Which Pratchett first?

I have just half an hour ago finished Lords And Ladies. The last scene with Granny Weatherwax and Ridcully by the bridge into Lancre has had me in tears. It is so understated and bittersweet.

I think the later Pratchetts are much, much better than the early ones

I'd agree, but I think he had a "golden age" from around Witches Abroad till around The Truth, when everything he wrote was brilliant. Not that there aren't outliers - Wyrd Sisters and Guards! Guards! are two of my favourites, and I love Night Watch and the first three Tiffany books. I would count them among his very best. I actually disliked Monstrous Regiment when I first read it, but went back to it earlier this year and really enjoyed it.

I also think that there are some startlingly beautiful descriptive passages in the very early books that seem not to occur so much in the later ones, as the (wonderful) satire, punnery and social commentary came into their own.

I would not start a new reader on The Colour of Magic, however. I like it very much for what it is but can see how some might be put off by it, and it isn't really representative of fully-formed Discworld.

It was my great good fortune to read Monstrous Regiment first. I think the later Pratchetts are much, much better than the early ones; The Colour of Magic is honestly a bit meh.

I am currently reading all the witches, in order, which is a real treat. Pratchett wrote fantastic women, particularly fantastic older women, how I love Granny Weatherwax.

In a way it does, but it's a logical stopping point - it means we've done all the major works, it's contributed towards them becoming avid readers and it just feels like time - to all three of us, this is entirely by mutual agreement. Starting something else when there isn't any more of the best Pratchett feels like a step backwards somehow. I admit that isn't rational.

I read Wyrd Sisters first I think, it's quite a good one to start with. You don't have to read them in order. Guards Guards is still one of my favourites. Or Reaper Man. I still like the idea of Death going so people stop dying. The wizards trying to kill the old wizard (I've forgotten his name) is very funny.

spots threads, takes notes I will ask DP to watch out for those three, then, MrsW . I promise I will read at least one.

I second Monstrous Regiment as a standalone and an extremely good literary novel in its own right. Then if she likes that, I'd suggest either the Witches or Watch series as the next step. I don't like most of the standalones as much - they're good, but they lack the depth of character of the series-within-Discworld because there's no time to really develop the characters.

I haven't started the last one yet either. DH has read it, but I'm saving it to read to my DDs (12 and 14) after we finish off Raising Steam. We've agreed it will be the last book I read out loud to them.

The first Discworld book is The Colour of Magic.

But IMO it isn't the best Discworld book, and not one I'd recommend to someone new to Discworld who might only read one. I think Wyrd Sisters or Guards Guards are both much better reads, and good start points for people new to Discworld.

And I agree with Lipsiensis that Small Gods is a very good stand alone Discworld book. It's an absolutely fantastic read.

Which is the first one?

I disagree with those posters who advise reading The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic first because (whisper) they aren't very good.

My first was Monstrous Regiment which is almost a standalone and is bloody brilliant. I couldn't wait to read more. I wouldn't have bothered if I'd read the first ones first.

I'd also suggest the Moist books as a first, as they are the work of mature Pratchett at his best. Going Postal and Making Money. And they introduce you to the City. I know they are late on in the lives of some of the principal chararcters, but they are mostly Moist.

Just one Discworld novel? Then no, definitely don't recommend The Colour of Magic.

I usually recommend Small Gods as a one off, although we did Wyrd Sisters in book club last year which went down well,

I have to say that The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic are probably my least favourite Discworld books.

My absolute faves are Mort and Small Gods but I think you have to start from the beginning

Or any of the Tiffany Aching series. Aaaarrrggghhh too many to choose!

I daren't read 'The Shepherds Crown' either.
I would usually say start from the beginning in a series of books, but the first discworld I read was Soul Music. After that I was hooked and then started from the beginning.
My recommendations for a one off read would be Soul Music, The Hogfather or Lords and Ladies.

Ok, Colour of Magic ordered, I will do this properly!

Pedestriana, I know exactly what you mean. My copy of The Shepherds Crown was delivered on the day of release and yet it's still in its box, unopened, at the side of my bed. I'm dreading reaching the last chapter of this book with the knowledge that TP will pen no more

The joy of Discworld is knowing that there are more to come. I tend to not re-read them in order now (have read each one at least 5 times) but I'll pick up each novel that contains the characters I want to read about again. I truly love so many characters, that I couldn't possibly chose my favourite.

mollyonthemove, if you're wanting to get into Discworld, then you really must start at the very beginning. There are so many characters to get to know.

Have to admit I would like to try too. I have no idea even what they're about where should I start???

Hex - I tend to reread them in order, every so often. It was my custom to read them ALL prior to reading the newest offering from the pen of TP. I'm waiting to get a copy of The Shepherd's Crown and I'll probably cry when I read it in the knowledge that there will be no more.