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Terry Pratchett

76 replies

TotallyFloored · 07/11/2024 11:00

I'm trying to broaden what I read and I have never read any Terry Pratchett - where on earth would I start with him ? He seems to have so many that are linked but I'm not sure what the starting point is ? Thanks guys x

OP posts:
crumpet · 07/11/2024 11:03

His first 3 books (colour of magic/light fantastic) are, imo, not the ones to start with. I think the third was equal rites, which is good fun

Sadcafe · 07/11/2024 11:07

Personally would start with something like witches abroad or the hogfather, there’s no absolute reading order though the ones involving the watch do develop over time, some are more stand alone than others

RockyRogue1001 · 07/11/2024 11:08

It doesn't really matter, they're all stand alone.

If you're going to read the Tiffany Aching books, of which I'm particularly fond, start with the wee free men, which is great.

The book that starts everything is the colour of magic. But generally considered not one of the best in the series.

Small gods is great
Witches abroad is great although you might be better off starting with wyrd sisters
Mort is a good introduction to it all
Love guards! Guards!
Moving pictures is something of a stand alone.

But they're all fab.

You'll either love them, or they'll leave you cold.

CaptainCarrotsBigSword · 07/11/2024 11:08

Oooh you are in for a treat!!

Pretty much universal agreement to skip the first three discworld books.

You don't need to read in publishing order. I would pick either the witches books (start with equal rites) or the guards books (start with Guards! Guards!). Or go for a stand alone like Mort or Hogfather (which is Christmassy).

I find the Rincewind focused books the least good, personally.

Babadookinthewardrobe · 07/11/2024 11:09

I’d recommend starting with the witches - Wyrd Sisters then Witches Abroad. They’re so good.

Scribblydoo · 07/11/2024 11:09

I love Mort, Death is by far my favourite character

SilverShadowNight · 07/11/2024 11:09

I started with the Sam Vimes books which I believe start with Guards Guards. I couldn't get into the first discworld book, but have enjoyed these.

Babadookinthewardrobe · 07/11/2024 11:10

I’m very jealous you are just starting to read these, you are in for an absolute treat! Enjoy!

Babadookinthewardrobe · 07/11/2024 11:12

Small Gods is also a cracker.

PortiasBiscuit · 07/11/2024 11:13

I love the ones about the Nightwatch.

CrystalSingerFan · 07/11/2024 11:14

Congrats! He's great.

Personally I'd start with his best book which, IMO, is Going Postal. Maybe some other Pratchett fans can comment on whether they think you'd need a bit of prior reading. I don't, as I think the way he manages the satire and the social/cultiral stereotypes and references is so carefully done that most C21 reader can get the jokes.

Runskiyoga · 07/11/2024 11:15

I would say Mort.
I also really liked Monstrous Regiment.

Jorvik1978 · 07/11/2024 11:15

Definitely read them in 'themes'/characters rather than chronological publication order.

I love the witches books (Wyrd Sisters remains one of my all-time favourite books) and the Nightwatch is another great series.

I wish I could discover them again for the first time!

CMOTDibbler · 07/11/2024 11:16

I'd go for Guards! Guards! as a starting point into the Nightwatch arc

Terry Pratchett
TotallyFloored · 07/11/2024 11:19

Thanks everyone - that map thingy looks useful @CMOTDibbler . I think I'm leaning to the witches or the nightwatch series. There's just so many !

OP posts:
Babadookinthewardrobe · 07/11/2024 11:19

Haha I’m loving some of the usernames on this thread. Thanks Dibbler, and Carrot above!

Babadookinthewardrobe · 07/11/2024 11:20

I’m sure there’s a Nanny Ogg around somewhere too.

GreenMarigold · 07/11/2024 11:21

Jorvik1978 · 07/11/2024 11:15

Definitely read them in 'themes'/characters rather than chronological publication order.

I love the witches books (Wyrd Sisters remains one of my all-time favourite books) and the Nightwatch is another great series.

I wish I could discover them again for the first time!

I’ve just started reading them all again from scratch with my daughter (10). It has been over 20 years since I read some of the early ones and I’m really enjoying revisiting them!

I think he was a fab author, hope you enjoy him OP! Neil Gaiman is another a good one to move onto afterwards if you like TP!

Babadookinthewardrobe · 07/11/2024 11:23

Nooooo - step away from Gaiman, stay with Sir Terry! Gaiman can’t hold a candle to him imho.

Jorvik1978 · 07/11/2024 11:23

GreenMarigold · 07/11/2024 11:21

I’ve just started reading them all again from scratch with my daughter (10). It has been over 20 years since I read some of the early ones and I’m really enjoying revisiting them!

I think he was a fab author, hope you enjoy him OP! Neil Gaiman is another a good one to move onto afterwards if you like TP!

Yes, Neil Gaiman would be another author to explore if you enjoy STP, with Good Omens providing a great segway between the two!

LifeofBrienne · 07/11/2024 11:26

TotallyFloored · 07/11/2024 11:19

Thanks everyone - that map thingy looks useful @CMOTDibbler . I think I'm leaning to the witches or the nightwatch series. There's just so many !

Both of them are great. Within those subgroups it’s worth reading chronologically as per the handy map.

GreenMarigold · 07/11/2024 11:27

Babadookinthewardrobe · 07/11/2024 11:23

Nooooo - step away from Gaiman, stay with Sir Terry! Gaiman can’t hold a candle to him imho.

I know, I do prefer Terry Pratchett - but I’ve enjoyed some of Gaiman’s work too.

Are there any other authors with quirky humour you would place anywhere close?

ErrolTheDragon · 07/11/2024 11:29

I'm re-reading The Hogfather at the moment, I wouldn't say it's standalone, has various characters introduced in previous books.

Babadookinthewardrobe · 07/11/2024 11:30

I’m not a great person to ask to be honest because I absolutely love the Discworld books and he is easily my favourite author so I don’t think anyone compares really. But I’m very biased!

EskarinaWeatherwax · 07/11/2024 11:47

Given the time of year I'd say Hogfather is a brilliant book. Alternatively I'd go for Equal Rites (Witches arc) or Mort (Death arc). Tbh all of the ones I've read barring the very first two have been absolutely fantastic reads! The reading order that CMOTDibbler is very handy and it's the one I always refer back to when I want to pick a new STP book! If you find a character or group of characters you like then it's worth following the reading order for that set.

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