51–60 of 234 posts
I seem to have a habit of only starting to read authors right around their deaths, but for somebody who has not read him, which novel would be the best to start with?
"No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away." ~ TP, Reaper Man An absolute force. I've got a bookshelf devoted to Pratchett, and it's only going to grow. RIP.
I've never read any of his books, although I've been meaning to for some time. Can anyone who's read through them comment? According to the Discworld wikipedia article, publication order may not be the best way to go through the series. This[1] page recommends reading a plot/chronological order. Personally I prefer reading books in publication order, since I get to follow the mind of the author. Given that, there are…
I've never read any of his books, although I've been meaning to for some time. Can anyone who's read through them comment? According to the Discworld wikipedia article, publication order may not be the best way to go through the series. This[1] page recommends reading a plot/chronological order. Personally I prefer reading books in publication order, since I get to follow the mind of the author. Given that, there are…
We all knew this day would come, but it doesn't make it any easier. Pterry created some of my favourite characters in the literary world. Nany Ogg, the witch who's keen on drink and singing (The wizards staff has a knob on the end), The Igors and Igorinas, Conina the barbarian hairdresser, DEATH, Nobby Nobbs, the luggage, ... . RIP Sir Terry, you have enriched my life greatly.
Wasn't the "Wizards' Staff" more of Ankh-Morpork song? Nanny was known more for her Hedgehog song. Although I wouldn't put it past her to hear Wizards' Staff at some point of her long life, and of course she would like it too. :)
I've never read any of his books, although I've been meaning to for some time. Can anyone who's read through them comment? According to the Discworld wikipedia article, publication order may not be the best way to go through the series. This[1] page recommends reading a plot/chronological order. Personally I prefer reading books in publication order, since I get to follow the mind of the author. Given that, there are…
I looked and generally agree with that suggested reading order and I started with the Watch series. I'd pick one of those series, give the first book a shot, but if you hate it maybe give one of the other continuities a shot before you throw in the towel. I hated the Rincewind novels and it took me a while to come around to the Witches (now I love them) but I thought the Watch books (starting with Guards! Guards!) to be absolutely fantastic.
He's written a lot of books of varying quality over a lot of time so I always warn people to be prepared to give him a second chance.
I met him once when I was a teenager. He was really kind as well as insightful and funny.
‘Goodbye,’ Mort said, and was surprised to find a lump in his throat. ‘It’s such an unpleasant word, isn’t it?’ QUITE SO. Death grinned because, as has so often been remarked, he didn’t have much option. But possibly he meant it, this time. I PREFER AU REVOIR, he said. So, goodbye, Sir Terry; or at least let's hope it's just au revoir.
Au revoir, Sir Pratchett, you magnificent human.
In case anyone hasn't seen it, Terry Pratchett helped make a documentary, "Choosing to Die", about (and eloquently defending) assisted suicide: https://vimeo.com/105168003 I've yet to see any reports saying this was such a death, but he's been dealing with Alzheimer's for some time now. At any rate, it sounds like he died in a dignified and comfortable manner, as he deserves.
If he died at home, it's unlikely to be as it is, unfortunately, still illegal in Britain. Switzerland is the key location where most British people go for assisted suicide.
I've never read any of his books, although I've been meaning to for some time. Can anyone who's read through them comment? According to the Discworld wikipedia article, publication order may not be the best way to go through the series. This[1] page recommends reading a plot/chronological order. Personally I prefer reading books in publication order, since I get to follow the mind of the author. Given that, there are…
I’d go with publication order; while the person who introduced me to the series insisted, nearly to the point of violence, on starting with Guards, Guards! , I don’t see where it helped, as the earlier books are quite good if somewhat different from his later style.