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Original poster

What Discworld book would you want to read if you'd been sectioned?

27 replies

SilkStalkings · 31/01/2011 14:22

Odd one here, a bipolar friend of mine was sectioned at the weekend and will be in 'the nick' this week. This may be really naive but I thought perhaps a little Pratchett migh cheer her up, even as just a token gesture to show I'm thiking of her. Pratchett being full of kindness, common sense and faith in humanity etc as well as the excellent jokesGrin.

What do you think would be a good one? Bit of Granny Weatherwax perhaps or something more spiritual like Small Gods?

OP posts:
CMOTdibbler · 31/01/2011 14:24

ATM, I'd guess she won't want to read anything. But how about the Wee Free Men as a gift ?

LaWeaselMys · 31/01/2011 14:25

I'm all about Going Postal. Second chances etc.

LaWeaselMys · 31/01/2011 14:27

It's nice of you to get her a gift - She probably won't want to read it, but when she is feeling more on the level at least she will know people are thinking about her.

A really nice card to put up in her room went down well when my friend was sectioned.

Ormirian · 31/01/2011 14:27

Hmm...... Reaper Man is one of my favourites. But I like the witches too.

Blatherskite · 31/01/2011 14:42

Good Omens is my favourite. Always cheers me up

MrsSnaplegs · 31/01/2011 14:46

DH suggested guards guards. Funnier than most and quite light

Original poster
SilkStalkings · 31/01/2011 16:05

Not sure about Good Omens, too much delusion fodder with all the good/evil manifestations. Mind you, delusions aren't exactly predictable...

OP posts:
Toni2011 · 01/02/2011 22:18

How about I Shall Wear Midnight? All about empowerment and feeling in control of yourself. Also good fun with the Nac Mac Feegles as usual!

microserf · 01/02/2011 22:24

i am going to second guards, guards, guards. one of my favourites and funny as hell.

5Foot5 · 03/02/2011 20:31

Also a Guards Guards fan - and Jingo

But I am very fond of the Wee Free Men. We had that as a CD read by Tony Robinson to listen to on a long journey once and it kept the whole family highly entertained.

weblette · 03/02/2011 20:36

Guards Guards

CaurnieBred · 06/02/2011 00:01

+1 for Guards Guards. I love it - don't know how many times I've read it now.

ClaireyFairy82 · 06/02/2011 00:20

Guards guards is excellent, but Mort was the one that got me into Pratchett in the first place and I've got 3 other people hooked with Mort. Which one has death trying to get the swan to sing 'little brown jug'? Pmsl!

gingeroots · 07/02/2011 10:08

You don't think the title of " guards ,guards etc " might be a tad off putting for someone who's just lost their liberty and might be feeling surrounded by ...er...guards ?
Or maybe I'm overthinking .

ClaireyFairy82 · 28/08/2011 21:30

Mort is always the first Pratchett novel I give to anyone interested and they end up borrowing all my other ones afterwards. It's so funny and Ysabelle's relationship with Mort just classic.

prettypurpledaisy · 28/08/2011 21:34

I love Carpe Jugulum and the Fifth Elephant are my favourites but also like Guards Guards.

clare8allthepies · 28/08/2011 21:34

I was given witches abroad as my first and loved it but as soon as I looked for more I thought 'why didn't they get me the first one'?

WidowWadman · 28/08/2011 21:35

Thief of time.

GeeinItLaldy · 28/08/2011 21:38

Mort. I was once thrown out of class at school for snorting loudly...I had been secretly reading Mort behind my textbook Grin

Reaper Man is a close second.

PelvicFloorsOfSteel · 28/08/2011 21:47

I loved Guards guards, it was the first one I read and it's very light-hearted. I also love Mort and find it really funny but not sure it's perfect for someone who's just been sectioned, even if they get the humour I don't like the idea of one of the medics (who might not have encountered Pratchett before) seeing all the skulls and scythes on the cover when they're checking the mail!

I'd also consider starting at the beginning with Colour of Magic.

crumpet · 28/08/2011 21:56

Equal rites?

elkiedee · 31/08/2011 13:03

How is your friend now 7 months on?

theginganinja · 31/08/2011 13:05

Another vote for 'Mort', loved that book.

SardineQueen · 31/08/2011 13:07

My favourite is thief of time.

If I wanted to cheer someone up though I'd give them the hitchhikers guide series (first 3 only though) and some pg wodehouse

giyadas · 31/08/2011 13:09

Confused this is an odd thread to bump, where did you find it?