones. It's not necessary to read the in order, although some will make more sense if they follow others in the same general story line. But IMO you could easily start with the third book and not miss out on anything.

Blackadder · 15th March 2009, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by LibraryLady

I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references, so I have consulted with our Young Adult librarian who is looking up the title of the first Disc World book and I will borrow it today.

I blame you all if I hate it.

So there.

Remember that the first two books are a little different from the others. They are still good, but for me it really takes of with 'Equal Rites', introducing the witches and 'Mort' where Death get's His first Star role. From then on they get better and better.

Happy reading.. I am so jealous. Discovering this world has been one of my best experiences in life, for me about 15 years ago now.

Doctor Evil · 15th March 2009, 10:04 AM

While Pratchett first few books are funny, they are not nearly as good as some of his later ones. His ability to tell a more complex stories has improved with time.

My point is that if you find the first few books, say, not as good as you expected, please come back again and ask us for a few recommendations.

Kittyclaws · 15th March 2009, 10:04 AM

There are tons of books listed on his website. Is there a chronological list for the different series? Or is there a way to tell which are stand-alone novels?

Monketey Ghost · 15th March 2009, 10:07 AM

I once struck up a conversation with a pretty girl who immediately bored me with blather about Pratchett and his 'dystopian' creations... she used the word excessively and annoyingly... she turned me off to trying something that might otherwise have interested me someday. If you do succumb, give me the short version.

Hopefully, for the sake of your reading experience, that short version isn't, "It's boring."

Fiona · 15th March 2009, 10:09 AM

Dystopian? They are hilarious. This confuses me

Blackadder · 15th March 2009, 10:20 AM

All are stand alone, but some main character reappear in following books: Basically you have few lines.

The City Watch (my favourite)

order to read: Guards! Guards! - Men at Arms - Feet of Clay - Jingo - Fifth Elephant - Night Watch

Rincewind

order to read Color of Magic - the Light Fantastic - Sourcery - ~~Faust~~ Eric - Interesting Times - the last Continent

Death

order to read Mort- Reaper Man - Soul Music - Hogfather

Witches

order to read Equal Rites - Wyrd Sisters - Witches Abroad - Lords and Ladies - Maskerade - Carpe Jugelum

Random (still excellent) Pyramids - Moving Pictures - the Truth

I recommend you read them in chronical order because Discworlds is a very rich world and you will be picking up details in every book. and if you really like a certain group of characters you will know you will be meeting them again some day, but you might not know where or when.

Professor Yaffle · 15th March 2009, 10:22 AM

And don't miss out on Good Omens (Pratchett and Gaiman) just because it is not Discworld...

Elizabeth I · 15th March 2009, 10:27 AM

I am one of those who loves each and every Discworld novel AND Good Omens, which is not set in Discworld.

Don't let them put you off the first novels. The Luggage alone is worth the price of admission.

LibraryLady · 15th March 2009, 10:33 AM

Well, this is terrible. I went to his Web site and found:

Quote:

As many of you know, Terry Pratchett has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease.

Fiona · 15th March 2009, 10:36 AM

yes

. He is being amazing about it though. He is participating in research and stuff.

It is quite inspiring how he talks about it actually

this charming man · 15th March 2009, 10:40 AM

The Colour of Magic is the "first" book, each book is really stand alone.

I second the Good Omens recommendation.

brodski · 15th March 2009, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by LibraryLady

I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references

Ook?

LibraryLady · 15th March 2009, 10:51 AM

I'm going to read the Color of Magic first and then I'll be open for recommendations.

Ook yourself!

Gilmar · 15th March 2009, 10:58 AM

His young adult novels (is that what they're calling what used to be juvenile novels?) set in the Discworld also form their own series, with a subset of characters that don't appear in other books (IIRC):
The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents
The Wee Free Men
A Hat Full Of Sky
Wintersmith

I'd like to also put in a recommendation for the products at www.DiscworldEmporium.com. Their Discworld Stamps have really taken off, co-designed with Terry I think. Lots of good signed stuff at http://www.paulkidby.com/ as well.

HawaiiBigSis · 15th March 2009, 11:09 AM

I read "Witches Abroad," first (and so far only). It was funny enough. I would read more if they fell into my hands (which they haven't, but I'm sure they will).

Enjoy!

Fiona · 15th March 2009, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by Gilmar

His young adult novels (is that what they're calling what used to be juvenile novels?) set in the Discworld also form their own series, with a subset of characters that don't appear in other books (IIRC):
The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents
The Wee Free Men
A Hat Full Of Sky
Wintersmith
.

Well you might be right about the rest, but The Wee Free Men is anthropology

Evolved Wookie · 15th March 2009, 11:16 AM

I love the Nac Mac Feegle books

The first books were very good and it's only in light of the superlative quality of his later work that makes them seem less so. Personally I think some of his recent stuff has been amongst the finest work I've ever read; philosophically and otherwise.

Good Omens is a must-read.

I have to put my weight behind 'Nation' though - it's not Discworld, but it is a marvellous piece of work.

TobiasTheViking · 15th March 2009, 11:16 AM

I suggest you read them in the order they were released(even though it doesn't make a huge difference).

Still here is a reading guide
http://www.lspace.org/books/reading-...-guide-1-5.jpg

Toke · 15th March 2009, 11:24 AM

Don´t forget roundworld.

The comparisons between magic, storytelling and science is priceless.

jmcvann · 15th March 2009, 11:54 AM

A friend just loaned me two Pratchett books. I read "Guards! Guards!" first. I thought it was VERY funny. "Men at Arms" is on the coffee table. I'm looking forward to it.

He mentioned Pratchett after I had said a few things about Tom Sharpe, who is another very funny (IMO) British writer. I highly recommend "Wilt" and "The Throwback." (Sharpe is not fantasy.)

LibraryLady · 15th March 2009, 12:02 PM

I now have The Color of Magic checked out and will be taking it home tonight.

Alareth · 15th March 2009, 12:13 PM

* Alareth steps up to the podium and taps the microphone

Hello. My name is Mark, I'm 38 years old and I've never read anything by Terry Pratchett.

Miss_Kitt · 15th March 2009, 12:22 PM

BookishBabe -- Do keep in mind that "The Colour of Magick" is, in part, built on satirizing other sf/fanatsy traditions and books--a trend that he discontinued shortly thereafter. Like many others, I agree that the first two are not quite as good as the others, since Sir Terry was finding his stride as a writer.

Alareth -- It's alright. You don't need the meeting. Those of us who have to come to terms with the notion that We'll Never Have Another Discworld Book, do. We're the ones who will go through withdrawal. But, better to have loved and lost, etc.

If you want to get some of the flavor, I suggest "Pyramids", which is more-or-less a stand alone book in the same world as the others--and includes the Disc's Greatest Mathematician, a fabulous character.

You other Pratchet-heads, I highly recommend, "Once More...with footnotes" which you can order from England. Also, the new book "Nation" is simply excellent, one of his best ever. And I personally enjoyed the "Bromeliad" trilogy very much.

Don't let me detain you, Miss Kitt

Blackadder · 15th March 2009, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by Alareth

* Alareth;4518630 steps up to the podium and taps the microphone

Hello. My name is Mark, I'm 38 years old and I've never read anything by Terry Pratchett.

Lucky for you, human being can easily become 83 years old, so you have a few years still.

Lisa Simpson · 15th March 2009, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by Alareth

* Alareth;4518630 steps up to the podium and taps the microphone

Hello. My name is Mark, I'm 38 years old and I've never read anything by Terry Pratchett.

I tried reading a Terry Pratchett book once and couldn't get into it.

drkitten · 15th March 2009, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by LibraryLady

I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references, so I have consulted with our Young Adult librarian who is looking up the title of the first Disc World book and I will borrow it today.

I blame you all if I hate it.

You probably will. He didn't really hit his stride until his fourth book or so.

If you want a good introduction, I would recommend Guards! Guards! and the followups Men at Arms and Feet of Clay.

If you still don't like it after that, you're just not cut out for Pratchett.

cwalner · 15th March 2009, 04:15 PM

LL

Considering your profoession, I highly reccomend that you learn how to tell the difference between a monkey and an ape before entering the disc.

You don't want to learn the hard way after entereing

NobbyNobbs · 15th March 2009, 05:43 PM

When people ask me for a quick description of Terry Pratchett's work, I generally tell them he writes what Douglas Adams would have if Adams wrote fantasy instead of science fiction.

Worm · 16th March 2009, 05:32 AM

Additions to the above list of 'series' - I know the point isn't to be exhaustive, but some of my favourites weren't listed

Moist von Lipwig (some nice touches in here)
order to read: Going Postal - Making Money

No series as such
Monstrous Regiment, Small Gods (one of my all-time favourites), Thief of Time

and in passing - doesn't 'Thud' fit into the City Watch series?

Lothian · 16th March 2009, 06:27 AM

"Terry Pratchett!"
"What Terry Pratchett?"

Blackadder · 16th March 2009, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Worm

and in passing - doesn't 'Thud' fit into the City Watch series?

Yes, in fact it is one of the very best, but also the one I haven't read 5 times over yet as it is relatively new, maybe that is why I forgot it. I usually reread them every 3 years. I still learn new things, for example the last time I learned the meaning of 'Lacrimosa' when I saw it on a Mozart album. Before that I only knew it as the funny sounding name of a certain female vampire, but I should have known better.

As for people who are not into Discworld. I am glad you people exists, we need somebody to run the world.

bjornart · 16th March 2009, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by drkitten

You probably will. He didn't really hit his stride until his fourth book or so.

If you want a good introduction, I would recommend Guards! Guards! and the followups Men at Arms and Feet of Clay.

If you still don't like it after that, you're just not cut out for Pratchett.

That would be my recommendation as well. People have various favourites, but if you don't like Guards! Guards! I have a hard time believing you'll like any Pratchett.

Personally I've read nearly everything. (I think there's a book about cats I haven't read, and I haven't read the original illustrated ~~Faust~~Eric.)

Guybrush Threepwood · 16th March 2009, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson

I tried reading a Terry Pratchett book once and couldn't get into it.

Probably because they're not very good. Just blindingly obvious parodies and funny names, which just about carry the first chapter but not the 4378 books he's churned out.

zooterkin · 16th March 2009, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by Guybrush Threepwood

Probably because they're not very good. Just blindingly obvious parodies and funny names, which just about carry the first chapter but not the 4378 books he's churned out.

Well, that sounds like a description of some books I've read, but none of the ones written by Terry Pratchett. Did you have some examples in mind?

Shrike · 16th March 2009, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by Guybrush Threepwood

Probably because they're not very good. Just blindingly obvious parodies and funny names, which just about carry the first chapter but not the 4378 books he's churned out.

Ah!
Another one who hasn't read them.
For the rest of us who have, there is a rather large collection of annotations, downloadable here: http://www.lspace.org/books/apf/.
Enjoy!

Darat · 16th March 2009, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by Guybrush Threepwood

Probably because they're not very good. Just blindingly obvious parodies and funny names, which just about carry the first chapter but not the 4378 books he's churned out.

Give your chosen user-name I take it this is tongue in cheek?

Damien Evans · 16th March 2009, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by LibraryLady

I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references, so I have consulted with our Young Adult librarian who is looking up the title of the first Disc World book and I will borrow it today.

I blame you all if I hate it.

So there.

I need to do that too. I can has title please?

15th March 2009, 09:49 AM	#1
LibraryLady ...but not JUST a LibraryLady Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Building a house in the common ground Posts: 13,071	okay, I'm succumbing I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references, so I have consulted with our Young Adult librarian who is looking up the title of the first Disc World book and I will borrow it today. I blame you all if I hate it. So there.
	__________________ What would Hüsker Dü? I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about. Mildred Loving

15th March 2009, 09:53 AM	#2
Fiona Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,238	You won't !!
Fiona Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,238

15th March 2009, 10:00 AM	#4
Blackadder Muse Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 729	Originally Posted by LibraryLady I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references, so I have consulted with our Young Adult librarian who is looking up the title of the first Disc World book and I will borrow it today. I blame you all if I hate it. So there. Remember that the first two books are a little different from the others. They are still good, but for me it really takes of with 'Equal Rites', introducing the witches and 'Mort' where Death get's His first Star role. From then on they get better and better. Happy reading.. I am so jealous. Discovering this world has been one of my best experiences in life, for me about 15 years ago now.
	__________________ "Instead of controlling the environment for the benefit of the population, maybe we should control the population to ensure the survival of our environment." Sir David Attenborough.

15th March 2009, 10:04 AM	#5
Doctor Evil Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Back home Posts: 1,966	While Pratchett first few books are funny, they are not nearly as good as some of his later ones. His ability to tell a more complex stories has improved with time. My point is that if you find the first few books, say, not as good as you expected, please come back again and ask us for a few recommendations.
	__________________ "ut biberent, quando esse nollent " (if they will not eat, then they will drink) -- Publius Claudius Pulcher "In this universe, effect follows cause. I've complained about it but ... " -- House

15th March 2009, 10:04 AM	#6
Kittyclaws Muse Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bellingham, WA, City of Subdued Excitement Posts: 786	There are tons of books listed on his website. Is there a chronological list for the different series? Or is there a way to tell which are stand-alone novels?
	__________________ You do know you could find yourself charged with being a dominant species while under the influence of impulse-driven consumerism, don't you? - Small Alien Drinking Skeptically in Bellingham, WA

15th March 2009, 09:54 AM	#3
ejk Critical Thinker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 380	You should also blame everyone here when you become hopelessly addicted. Seriously though, I wasn't particularly fond of the first or even second books. For some reason I kept going, and eventually made it into the really good ones. It's not necessary to read the in order, although some will make more sense if they follow others in the same general story line. But IMO you could easily start with the third book and not miss out on anything.

15th March 2009, 10:07 AM	#7
Monketey Ghost Body of Work Join Date: May 2003 Location: I'm on your screen! Posts: 14,807	I once struck up a conversation with a pretty girl who immediately bored me with blather about Pratchett and his 'dystopian' creations... she used the word excessively and annoyingly... she turned me off to trying something that might otherwise have interested me someday. If you do succumb, give me the short version. Hopefully, for the sake of your reading experience, that short version isn't, "It's boring."
	__________________ _{The membership of this forum is henceforth to refer to me as potato-headed Bobby} _{SSKCAS, member in long standing}

15th March 2009, 10:09 AM	#8
Fiona Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,238	Dystopian? They are hilarious. This confuses me
Fiona Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,238

15th March 2009, 10:20 AM	#9
Blackadder Muse Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 729	All are stand alone, but some main character reappear in following books: Basically you have few lines. The City Watch (my favourite) order to read: Guards! Guards! - Men at Arms - Feet of Clay - Jingo - Fifth Elephant - Night Watch Rincewind order to read Color of Magic - the Light Fantastic - Sourcery - ~~Faust~~ Eric - Interesting Times - the last Continent Death order to read Mort- Reaper Man - Soul Music - Hogfather Witches order to read Equal Rites - Wyrd Sisters - Witches Abroad - Lords and Ladies - Maskerade - Carpe Jugelum Random (still excellent) Pyramids - Moving Pictures - the Truth I recommend you read them in chronical order because Discworlds is a very rich world and you will be picking up details in every book. and if you really like a certain group of characters you will know you will be meeting them again some day, but you might not know where or when.
	__________________ "Instead of controlling the environment for the benefit of the population, maybe we should control the population to ensure the survival of our environment." Sir David Attenborough.

15th March 2009, 10:22 AM	#10
Professor Yaffle Butterbeans and Breadcrumbs Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Emily's shop Posts: 15,338	And don't miss out on Good Omens (Pratchett and Gaiman) just because it is not Discworld...
	__________________ I think you'll find it's a little bit more complicated than that. My blog "Well I think I've made it abundantly clear in this thread I have no idea what I'm talking about..." - truethat

15th March 2009, 10:27 AM	#11
Elizabeth I Olympic Equestrian Wannabe Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Defending the Alamo Posts: 9,255	I am one of those who loves each and every Discworld novel AND Good Omens, which is not set in Discworld. Don't let them put you off the first novels. The Luggage alone is worth the price of admission.
	__________________ • There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. - Winston Churchill • Never wrestle with a pig - you just get dirty and the pig enjoys it. • My blog: Pardon me, may I ask...

15th March 2009, 10:33 AM	#12
LibraryLady ...but not JUST a LibraryLady Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Building a house in the common ground Posts: 13,071	Well, this is terrible. I went to his Web site and found: Quote: As many of you know, Terry Pratchett has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease.
	__________________ What would Hüsker Dü? I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about. Mildred Loving

15th March 2009, 10:36 AM	#13
Fiona Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,238	yes . He is being amazing about it though. He is participating in research and stuff. It is quite inspiring how he talks about it actually
Fiona Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,238

15th March 2009, 10:40 AM	#14
this charming man A jumped up pantry boy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: On a hillside desolate Posts: 1,117	The Colour of Magic is the "first" book, each book is really stand alone. I second the Good Omens recommendation.
	__________________ Avatar animation by Paulhoff http://southernskeptics.wordpress.com/ http://southernskeptics.net

15th March 2009, 10:47 AM	#15
brodski Tea-Time toad Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 15,074	Originally Posted by LibraryLady I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references Ook?
brodski Tea-Time toad Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 15,074

15th March 2009, 10:51 AM	#16
LibraryLady ...but not JUST a LibraryLady Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Building a house in the common ground Posts: 13,071	I'm going to read the Color of Magic first and then I'll be open for recommendations. Ook yourself!
	__________________ What would Hüsker Dü? I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about. Mildred Loving

15th March 2009, 10:58 AM	#17
Gilmar Muse Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: From the desert to the sea. Posts: 564	His young adult novels (is that what they're calling what used to be juvenile novels?) set in the Discworld also form their own series, with a subset of characters that don't appear in other books (IIRC): The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents The Wee Free Men A Hat Full Of Sky Wintersmith I'd like to also put in a recommendation for the products at www.DiscworldEmporium.com. Their Discworld Stamps have really taken off, co-designed with Terry I think. Lots of good signed stuff at http://www.paulkidby.com/ as well.
	__________________ Woo, woo, woo, woo, woo, I'm pulling over the side of the road to let the ambulance drive by. - Senex "World domination is such an ugly phrase. I prefer to call it world optimization." - Less Wrong You can't make Frodo a Jedi without giving Sauron the Death Star. - Less Wrong

15th March 2009, 11:09 AM	#18
HawaiiBigSis List Management Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Under the rainbow Posts: 5,028	I read "Witches Abroad," first (and so far only). It was funny enough. I would read more if they fell into my hands (which they haven't, but I'm sure they will). Enjoy!
	__________________ The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also. - Mark Twain

15th March 2009, 11:13 AM	#19
Fiona Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,238	Originally Posted by Gilmar His young adult novels (is that what they're calling what used to be juvenile novels?) set in the Discworld also form their own series, with a subset of characters that don't appear in other books (IIRC): The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents The Wee Free Men A Hat Full Of Sky Wintersmith . Well you might be right about the rest, but The Wee Free Men is anthropology
Fiona Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,238

15th March 2009, 11:16 AM	#20
Evolved Wookie A rigidly defined area of doubt and uncertainty Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Two feet to the left, in accordance with the theory of indeterminacy Posts: 566	I love the Nac Mac Feegle books The first books were very good and it's only in light of the superlative quality of his later work that makes them seem less so. Personally I think some of his recent stuff has been amongst the finest work I've ever read; philosophically and otherwise. Good Omens is a must-read. I have to put my weight behind 'Nation' though - it's not Discworld, but it is a marvellous piece of work.

15th March 2009, 11:16 AM	#21
TobiasTheViking Resident Viking Autist Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: With your mother Posts: 6,923	I suggest you read them in the order they were released(even though it doesn't make a huge difference). Still here is a reading guide http://www.lspace.org/books/reading-...-guide-1-5.jpg
	__________________ He pricked me with his prick that prick - NobbyNobbs Endearingly Obnoxious - Rebecca Watson

15th March 2009, 11:24 AM	#22
Toke Godless Socialist Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Denmark Posts: 7,600	Don´t forget roundworld. The comparisons between magic, storytelling and science is priceless.
	__________________ From each according to his ability, to each according to his need. -K. Marx.

15th March 2009, 11:54 AM	#23
jmcvann Navel Gazer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 665	A friend just loaned me two Pratchett books. I read "Guards! Guards!" first. I thought it was VERY funny. "Men at Arms" is on the coffee table. I'm looking forward to it. He mentioned Pratchett after I had said a few things about Tom Sharpe, who is another very funny (IMO) British writer. I highly recommend "Wilt" and "The Throwback." (Sharpe is not fantasy.)
	__________________ I think it is much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers that might be wrong. -- Richard Feynman

15th March 2009, 12:02 PM	#24
LibraryLady ...but not JUST a LibraryLady Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Building a house in the common ground Posts: 13,071	I now have The Color of Magic checked out and will be taking it home tonight.
	__________________ What would Hüsker Dü? I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about. Mildred Loving

15th March 2009, 12:13 PM	#25
Alareth Expert Expertologist Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 6,673	* Alareth steps up to the podium and taps the microphone Hello. My name is Mark, I'm 38 years old and I've never read anything by Terry Pratchett.
	__________________ Pixelated Reality \| Alareth Does Art! Light travels faster than sound, which is why some people appear bright, until you hear them speak

15th March 2009, 12:22 PM	#26
Miss_Kitt Zombie Horse of Homeopathy Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lesser Seattle Posts: 3,622	BookishBabe -- Do keep in mind that "The Colour of Magick" is, in part, built on satirizing other sf/fanatsy traditions and books--a trend that he discontinued shortly thereafter. Like many others, I agree that the first two are not quite as good as the others, since Sir Terry was finding his stride as a writer. Alareth -- It's alright. You don't need the meeting. Those of us who have to come to terms with the notion that We'll Never Have Another Discworld Book, do. We're the ones who will go through withdrawal. But, better to have loved and lost, etc. If you want to get some of the flavor, I suggest "Pyramids", which is more-or-less a stand alone book in the same world as the others--and includes the Disc's Greatest Mathematician, a fabulous character. You other Pratchet-heads, I highly recommend, "Once More...with footnotes" which you can order from England. Also, the new book "Nation" is simply excellent, one of his best ever. And I personally enjoyed the "Bromeliad" trilogy very much. Don't let me detain you, Miss Kitt
	__________________ It's much better to live an honest life than a delusional one -- desertgal Magic thinking is a lead personal floatation device. It looks really reassuring, but it will drag you down--whatthebutlersaw

15th March 2009, 01:03 PM	#27
Blackadder Muse Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 729	Originally Posted by Alareth * Alareth;4518630 steps up to the podium and taps the microphone Hello. My name is Mark, I'm 38 years old and I've never read anything by Terry Pratchett. Lucky for you, human being can easily become 83 years old, so you have a few years still.
	__________________ "Instead of controlling the environment for the benefit of the population, maybe we should control the population to ensure the survival of our environment." Sir David Attenborough.

15th March 2009, 01:20 PM	#28
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 20,055	Originally Posted by Alareth * Alareth;4518630 steps up to the podium and taps the microphone Hello. My name is Mark, I'm 38 years old and I've never read anything by Terry Pratchett. I tried reading a Terry Pratchett book once and couldn't get into it.

15th March 2009, 04:03 PM	#29
drkitten Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Wits' End Posts: 21,647	Originally Posted by LibraryLady I'm tired not not getting all the Pratchett jokes and references, so I have consulted with our Young Adult librarian who is looking up the title of the first Disc World book and I will borrow it today. I blame you all if I hate it. You probably will. He didn't really hit his stride until his fourth book or so. If you want a good introduction, I would recommend Guards! Guards! and the followups Men at Arms and Feet of Clay. If you still don't like it after that, you're just not cut out for Pratchett.

15th March 2009, 04:15 PM	#30
cwalner Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Deepest Darkest Indiana Posts: 5,694	LL Considering your profoession, I highly reccomend that you learn how to tell the difference between a monkey and an ape before entering the disc. You don't want to learn the hard way after entereing
	__________________ Vecini - Inconceivable! Inigo - You keep on using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means. Last edited by cwalner; 15th March 2009 at 04:34 PM.

15th March 2009, 05:43 PM	#31
NobbyNobbs Gazerbeam's Protege Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Mended Drum Posts: 5,630	When people ask me for a quick description of Terry Pratchett's work, I generally tell them he writes what Douglas Adams would have if Adams wrote fantasy instead of science fiction.
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16th March 2009, 05:32 AM	#32
Worm Graduate Poster Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Coldstream, Scotland Posts: 1,086	Additions to the above list of 'series' - I know the point isn't to be exhaustive, but some of my favourites weren't listed Moist von Lipwig (some nice touches in here) order to read: Going Postal - Making Money No series as such Monstrous Regiment, Small Gods (one of my all-time favourites), Thief of Time and in passing - doesn't 'Thud' fit into the City Watch series?
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16th March 2009, 06:27 AM	#33
Lothian Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: https://twitter.com/CV4UK Posts: 10,373	"Terry Pratchett!" "What Terry Pratchett?"

16th March 2009, 06:36 AM	#34
Blackadder Muse Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 729	Originally Posted by Worm and in passing - doesn't 'Thud' fit into the City Watch series? Yes, in fact it is one of the very best, but also the one I haven't read 5 times over yet as it is relatively new, maybe that is why I forgot it. I usually reread them every 3 years. I still learn new things, for example the last time I learned the meaning of 'Lacrimosa' when I saw it on a Mozart album. Before that I only knew it as the funny sounding name of a certain female vampire, but I should have known better. As for people who are not into Discworld. I am glad you people exists, we need somebody to run the world.
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16th March 2009, 06:40 AM	#35
bjornart Master Poster Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 2,395	Originally Posted by drkitten You probably will. He didn't really hit his stride until his fourth book or so. If you want a good introduction, I would recommend Guards! Guards! and the followups Men at Arms and Feet of Clay. If you still don't like it after that, you're just not cut out for Pratchett. That would be my recommendation as well. People have various favourites, but if you don't like Guards! Guards! I have a hard time believing you'll like any Pratchett. Personally I've read nearly everything. (I think there's a book about cats I haven't read, and I haven't read the original illustrated ~~Faust~~Eric.)
bjornart Master Poster Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 2,395	__________________ Well, I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU LIKE TO BELIEVE, GODDAMMIT! I DEAL IN THE FACTS! -Cecil Adams