Terry Pratchett

[Michelle]

(Making things easier for anyone searching.. :) )

Following on from this post (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86), I decided to go for Mort.. well, in fact, I went for the Death Trilogy. I've started the first few pages, and I think I'm going to enjoy it. It seems to have my sort of humour. :D

[Stuart]

I can't comgratulate you enough on joining the Pratchett appreciation group :)

[rustie]

Hear hear...! just what you need to make you laugh outloud...just dont read in public places - people will be looking at you funny! :D

I love the imagery in his writting...have a vivid imagination at the best of times and these books just feed it...
Enjoy!

[Stuart]

I have made the mistake of reading Pratchett on a long train journey - nearly gave myself a hernia stifling the laughs.

[rustie]

writting???! oops - apologies peeps - must be the v good vin rouge ...! :oops:

[Michelle]

Excellent book.. I enjoyed that! Now on to the next 2 in the trilogy! :D

[Michelle]

I think I'm enjoying Reaper Man even more... I'm not sure if there's more humour, or just more of my humour.. iykwim?

[Stuart]

I think once you've gotten into the Discworld mindset you see more of the humour that's there :) Wait til you meet Nanny Ogg and her Hedgehog Song! :D

[Jeff]

I cant seem to find Pratchett here in the states. Seems to be most of the ones on EBAY are UK versions and I dont think I want to pay the shipping. I think the bookstore here will be able to order some of them though.

Dont know if Ill be able to understand the English humor though, may have to get Stuart to translate to American!!! lol

[Stuart]

Dont know if Ill be able to understand the English humor though, may have to get Stuart to translate to American!!! lol

Ok then let's start...... H U M O U R. :mrgreen:

[Jeff]

See I didnt think that was funny at all!!! LOL j/k

Darn no spell checker on this forum.

[Stuart]

aww Jeff I'm sorry buddy :D

[Michelle]

Well I thought the cockerel was funny, but my favourite so far was the vermine.. instead of jumping off the cliffs, they abseil down, and row across the water! :laugh:

[Louise]

Ive got to get into these books, after ive finished my current reading list ill get to it I promise

[Michelle]

So many books.. such little time! huh?!

[Louise]

Isnt it always the way

[Michelle]

A dyslexic cockerel with memory loss, and now a tooth fairy who takes another tooth if she doesn't have the right change! :lol: This guy is hilarious!

[Michelle]

For some reason, I'm not enjoying Soul Music as much as the first two.. it might just be I need a break.

I'm going to try Colour of Magic.. if I find I'm not so keen on that either, I shall read something different, then come back to them. :)

Although, so far so good.. I particularly like the Big Bang Theory! :lol:

[Stuart]

he he he all Pratchetted out Michelle :)

[The Wizard Of Oz]

I'm terrible, I'll start one book then get side tracked and go on to another, last year I started on the "Rincewind Trilogy", I'm part way through the second in the trilogy "Eric".

[lilmissmolly]

I'm reading colour of magic, I'm on page 8 or so. lol I'm probably going to have some issues understanding english humor too, that and it looks like a more difficult book, lol I feel pretty stupid, oh well

[Maureen]

Don't know if I would enjoy his books....I love watching British comedy on telly, but usually read Thrillers...........should I take the plunge? :new:

[Michelle]

Personally, I found Mort the easiest to read so far.
Go to the following link, and see what you think of the style of writing:
Link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0061020680/ref=sib_rdr_ex/002-2786751-7611237?%5Fencoding=UTF8&p=S00B&j=0#reader-page)

[Maureen]

Thanks Micha.....you're great :balloons:

[Kell]

Funn ily enough, the 1st 2 Discworld books are my least favourite (followed by Eric). I love the Death ones, but I have to say that the City Watch books are by far the best. Closely followed by the Witches ones - ooh, they're good for a giggle.

And if you're going more for a stand-alone type one, go for the likes of Movnig Pictures - a must for movie fans. GOing Postal is also very good (one of his most recent ones). And Pyramids is a pretty decent one too.

I have the entire collection of Pratchett from start to finish & one day I hope to have each & every one of them signed ( a fair few of them already are). I actually have a section on my smaller bookshelf dedicated to Pratchett. Once of these days it'll fill the whole case.

I recently read a wonderful recommendation to do with Pratchett's Discworld:

"If you're going to read Pratchett, start at the beginning with The Colour of Magic & joy in your heart at the thought that you might never catch him up!"

[Kell]

Wait til you meet Nanny Ogg and her Hedgehog Song! :D

Or, the foreign version "Il porcupino nil sodomy est" - I nearly wet myself over that noe - LOL!

[lilmissmolly]

I finished the book, there were some pretty funny parts but no offense I didn't really like the book too much

[Kell]

Yeah, Colour of Magic isn't one of the better ones, I'll agree. He gets a lot better further in & then gets tremendously good later on again. His most recent ones have been genius (in my opinion). he just keeps getting better & better. But the first few aren't my faves - not by a long shot.

[Maureen]

I admit I am not enthralled by The dark side of the sun. I do not normally read either sci-fi or fantasy....and am finding it difficult to picture most of what I'm reading, or to really get into the story!

[Kell]

Pratchett news:
Terry is in the final stages of finishing off Wintersmith (the third Tiffany Aching book) and has as a present to himself started writing the next Discworld novel. Previously we understood this would be a story about football called Unseen Academicals but it turns out that it is now in fact a new Moist Von Lipwig story called Making Money.
(taken from the Pratchett Monthly newsletter 25 January 2006)

[Sassenach]

My husband and I are both Pratchett fans. He started reading them first and I had to try them to find out what was making him giggle. Now when a new one come out there's a fight to see who gets to read it first. My favourite characters are the witches and the Nac Mac Feegle.

[Kell]

Would anyone fancy divulging their favourite Pratchett book &/or character? Why do you like that one so much? What makes it special to you? Which one would you most like to see made into a film/TV programme.

And here's a biggie - who would you like to see cast as your favourite character in a live-action version?

Has anyone ever seen any of the iscworld stage productions?

Ooh, lots of questions there - LOL!

[Anonymous]

I bought Hogfather today for a quid, I've never read any TP but I'm willing to give it a go.

[Kell]

Ooh, HF's a good one. It helps if you've read the otehr Death books (Mort, Reaper Man, Soul Music) but it pretty much stands alone. ust so long as you nkow thsat Susan is Death's Granddaughter (from his adopted daughter, Isobel, who married his apprentice, Mort), & that there's a Death of Rats who's a part of Death himself but manages to function as a separate entity, & that Death's a little loopy at times (he's been infected with Humanity), you'll do fine. That's all the major back story you really need without telling you anything about HF at all. Enjoyy! :)

[Inanna]

Pratchett news:
Terry is in the final stages of finishing off Wintersmith (the third Tiffany Aching book) and has as a present to himself started writing the next Discworld novel. Previously we understood this would be a story about football called Unseen Academicals but it turns out that it is now in fact a new Moist Von Lipwig story called Making Money.
(taken from the Pratchett Monthly newsletter 25 January 2006)

Here's the synopsis off of Amazon ~

Tiffany Aching is a trainee witch - now working for the seriously scary Miss Treason. But when Tiffany witnesses the Dark Dance - the crossover from summer to winter - she does what none has ever done before and leaps into the dance, into the oldest story there ever is, and draws the attention of the wintersmith himself...As Tiffany-shaped snowflakes hammer down on the land, can Tiffany deal with the consequences of her actions? Even with the help of Granny Weatherwax and the Nac Mac Feegle - the fightin', thievin' pictsies who are prepared to lay down their lives for their 'big wee hag' ...

My other half can't wait till Sept 28th (or there abouts :wink: )

[Kell]

Double YAY! *invents new steps for happy dance*

[Inanna]

LOL :mrgreen:

[Kell]

For those of you who have never tried the Discworld novels, I found this wonderful guide to which order you should try reading them: http://www.addictedtodiscworld.com/ReadingGuide.html

[Jules]

Funnily enough, the 1st 2 Discworld books are my least favourite (followed by Eric). I love the Death ones, but I have to say that the City Watch books are by far the best. Closely followed by the Witches ones - ooh, they're good for a giggle.

I agree with quite a lot of this, Kell. My first taste of Pratchett was an extract from Mort given away free with SFX (sci-fi) magazine. I loved it so much I went straight out and bought the book. I knew I would love Pratchett when I read the line about someone "eating a meat pie with no thought for personal safety" (not exact, but you get the idea!) I then decided I'd better read them in order, but I didn't really enjoy the first two as much as Mort.

My favourites are generally the City Watch ones. I love Vimes, and especially the exchanges he has with Vetinari - I adore Vimes' polite insolence which Vetinari lets him get away with because he admires him.

Whilst I like the character of Death, I find the books where he is centre stage the least enjoyable - I'm not quite sure why. :?

Whenever anyone asks me about my favourite books, I never think of the Witches books, but actually the double act of Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax is hilarious (Magrat is slightly too annoying though).

Anyway, my absolute favourite at the moment is Going Postal. Now I think I've wittered on enough for one post! :)

[Michelle]

My first taste of Pratchett was an extract from Mort given away free with SFX (sci-fi) magazine. I loved it so much I went straight out and bought the book. I then decided I'd better read them in order, but I didn't really enjoy the first two as much as Mort.

Mort was also my introduction, and I also preferred it to the next two.

I should pick up more, but I've side-tracked by so many other authors!

[Kell]

I know what you mean about Magrat. I agree completely with Granny Weatherwax when she says magrat is a "wet hen" - LOL! It's been so long since the Witches had a real story that I fear Terry's forgotten them. Perhaps he'll bring them back into something in the near future - I'd like to see how they've progressed. The only character I think I'm not all that bothered about seeing more of is, sadly, Rincewind, which is odd, because I do like his character a lot, it's just there's only so much of his running away I can handle - LOL!

Have you read Thud! yet?

[Jules]

The only character I think I'm not all that bothered about seeing more of is, sadly, Rincewind, which is odd, because I do like his character a lot, it's just there's only so much of his running away I can handle - LOL!

Have you read Thud! yet?

About Rincewind - exactly! It's funny the first 100 times, but after that...

I haven't read Thud because I always wait for the paperbacks, but it sounds very good.

[muggle not]

I have read most, not all though, of Pratchett's books and enjoyed them all. He is a great writer and I never get tired of his work. Like some other members, I really liked "Going Postal", the "City Watch" books, and the "Witches". Don't overlook the Witches as they are great.

[Kell]

I once heard a story about a theif breaking into a book shop. They didn't steal anything except 2 copies of each of Terry Pratchett's books. Not one, but TWO complete sets. The way Terry tells it, he takes it as a huge compliment - LOL!

[druscilla]

Pratchetts one of my all time favourite author's I've had the pleasure of going to a book signing of his once he's a wonderful man.

At the signing a argument broke out over which of his books was better it was between two university students and it ended up in a bit of a tussle at this point Terry actually popped his head round the door way and said well actually I prefer "X" book (sorry can't remember which off the top of my head)

I think the only book of his I've not liked is Small God's something about it just puts me off. I've just started reading the Tiffany Aching books I'm loving them so far the nac mac feegle are very funny I look forward to the next one with Granny Weatherwax in it as the Witches are a fav of mine Nanny Og in particular :)

[yin/yang]

Terry Pratchett keeps getting better!! i like more of his up to date stuff and it seems like he has more focus on the watchmen books. My 2 fave characters are Vimes and granny Weatherwax. these two for me just seem like he's put a lot of effort into them, however he continues to develop vimes and i'd like to see granny weatherwax go along for the ride too. i have a feeling mr Pratchett may have found a favourite in vimes also. i wonder how much of Vimes is actually the way Pratchett thinks? He'd be a really interesting author to meet, i'd love to ask him that question.

[Acesare*]

Thinking I should give Pratchett a try considering how much everyone here (and in the whole rest of the world) seems to rate him. My Dad has a pile of Pratchett's that stands about 3 foot tall (and that's only the paperbacks!) and I'm sure he'd lend me them. Question is though, where to start?

[yin/yang]

I rate the guards series so i'd say start with guards guards.
I think his first book was the colour of magic but i'm personally not as loved up with the characters in this. Don't get me wrong it's not that i dislike them. Just a preference.

[Michelle]

Jo, I think everyone has their favourites. I would say Mort, because I loved that one. But then again, I've only read a few! hehe

yin/yang, welcome to the forum. :)

[yin/yang]

Ta for the welcome Michelle. good to be here. :D

[Lilywhite]

I love the death/mort characters, but also enjoyed wyrd sisters :)

[Sugar]

I like the Rincewind books (I have a soft-spot for him!) and the Witches books, and have read more of those than any of the others. I think I would like them all though!

Most recently I have read the childrens ones - Tiffany is definitely one of the strongest characters from these. Wee Free Men is really amusing.

[Kell]

Jo - Have a look here for an excellent guide on where to start for the various sets: http://www.addictedtodiscworld.com/ReadingGuide.html

Yin/Yang - welcome to the forum! Always nice to have another Pratchett fan here. :)

[muggle not]

Jo, I think everyone has their favourites. I would say Mort, because I loved that one. But then again, I've only read a few! hehe

yin/yang, welcome to the forum. :)
Shame, shame. How can you only read a few. :shock: :)

I really love them all.

[Mia]

I enjoyed them all, but the Rincewind ones are probably my least faves. I started with Mort, and then read the rest in order. IMO, the first two aren't as good as the rest, so anyone who starts at the beginning, please don't be put off! My faves are the City Watch books and Going Postal.

[mrstrecool]

Jo - Have a look here for an excellent guide on where to start for the various sets: http://www.addictedtodiscworld.com/ReadingGuide.html


Thanks for this. I've always wanted to read Terry Pratchett but have never been sure where to begin. I'm going to print this out and get started!

[Kell]

Let us know how you get on - PTerry is one of my favourites, so I always love to know what other folks think of him. :)

[muggle not]

Rumor has it that we may have another convert to Terry Pratchett. I hear via the grapevine that perhaps "poppy" may be reading a Pratchett book. :D

If true, I wonder which book she is reading.

[mrstrecool]

I had The Colour of Magic arrive in the post this morning so my Pratchett adventures can begin!!

[Mia]

Nice one! Though I still feel that the first two books are not as good as the rest. Mrstrecool: I wish I was just starting Pratchett for the first time - all those excellent books ahead of me! :D

[dididave]

Me too, I started with Mort and never looked back! The only two Pratchett books I ever truly disliked were Johnny and the Dead and Pyramids.

[Mia]

Oh, I loved Pyramids! Johnny and the Dead is still on my TBR pile. The ones I can't get into is the Truckers/Diggers/Wings series, and I didn't think much to Only You Can Save Mankind.

[muggle not]

For those of you who have never tried the Discworld novels, I found this wonderful guide to which order you should try reading them: http://www.addictedtodiscworld.com/ReadingGuide.html
Bumping this up so some of the readers just starting Terry Pratchett books can get an idea where to start.

[dididave]

Oh, I loved Pyramids! Johnny and the Dead is still on my TBR pile. The ones I can't get into is the Truckers/Diggers/Wings series, and I didn't think much to Only You Can Save Mankind.

Nah, Pyramids was dull. I thought it was going to be an Assassin's romp and it ended up being something else. The Truckers series is heavy going but enjoyable. Only You Can Save Mankind is okay and is probably the best of the Johnny Maxwell series.

[Kell]

For those of you who have never tried the Discworld novels, I found this wonderful guide to which order you should try reading them: http://www.addictedtodiscworld.com/ReadingGuide.html This has now been updated to include all the more recent additions & can be found here: http://www.discworldmonthly.co.uk/gfx/readingorder.jpg

[Liz]

Is the Truckers/Diggers/Wings set something to do with the Discworld series, or is it completely different? I'm not sure what they are about. Are they any good?

[muggle not]

This has now been updated to include all the more recent additions & can be found here: http://www.discworldmonthly.co.uk/gfx/readingorder.jpg
Wow, that is an excellent chart of the Pratchett books. The only part that puzzles me are those designated "Young Adult". I am an old, old, geezer and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Of course there is a member that was banned from here that would call me immature for reading such dribble. :D

[dididave]

Is the Truckers/Diggers/Wings set something to do with the Discworld series, or is it completely different? I'm not sure what they are about. Are they any good?

They are nowt to do with the Discworld and instead revolve around a group of "Nomes". Imagine a funny version of the Borrowers.

[Liz]

They are nowt to do with the Discworld and instead revolve around a group of "Nomes". Imagine a funny version of the Borrowers.

Oh right. Thanks for that. :D

I may give them a try sometime, then.

[Kell]

Yes, don't forget The Bromeliad (the trilogy name for the Nomes books) - they're lovely - very funny too.

[Matt]

My first Discworld novel was Mort, and i absolutely loved it. Haven't even thought about it in years. In fact i'm going to go and start re-reading it right now!

p.s. i got a copy of 5th Elephant signed a few years ago, and Terry wrote "with respect and Garlick". This has always confused me, and I just assumed he was being deliberately surreal. Part of me has always wondered however, if i was simply missing the joke. If this makes sense to anyone who knows Discworld/Pratchett novels better than me, please let me know.

[Kell]

I suspect, since Garlick was capitalised & spelled with a "K", that it's a reference to Magrat Garlick. Have you read any of the Witches books in the series?

[Matt]

ooooooooooooooooooooh! There was a woman next to him dressed as one of the witches i think. I wasn't particularly interested in why she was there, but i guess she must have been Magrat Garlick. Thanks Kell!

[Kell]

Did she have wilting flowers in her tangled hair & a lot of occult jewellery? If so, then I'd say she was definitely Magrat - LOL!

[muggle not]

I am currently reading "Wintersmith" and am probably about a third of the way through it. Has anyone else read this book yet, and what did you think of it, without telling me the ending. :)

[Kell]

I've read it and enjoyed it, though not quite as much as I did the other two Tiffany Aching books (though I'm not sure why). It was very good, but didn't make such an impression on me as the others. I think it'll be interesting to see if he does any more Tiffany books as I think she's a great character - I think she's very like Granny Weatherwax must have been as a young girl - veryunconventional and knowing full well that she knows best, even when the grown-ups think otherwise.

[Jeannette]

I think I'm one of the last people on this earth that has never read a Terry Pratchett book!

[muggle not]

I think I'm one of the last people on this earth that has never read a Terry Pratchett book!
And why, pray tell, have you never read a Terry Pratrchett book. :D

[Gyre]

My husband is a really big fan of Terry Pratchett, I had never of him until my husband gave me a copy of 'Witches Abroad' and I have been hooked ever since. :mrgreen:

[Jeannette]

And why, pray tell, have you never read a Terry Pratrchett book. :D

I have no idea!

[Acesare*]

I think I'm one of the last people on this earth that has never read a Terry Pratchett book!

I hadn't read any until I was sent one for the book discussions.

[muggle not]

I hadn't read any until I was sent one for the book discussions.
Have you read any since then. Just curious. :D

[Icecream]

I hadn't read one till The Hogfather. Just didn't get aroundtuit i suppose.:lol:

[Kell]

I hadn't read one till The Hogfather. Just didn't get aroundtuit i suppose.:lol:And now the big question is, "Will you read any more?"

[Icecream]

I may do, quite possibly.

[Liz]

My sister and I are fans of the Discworld series and my mother has decided to give the first one - The Colour of Magic - a go. I don't think she likes it much, though, but she's determined to finish it so she can say she has read one.

[Kell]

My sister and I are fans of the Discworld series and my mother has decided to give the first one - The Colour of Magic - a go. I don't think she likes it much, though, but she's determined to finish it so she can say she has read one.The Colour of Magic & The Light Fantastic (the 1st two) are my least favourites in the entire series (in fact, I don't rate them at all), closely followed by Eric (very dull, in my opinion). If she doens't like the one she's reading, please do let her know that they get LOADS better!

[Acesare*]

Have you read any since then. Just curious. :D

No, I haven't - I'm just working my way through my TBR pile. I might try another one as I liked the idea of "Johnny and the Bomb", it just felt a little disjointed. My Dad has offered to loan me a couple of Pratchett's books, but it's all a little daunting - my Dad owns every (adult) book Pratchett's ever written and the pile's almost as tall as I am! :lol:

[Mia]

The Colour of Magic & The Light Fantastic (the 1st two) are my least favourites in the entire series (in fact, I don't rate them at all), closely followed by Eric (very dull, in my opinion). If she doens't like the one she's reading, please do let her know that they get LOADS better!

:yeahthat:

I totally agree! I started with Mort, which was really good. Then I went back and read them in order, and I also found the first two the worst of the lot. On the whole, the series is wonderful! My favourites are the ones dealing with The Watch, and Going Postal. :)

[Liz]

The Colour of Magic & The Light Fantastic (the 1st two) are my least favourites in the entire series (in fact, I don't rate them at all), closely followed by Eric (very dull, in my opinion). If she doens't like the one she's reading, please do let her know that they get LOADS better!

We have told her that, that there are loads more she could try, but I don't think they're her kind of book, to be honest. She doesn't like sc-fi or fantasy books that have magic in them. She doesn't really like the idea that the world in on the back of a turtle. She's not really willing to give any more of them a go, I'm afraid.

(Although I have to say that I enjoyed the first two books and Eric.)

[Mia]

She doesn't really like the idea that the world in on the back of a turtle.

I guess that's a bit of a fundamental problem for liking the Discworld books then!

[Liz]

:lol:

Yep, just a bit.

[muggle not]

I just finished "Wintersmith" by Terry Pratchett. Ach, Crivens. The big wee hag wins another battle.

[thebookgarden]

All these Pratchett recommendation's and not one mention of Strata or The Carpet People!

The Carpet People -
From the Back Cover

In the beginning there was nothing but endless flatness. Then came the Carpet ... That's the old story everyone knows and loves (even if they don't really believe it). But now the Carpet is home to many different tribes and peoples and there's a new story in the making. The story of the Fray, sweeping a trail of destruction across the Carpet. The story of power-hungry mouls - and of two Munrung brothers, who set out on an adventure to end all adventures when their village is flattened
It's a story that will come to a terrible end - if someone doesn't do something about it. It everyone doesn't do something about it ...
A hilarious fantasy co-written by Terry Pratchett, aged seventeen, and master storyteller, Terry Pratchett, aged forty-three.Strata -
From the Back Cover

The Company builds planets.
Kin Arad is a high-ranking official of the Company. After twenty-one decades of living, and with the help of memory surgery, she is at the top of her profession. Discovering two of her employees have placed a fossilized plesiosaur in the wrong stratum, not to mention the fact it is holding a placard which reads 'End Nuclear Testing Now', doesn't dismay the woman who built a mountain range in the shape of her initials during her own high-spirited youth.
But then came a discovery of something which did intrigue Kin Arad. A flat earth was something new ...
Frist published in 1981, Strata is an early exploration of the idea that was to become the best-selling Discworld series.
Neither of these books are discworld books as such, though Strata does introduce the concept of the disc world.



I'd also highly recommend the Audio versions of Pratchett's books, often narrated by Tony Robinson, if you're looking for the audio books don't get the abridged versions!

[Kell]

I'm sure I've mentioned The Carpet People somewhere here. It was the 1st book I read by Pratchett & was responsible for getting me hooked on him in the first place. What's especially impressive is that he wrote & had it published when he was just a teenager, then reworked it with a more mature mind when he was in his 40s. I wasn't soimpressed with Strata or Dark Side of the Sun though - I prefer his Discworld series by far.

[nero041001]

(Making things easier for anyone searching.. :) )

Following on from this post (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86), I decided to go for Mort.. well, in fact, I went for the Death Trilogy. I've started the first few pages, and I think I'm going to enjoy it. It seems to have my sort of humour. :D

Mort is a good humourous read :)

I go for the Death and Rincewind books mainly, as I find them the funniest

tris

[muggle not]

I got "Making Money" today from the Library. Has anyone read it and if so, did you enjoy the book.

[Kell]

I don't have it yet, but I suspect Dale will be getting it for me at Xmas. I didn't get it for my birthday as everyone thought everyone else was gettnig it for me! :lol:

[Kylie]

I would think it's better to receive multiple copies of a book than no copies at all. :lol:

When I bought The Last Continent from a second-hand bookshop recently, the shop owner showed me a large collection (not sure if it was complete) of brand new Pratchetts that she had just received. She was debating whether to sell them as one big collection, or individually. I might need to take another trip to that shop soon to see what she has decided, then see whether it's too expensive to ask for them for Christmas :smile2:

Update: Well, it wouldn't be so expensive for someone to buy them for me now that I've just knocked a few more off the list. I went out at lunch to look in a cheap book shop and found 3 Discworlds (I've never seen them in that shop before!).

[justme]

Hi all! I've never read a Terry Pratchett book, but reading this thread has gotten me thinking about it.

Which one would you recommend for the first???

[muggle not]

Hi all! I've never read a Terry Pratchett book, but reading this thread has gotten me thinking about it.

Which one would you recommend for the first???
Wow, tough question. Here is a list of Pratchett books, no quarantee though that it is complete. You may want to start with "Mort". However, wait a few days to see if you get other recommendations on where to start.
http://www.amazon.com/Discworld-Terry-Pratchett/lm/R3GNQGXRQBWZEU/ref=cm_lmt_fvlm_f_1_rlrsrs0

[Kell]

Hi all! I've never read a Terry Pratchett book, but reading this thread has gotten me thinking about it.

Which one would you recommend for the first???
If you're completely new to Pratchett, well, all I can say is - what fun you have coming your way! There's an excellent guide to possible reading orders HERE (http://www.addictedtodiscworld.com/ReadingGuide.html) - start at any odf the golden-coloured squares - they all start "mini-series" within the Discworld as a whole. Start with ANY of those, except, perhaps, The Colour of Magic, as in my opinion, the very first two books in the Discworld series are the weakest (just my opinion, but I really do feel they're not a patch on the later books!).

I'd highly recommend starting with either Mort or Guards! Guards! as both are excellent and introduce some of the best-loved Discworld characters - Death and the City Wacth respectively.

After that, follow the thread you've chosen till you reach the end, then choose another to follow.

The most recent novel on the guide is A Hat Full of Sky, so the very latest one, Making Money isn't on there yet, but that one should be read after Going Postal.

And now, I shall sit back and let you immerse youself in the Discworld - you may be gone some time!

[Mia]

What Kell said! :mrgreen: I agree with everything she said. (Are you reading my mind Kell?)

I started with Mort, so I was going to say Mort or Guards! Guards!, the first in the City Watch sequence. As Kell said, the Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic are the weakest and also my least favourite.

[Nici76]

Hmmm I am thinking that I would like to start these books as well.

*bookshelf groans under the weight of TBR books!*

[Liz]

I think I might be on my own in thinking that the first two Discworlds were very enjoyable. They are a couple of my favourite Discworld tales. I can see, though, that they do not seem quite as 'polished' (if that is the right word) as his later books were.

[Kylie]

I think I might start with the first two. For one, there's a part of me that would feel very weird starting a series in the middle, even if they are in little 'branches' of their own. :smile2: And secondly, if the first couple of books are weaker than the rest, then I would rather start with those so I can 'build up' to the better ones, rather than start off great and be disappointed later. Does that make sense? If I don't particularly enjoy the first two (which I'm sure won't be the case!) at least I know that it will only get better!

I intend reading my first Pratchett early in the new year. I can't wait! I've been wanting to read these books for sooo long.

[Liz]

One point that I feel might be in favour with starting at the beginning is that there is more explanation about the whole Discworld concept. Later Discworld books do have little bits of explanation here and there, but it tends to be slightly briefer (although not to the extent of being confusing).

To be honest, though, I don't think it really matters which book you being with. I have been reading them in publication order simply because I, too, felt it would be slightly strange starting a series half-way through.

I hope you enjoy them. :mrgreen:

[justme]

Well, I've decided to start with Mort. Mostly because of everything that's been said here, and partly because I have a credit to spend at Audible.com and Mort is available:mrgreen:

I usually have an audiobook on my ipod for when I'm driving, cooking dinner, moving laundry, etc. I've listened to the first little bit (no idea what chapter, lol, but I've heard 21 minutes so far.) I'm enjoying it so far, seems like it'll be a lot of fun.

Thanks to all for their input. These are obviously much-loved books.



I

[Kell]

Who is it that's doing the reading, Justme? I think I heard somewhere that the Tony Robinson audio books are abridged versions, but the Stephen Briggs ones are the full-length ones, but I couldn't swear to it.

[justme]

Who is it that's doing the reading, Justme? I thin I heard somewhere that the Tony Robinson audio bokos are abridged versions, but the Stephen Briggs ones are the full-length ones, but I couldn't swear to it.

The narrator is Nigel Planer, and it is unabridged.

I haven't had as much time to listen as I'd like, but am really enjoying it so far. Doesn't feel like I'm "jumping in" in the middle of a series at all. I'm sure there is some interesting background on death's daughter in previous books, but not knowing that doesnt seem to be hurting the story at all.

12/10/2007 Update: I finished Mort! I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading my next Discworld novel. Never would have even picked one up if it weren't for what I read here.

Intersesting note...what do you think of the difference between the U.S. and the U.K. covers???

[chicken]

If you're completely new to Pratchett, well, all I can say is - what fun you have coming your way! There's an excellent guide to possible reading orders HERE (http://www.addictedtodiscworld.com/ReadingGuide.html) - start at any odf the golden-coloured squares - they all start "mini-series" within the Discworld as a whole. Start with ANY of those, except, perhaps, The Colour of Magic, as in my opinion, the very first two books in the Discworld series are the weakest (just my opinion, but I really do feel they're not a patch on the later books!).

I'd highly recommend starting with either Mort or Guards! Guards! as both are excellent and introduce some of the best-loved Discworld characters - Death and the City Wacth respectively.

After that, follow the thread you've chosen till you reach the end, then choose another to follow.

The most recent novel on the guide is A Hat Full of Sky, so the very latest one, Making Money isn't on there yet, but that one should be read after Going Postal.

And now, I shall sit back and let you immerse youself in the Discworld - you may be gone some time!

Thanks for the link - been thinking of trying one of these books after buying my daughter A hat full of sky last christmas (and having a sneaky peek!) unfortunatly the book has dissappeared under the huge pile of washing she calls her bedroom floor and I am NOT searching through that lot for any body :hide: :7_mad: :eek:
Now I have an idea where to start.

[justme]

Following advice here, I read Mort first. Great advice! I liked it so much I decided to give The Colour of Magic a go. Snore. I just can't get through it. So, I've begun Reaper Man and am already hooked!

[skysky69]

Just a quick question really - do you have to read these in a particular order to understand them - do they make reference to previous events in previous books or are they all completely different stories?

[Kell]

If you check out THIS (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3441) article and follow the link at the end, it'll take you to a very handy guide as to which order you can read them in so as not to come into things in the m,iddle. ;)

[Icecream]

Did anyone see Terry Pratchett on the news today? It was very touching.

[burghead lass]

I saw him on the news might try some of his books again

[supergran71]

I did see him on the news and was impressed with his forthrightness. I have never read his books, but will put them on my list to try. He is determined to carry on writing for as long as possible. What a brave man.

[Kell]

I didn't see the news, but wish I had. I love Terry's books and have the highest admiration for the man. When he does stop writing, it will be a very sad loss to the whole world - his books are marvellous.

[Mia]

I didn't see the news either, but would have like to. There was an interview with him in the Daily Mirror yesterday though.

I agree wholeheartedly with what Kell said.

[Icecream]

I agree with Kell too, and i have only read one. His ideas are amazing though. Seeing hime on the news was rather emotional. It looked like he was really upset at the though of not being able to write.

[prospero]

It made me laugh to read he'd said "I'd eat the arse out of a dead mole if it meant finding a cure."

[burghead lass]

I once read a book of his and enjoyed then I gor another one which i didn't enjoy. So can anyone tell what would be the best way to start reading his books. Are there different series is so where sould I start again please?

Heather

[Esiotrot]

Hi Heather -

Kell posted this fantastic reading guide ~
http://www.addictedtodiscworld.com/ReadingGuide.html

I saved it for referance as I havent yet tried any Pratchett but intend too
Hope this helps - would be interested to hear where you start and what you think
KxXx

[burghead lass]

Hi Karol

That is an excellent link :thanx: I must try and print it but will have wait until I am at home. Supposed to be working but using the pute instead :lol: .

Heather