After my lukewarm review of Pratchett's The Colour of Magic, I was advised to try another of his books, starting at a different place. Since the advice came from one of the guys who champions the Discworld books, I agreed that one book was hardly a fair sample size with which to make a judgment. Off I went to the library (I tried to put some books on hold via the online catalog and discovered there was a problem with my PIN, or so I thought). I picked up copies of Night Watch, Thief of Time, The Truth, and Monstrous Regiment. I've devoured the first three and am on page 60 of the fourth.
These are some of the funniest books I've ever read. They are so funny that, after resolving my library card problem (Turned out the card's barcode had expired!) I went online and requested 19 books in the series this afternoon. I foresee many trips to the library, along with creation of a checklist so I can mark off the ones I've read.
How have I missed these?
Posted by Linkmeister at August 15, 2006 12:01 AM | TrackBackNext you need to read Good Omens, the book he wrote with Neil Gaiman. It's all about the apocalypse and is quite excellent.
Posted by: Scott at August 15, 2006 04:20 AMOh, I see I've been beaten to recommending 'Good Omens' so I'll just second it! I'm not sure if his other stuff would pale in comparision, not having read any of his other books - but that's how I felt after reading Christopher Moore's book 'Lamb' and then going on to read his earlier stuff.
Posted by: Lesley at August 15, 2006 07:57 PMJust to show my propensity towards pettiness - I mentioned Good Omens in the last Disc World thread. . .
I am glad that you decided to continue with the DW novels - they are truly the big fun. And are they not just great for getting the mind off of - well, everything else?
Posted by: DuWayne at August 16, 2006 05:34 AMAh, but they make you think. Monstrous Regiment has a sudden flip-flop of some of the characters at the end that leaves you laughing, startled and bemused about the state of the world's militaries.
Posted by: Linkmeister at August 16, 2006 08:36 AMFor sure, you will find a lot of interesting references throughout the series. Too, the political structure of Ahnk Morpork and the rest of DW is very interesting. AM is very much a libertarian modeled city state with a tyrranical, hands off ruler - makes for very amusing tranes of thought. . .
Posted by: DuWayne at August 16, 2006 02:55 PMI'd say read Mort and Small Gods after those, and then Going Postal.
Good Omens is indeed wonderful, and since it's not even remotely related to the Discworld series, you can read it in any order you want.
Posted by: Avedon at August 16, 2006 05:39 PM